Introduction

The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is a Korean language test for foreigners in Korea or people studying Korean in other countries. Administered by the NIIED (National Institute for International Education), TOPIK is for non-natives whose first language is not Korean, overseas Koreans who are learning Korean, those wishing to study at a Korean university, and for those who want to be employed at Korean companies in and outside of Korea.

There are two level tests – TOPIK I & TOPIK II.

• TOPIK I (Basic Level) has sub levels 1 and 2 that contain only two sections – Reading and Listening.
• TOPIK II (Intermediate and Advanced Level) has 4 sub levels from 3 to 6 that cover Reading, Listening and Writing.

Purpose of TOPIK

• To set direction in learning Korean for non-native Korean speakers and overseas Koreans.
• To measure and evaluate their Korean language skills and utilize the results for in-Korea colleges and job-seeking.

TOPIK Certification grants the following:

• University admission and academic management of foreign Korean Government Scholars.
• Local university admission for foreigners and overseas Koreans who have completed 12 years of education abroad.
• Obtaining working visa for those who want to be employed at Korean companies, and serving as a standard for selecting and managing the employees.
• Recognizing domestic practitioner license for foreigners with medical doctor qualification.
• Application for Korean Language Teaching Qualification test (level 2 and 3) and acquisition of certificate.
• Acquisition of permanent residency right.
• Application for the issuance of marriage-based immigrant visa.

Exam Structure

There are 2 levels of TOPIK you can opt for when taking the TOPIK test. The first level, TOPIK I, is the basic level with two obtainable grades. The second level, TOPIK II, consists of both intermediate and advanced level with four obtainable grades. The two levels have different exam structures and grading systems that we will explain here.

TOPIK I – Beginner Level

TOPIK I is made up of a 100-minute session. The session is split into “Listening” and “Reading” sections, with the allocated time of 40 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. Each section is allocated 100 marks totalling the maximum score to be 200.

Grading Criteria

Levels: TOPIK 1 & TOPIK II

Grade: Grade 1-6

Question Structure & Test Timings

Questions for Listening and Reading are all in multiple choice. Chooise 1 from 3 provided answers

TOPIK II – Intermediate & Advanced Level (Additional Evaluation on Writing)

• 2 Parts for Writing – Sentences and Essays
• 2 Questions of Completing Sentences; 2 Essays (200-300 words required for Grade 3 or 4, 600-700 words required for Grade 5 or 6).

Content of Evaluation Range

Registration

Who can apply?

Overseas Koreans and foreigners for whom Korean is a second language (no age limit)

Anyone who:

• Aims to learn the language and enter a Korean university for higher studies
• Seek jobs in companies and public institutions in Korea and overseas
• Reside overseas or are attending/graduated from a foreign school

Validity Period?

2 years from date of issue

How to apply?

IN KOREA:

If you are in Korea, you can register for the test online on www.topik.go.kr. The registration fee is KRW 35,000 for TOPIK I (level 1-2) and KRW 40,000 for TOPIK II (level 3-6), which can be paid through debit/credit card, online banking or direct bank transfer.

IN OTHER COUNTRIES:

In most countries, the Korean Embassies and Korean Culture Centres (한국문화원) administer the TOPIK tests. Some affiliate institutes also accept the applications. You can get the list of the affiliate institutions in your country our Updates page. For registration, you have to visit the embassy or affiliate institution with 2 passport size photographs and the registration fee (which varies country to country).

IN MALAYSIA:

You can apply at National University of Malaysia (KL)
Phone number: 603-8921-6556
Address: School of Language Studies and Linguistics, FSSK, National University of Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Fees: TOPIKI : Rm 90 TOPIKII : Rm 100
For more information, please refer to the website: https://blog.naver.com/koreaukm

IN SINGAPORE:

You can apply at Singapore Korean International school by website
http://klc.skis.or.kr
phone number: 65-6741-0778
address: 71 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore289759
Fees: TOPIKI : SGD 72 TOPIKII : SGD 80

TOPIK Schedule for 2023

How to Check the Examination Results

 Log on to the website(www.topik.go.kr) to check the results and status of sent score report.

• Number of times of examination, candidate seat number, and date of birth are needed to check the examination results at the website.
• Overseas candidates can check the examination results at the website(www.topik.go.kr).

How to Receive the Score Report?

1) Issuance through the internet
Score report can be issued online by using the score report issuance menu at TOPIK website (printable on the day of results announcement)

2) Receipt by mail
Receipt by mail The score report will be sent three(3) days after the examination results announcement for Korean candidates. The receipt is not guaranteed because the score report is sent via ordinary mail. Score report which is returned or has incorrect address will not be resent(receivable by visit within 3 months)