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TOPIK
Test of Proficiency in Korean
🗣️ Language Proficiency Test Paper-based Test (PBT) and Internet-based Test (IBT) ⏱ Valid: 2 years from the date of result announcement Since 1997 ⚡ Ranges from Elementary (Level 1) to Advanced Professional (Level 6).
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
📝 Register Now 🌐 Official Site
›
Score Range
0-200 (TOPIK I), 0-300 (TOPIK II)
Exam Fee
$45
Duration
100 minutes (TOPIK I), 180 minutes (TOPIK II)
Questions
70 questions for TOPIK I, 104 questions for TOPIK II.
Score Valid
2 years from the date of result announcement
Frequency
Up to 6 times a year in Korea, 2-3 times overseas.
Accepted By
Over 200 South Korean universities and hundreds of global companies and government agencies.
Pass Rate
Approximately 50-60% for intermediate levels and around 20% for the highest Level 6.
Difficulty
Ranges from Elementary (Level 1) to Advanced Professional (Level 6).
📝 Register for TOPIK 🌐 Official Website ✍️ Need application help? →
Quick Summary

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a language proficiency test conducted by National Institute for International Education (NIIED). Scores range from 0-200 (TOPIK I), 0-300 (TOPIK II), valid for 2 years from the date of result announcement, with a total duration of 100 minutes (TOPIK I), 180 minutes (TOPIK II). Accepted by Over 200 South Korean universities and hundreds of global companies and government agencies., the exam fee is $45.

📋 Exam Overview
🎯
Score Range
0-200 (TOPIK I), 0-300 (TOPIK II)
⏱
Duration
100 minutes (TOPIK I), 180 minutes (TOPIK II)
💳
Fee
$45
📅
Valid For
2 years from the date of result announcement
🖥
Mode
Paper-based Test (PBT) and Internet-based Test (IBT)
🌍
Accepted By
Over 200 South Korean universities and hundreds of global companies and government agencies.
🗓
Frequency
Up to 6 times a year in Korea, 2-3 times overseas.
🏛
Conducted By
National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
❓
Total Qs
70 questions for TOPIK I, 104 questions for TOPIK II.
📑
Sections
Listening, Reading, Writing
⚡
Difficulty
Ranges from Elementary (Level 1) to Advanced Professional (Level 6).
📊
Pass Rate
Approximately 50-60% for intermediate levels and around 20% for the highest Level 6.
The Standard for Measuring Korean Language Proficiency.
👤 Who Should Take This Exam?
Non-native Korean speakers, overseas Koreans, and international students seeking to study or work in South Korea.
🎓 Education Level
Beginner to Advanced (Levels 1-6)
🌍 Accepted In
Over 70 countries worldwide including Korea USA India China Vietnam and various European nations.
📝 Exam Structure & Format
Question Types
Multiple-choice questions for Reading and Listening; Short answer and Essay for the Writing section.
Language / Medium
Korean
Total Duration
100 minutes (TOPIK I), 180 minutes (TOPIK II)
Retake Policy
There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make to improve their score.
Total Questions
70 questions for TOPIK I, 104 questions for TOPIK II.
Sections
Listening, Reading, Writing
⚙️ More format details (timing, marking, equipment)See all ▾
Time Per Section
TOPIK I: Listening 40 min, Reading 60 min. TOPIK II: Listening 60 min, Writing 50 min, Reading 70 min.
Negative Marking
No
Calculator Allowed
No
Scratch Paper
Yes
Breaks Allowed
No
Home Edition
No
Digital vs Paper
The paper version uses specialized felt-tip pens for OMR sheets, while the digital version involves computer-based navigation and typing.
📑 Section Details
TOPIK I consists of Listening (30 questions) and Reading (40 questions). TOPIK II includes Listening (50 questions), Writing (4 questions), and Reading (50 questions).
🎯 Scoring System
Score Range
0-200 (TOPIK I), 0-300 (TOPIK II)
Good / Passing Score
80 (Level 1), 140 (Level 2), 120 (Level 3), 150 (Level 4), 190 (Level 5), 230 (Level 6)
How Scoring Works
TOPIK I is scored out of 200 (100 Listening, 100 Reading). TOPIK II is scored out of 300 (100 Listening, 100 Writing, 100 Reading).
