What is TOPIK
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean, 한국어능력시험) is an international standardized exam that measures Korean language proficiency. It has been administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) of South Korea since 1997.
A TOPIK certificate is recognized worldwide and is required for:
- Admission to Korean universities (bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs)
- The KGSP scholarship (Korean Government Scholarship Program)
- E-series work visas
- F-5 permanent residency
- Proof of competency for employers worldwide
The exam is split into two tiers: TOPIK I (beginner, determines levels 1–2) and TOPIK II (intermediate and advanced, determines levels 3–6). In 2026, the exam is offered 6 times as PBT (paper-based) and 6 times as IBT (internet-based). More on the difference between formats in the section below.
Brief history
The first TOPIK was held in 1997 — about 2,300 people took it in 4 countries. Since then, it has grown into the largest Korean language proficiency exam: in 2023, over 550,000 people took TOPIK in 90+ countries. With the growing popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean cuisine, interest in learning Korean continues to rise, and so does the number of TOPIK test-takers.
Exam Structure
TOPIK I — Beginner Level
For those starting to learn Korean. Corresponds to CEFR A1–A2. All questions are multiple choice — there is no writing section.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 30 | 40 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 40 | 60 min | 100 |
| Total | 70 | 100 min | 200 |
TOPIK II — Intermediate & Advanced
For confident learners and advanced speakers. Corresponds to CEFR B1–C2. Includes a writing section with essays.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 50 | 60 min | 100 |
| Writing (쓰기) | 4 | 50 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 50 | 70 min | 100 |
| Total | 104 | 180 min | 300 |
TOPIK II is taken in two sessions: Listening + Writing (110 min), a 30-minute break, then Reading (70 min).
What to bring to the exam
- ID document — passport or national ID (same as used during registration)
- Registration confirmation — printed from topik.go.kr
- Correction tape — a double-sided sign pen (양면사인펜) is provided on-site for all sections: the thick tip for marking OMR answers, the thin tip for the TOPIK II writing section. You do not need to bring your own pen.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, are prohibited in the exam room. Arriving more than 20 minutes late means you won't be admitted.
Levels and Passing Scores
Your final level is determined by your total score across all sections. There are no minimum per-section thresholds — a weak result in one section can be offset by a strong result in another.
TOPIK I
| