the old list and new lists seem to have different vocabulary.

Anyone know why did the HSK organisation changed the lists?

Make money? :P

But seriously, I've found that some of the vocab in the new lists is perhaps more practical. But also they've basically revamped the whole thing with more levels and a spoken part so I guess they had to really.

What exactly is this "spoken part"? I've heard that in the new HSK every level is supposed to also include "spoken parts", but I can't find anything about that in the example tests.

Or does "spoken parts" just mean listening comprehension? "Spoken parts" sounds to me like a test about our conversation skills.

I want to takle the (new) HSK4 at the beginning of december and I think I can do it, but speaking is definitely my weakest point so I was quite happy to find that not part of the test.

read the guides and sample exams here http://www.confuciusinstitute.qut.edu.au/study/proficiency.jsp

There is no speaking in the tests. Listening section comes first, then reading comprehension, then written.

I guess the old HSK was too high brow, the basic level was quite high, whereas now with the new one, people who have been learning for only 6 months can give it a shot (and pay up) and get a certificate.