🏆 Minimum Scores for Top Universities
80 points for Level 1, 140 for Level 2, 120 for Level 3, 150 for Level 4, 190 for Level 5, and 230 for Level 6.
📊 Section / sub-scoresSee all ▾
Writing
Scored out of 100 points, exclusive to the TOPIK II level.
Speaking
A separate TOPIK Speaking test is available but is not currently part of the standard TOPIK I/II score.
Listening
Scored out of 100 points for both TOPIK I and TOPIK II tests.
Reading
Scored out of 100 points for both TOPIK I and TOPIK II tests.
Grammar
Integrated into the evaluation of Reading and Writing sections; not reported separately.
Vocabulary
Integrated into the evaluation of Reading and Writing sections; not reported separately.
Analytical
Assessed primarily through the essay questions in the TOPIK II Writing section.
Quantitative
Not applicable
Verbal
Not specified
Subject
Not specified
All Sub-Scores
Individual scores for Listening, Reading, and Writing are provided on the report card.
📈 Avg First Attempt
Varies by level; most beginners achieve Level 1-2, while intermediate learners typically hit Level 3 on the first try.
🔼 Score Improvement
Students typically improve by one proficiency level every 4 to 6 months of consistent, structured study.
💳 Registration & Fees
Fee (USD)
$45
See all ▾
45
Fee (INR)
₹3500
See all ▾
3500
Other
KRW 40,000 for TOPIK I and KRW 55,000 for TOPIK II in South Korea.
📝 Register Now →
📋 Policies (rescheduling, cancellation, verification, waivers)See all ▾
⏰ Register in Advance
Registration usually opens 2 to 3 months before the scheduled test date and lasts for a week.
🔄 Rescheduling Policy
Direct rescheduling is generally not allowed. Candidates must cancel their registration for a partial refund and register for a new date.
❌ Cancellation Policy
Full refund if cancelled during the first registration period, with decreasing refund percentages as the test date approaches.
🔍 Score Verification
Yes
📋 Score Audit
Yes
↩ Reinstatement Policy
Not specified
🎁 Fee Waiver Criteria
Not specified
📅 Exam Dates & Schedule
📆 Available Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
🔁 Frequency
Up to 6 times a year in Korea, 2-3 times overseas.
📊 Results Declared
Approximately 4-6 weeks after the exam date.
🔄 Retake Policy
There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make to improve their score.
⏰ Register By
Registration usually opens 2 to 3 months before the scheduled test date and lasts for a week.
✅ Eligibility & Access
🎂 Age Limit
No age limit.
🎓 Education Required
No specific educational background or degree is required to take the test.
🛂 Citizenship
No
📍 Test Centers
Over 250 centers globally across various continents.
More on accommodations, ID, and special versionsSee all ▾
🪪 ID Required
Yes
♿ Accessibility
Extended time, braille papers, and special seating are provided for candidates with documented disabilities.
🔀 Special Versions
TOPIK IBT (Internet Based Test) is currently being phased in through pilot testing in select regions.
📐 Subject Variants
TOPIK I (Levels 1-2) and TOPIK II (Levels 3-6).
🤝 Disability Accommodations
Includes braille exam papers, enlarged font versions, and additional time for qualified applicants.
🗓 Exam Day Guide
✅ What to Bring
Valid Identification (Passport/National ID) and the printed test voucher.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Electronic devices, smartwatches, food, and any unauthorized paper or study materials.
📋 Exam Day Rules
Candidates must arrive 30 minutes before the test and strictly follow the invigilator's instructions regarding OMR markers.
After the exam: score reporting and deliverySee all ▾
⏱ Score Reporting
Results are released on the official website at 3:00 PM KST on the designated announcement date.
📤 Score Sending
Candidates can print certificates online for free or request official mailed copies for an additional fee.
🎓 Score Recipients
Educational institutions, government agencies, immigration offices, and corporate human resource departments.
