The TOPIK test

TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean (한국어능력시험, Hangugeo Neungnyeok Siheom), is the official exam measuring the Korean ability of non-native speakers. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education under Korea's Ministry of Education. Scores are used for study, jobs and some visa applications. Check the official website for details.

TOPIK has two tests: TOPIK I for beginners and TOPIK II for intermediate and advanced learners. Depending on your score, TOPIK I awards level 1 or 2, and TOPIK II awards levels 3 to 6, with 6 the highest. You receive one level based on your score in a single sitting. Check the official guide for the exact criteria.

TOPIK I tests listening and reading, while TOPIK II tests listening, writing and reading. That means writing practice is essential if you're preparing for TOPIK II. Formats can change, so check the latest official information. Practicing your time management for each section in advance also helps.

As of November 2026, on the paper-based test (PBT), TOPIK I is scored out of 200: 80 or more for level 1 and 140 for level 2. TOPIK II is scored out of 300, with 120, 150, 190 and 230 for levels 3 to 6. The internet-based test (IBT) uses different totals and cut-offs. Standards can change, so confirm with official information.

TOPIK results are generally valid for two years from the date scores are announced. If you plan to use them for study or work, make sure they'll still be valid when you submit them. Individual institutions may have their own requirements. Check the official guidance for the latest rules.

The TOPIK is offered at designated test centers in Korea and in many other countries. Test sites and registration methods differ by country and region, so check the official website. Seats in popular areas can fill up quickly, so note the registration period early.

The TOPIK is held several times a year, but the number of sittings and dates vary by country and region. A new schedule is announced each year, so check the official annual calendar. Look at both the test date and the score release date to make sure you meet any deadlines. Overseas sittings may be less frequent than in Korea.

Yes. An internet-based TOPIK (IBT), taken on a computer, was introduced in 2023, and it has been expanding to more countries. It may differ from the paper-based test (PBT) in format and in where it's offered, and as of November 2026 locations still vary by test round, so check the official notice. If you choose the computer test, practice typing in Hangul beforehand.

The standard TOPIK has no speaking section, but a separate TOPIK Speaking test is offered to assess speaking ability. Its format and level system may differ from the regular TOPIK. First check which test results your school or employer requires, then see the official information for details.

It depends on the university, department and program. According to government guidance, undergraduate admission generally requires TOPIK level 3 or above, and level 4 is often set as a graduation requirement. Some schools admit students on condition that they reach a certain level later. Standards vary by school and admission track, so always check the admission guidelines.

Yes. TOPIK scores can serve as proof of Korean ability for jobs at Korean companies and in some visa or residence procedures. Required levels and how scores are used depend on the institution and visa type. For visa matters, always check official immigration guidance. Some employers also assess Korean through their own interviews.

It depends heavily on your current level and target. Starting from scratch, TOPIK I might take a few months, while advanced TOPIK II levels can take much longer. Try a released past paper first to gauge your level, then make a plan. Daily listening and reading practice is key.

The official TOPIK website has released some past papers. They are the best way to get familiar with the real test format. Try solving them under timed conditions to build exam stamina. Which papers are available can change, so check the official site.

On the paper-based test (PBT), TOPIK II writing has sentence completion (questions 51 and 52), a description of a graph or data (53) and a longer opinion essay (54), with instructions for manuscript-style grid paper. On the internet-based test (IBT), answers are typed on a computer. You'll need to practice formal written style. Check official information for the current format.

Fees depend on the test level, country and period, and they can change. Check the official website or your local test administrator before registering for the exact amount. It's also wise to review the refund policy and accepted payment methods, which may differ by region.

Results are posted on the official website on the announced release date, and you can get a score certificate through the official process. Release dates differ for each sitting, so check the test notice in advance. If you need documents for an application, also learn how to request them and how long it takes.

Group frequently tested words by topic and level. Advanced levels feature vocabulary from news, society and economics. Learning synonyms and antonyms together helps with many question types. Collecting unfamiliar words from past papers into your own list is also very effective.

Replay past-paper audio and try writing down what you hear. Listen often to the kinds of situations that appear on the test, such as news reports and announcements. Reading the answer choices before each recording tells you what to listen for. Daily exposure, even briefly, makes a big difference.

Instead of reading every passage in full, read the question first and then scan for the information you need. Main ideas often appear in the first or last sentence. Time yourself on past papers to know your pace. Mark difficult questions and come back to them later rather than getting stuck.

The TOPIK is a test of Korean proficiency. The Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP, 사회통합프로그램) is a course in Korean language and society for immigrants, run by the Ministry of Justice. KIIP can be linked to residence or naturalization procedures. Which one you need depends on your purpose and visa, so check official immigration guidance.