📚 Preparation Guide
📅 Recommended Prep Time
3 to 6 months depending on the target proficiency level and the student's current baseline.
🗓 Avg Prep Months
4 months
Preparation involves studying Korean grammar, vocabulary, and practicing previous years' question papers. Familiarity with both formal and informal speech styles is crucial for high performance.
💡 Top Tips & Tricks
Focus on building a strong vocabulary base and practice listening to diverse Korean audio sources. For Writing, master the specific essay structure required for high-level argumentative topics.
Full study plan, resources, and common mistakesSee all ▾
📅 Study Plan
Spend the first 2 months on grammar and core vocabulary. Use the final month for intensive practice with past exam papers to improve speed and accuracy.
📖 Recommended Books
TOPIK Essential Grammar, Master TOPIK series, and official TOPIK past paper collections published by NIIED.
🏫 Popular Prep Courses
Cyber University of Korea, King Sejong Institute, and various specialized TOPIK academies in Seoul.
📱 Popular Prep Apps
TOPIK One, Dongsa, Memrise, and Naver Dictionary.
✅ Official Practice Tests
NIIED provides previous years' official exam papers for download on the TOPIK website. — Free
🆓 Free Online Resources
The official TOPIK website provides past papers, while the Study Korean portal and various YouTube channels offer free lessons.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mismanaging time during the reading section and failing to use the correct formal 'Sipni-da' style in the writing section are frequent errors.
💡 EduAtlasHub Exclusive Insights
🔍 Insider Tips
In the listening section, read the multiple-choice options before the audio starts to anticipate the context and keywords. This saves critical processing time.
⭐ Unique Features
The TOPIK II uses a single exam paper to determine four different proficiency levels based on the total score.
🎓 How This Score Impacts Your Application
Highly significant for university admissions (GKS scholarship), E-7 visa applications, and employment in major Korean firms like Samsung or Hyundai.
More insights: country notes, comparisons, myths, examiner tipsSee all ▾
🌍 Country-Specific Notes
In South Korea, registration is extremely competitive and seats often fill up within minutes of the portal opening.
⚖️ Comparison with Alternatives
TOPIK is the only government-administered Korean test, making it more widely recognized than alternatives like the KLAT.
🆕 Recent Changes
Implementation of the TOPIK Speaking test and the expansion of IBT (Internet-Based Test) availability.
🔜 Upcoming Changes
A permanent shift towards IBT for all international locations is planned for the coming years.
🧐 Myths vs Facts
Myth: You must know thousands of Hanja to pass. Fact: While Hanja roots help, the test does not explicitly require writing characters.
👨‍🏫 Examiner Tips
Focus on the nuance of particles and formal endings in Writing; examiners look for natural flow and grammatical precision.
🏆 Success Stories
Thousands of international students have successfully used TOPIK Level 5+ scores to secure full-ride GKS scholarships and professional careers in Korea.
📋 Post-Exam Steps
Download the digital certificate from the official website and submit it to relevant institutions for visa or admission purposes.
🎯 Score Uses Beyond Admission
Used for permanent residency (F-5) points, marriage migrant visas (F-6), and professional licensing in South Korea.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TOPIK score valid?+
The TOPIK score is valid for 2 years from the date of result announcement.
How much does the TOPIK cost?+
The exam fee is $45 (approximately ₹3500 in India).
How often can I retake the TOPIK?+
There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make to improve their score.
When are TOPIK results declared?+
Approximately 4-6 weeks after the exam date.
Which universities accept the TOPIK?+
TOPIK is accepted by Over 200 South Korean universities and hundreds of global companies and government agencies..
Is a calculator allowed in the TOPIK?+
No
How should I prepare for the TOPIK?+
Preparation involves studying Korean grammar, vocabulary, and practicing previous years' question papers. Familiarity with both formal and informal speech styles is crucial for high performance.
📝
Register for TOPIK
The Standard for Measuring Korean Language Proficiency.
Register Now →
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →
Conducted ByNational Institute for International Education (NIIED)
Year Started1997
CategoryLanguage Proficiency Test
Last UpdatedJune 18, 2026
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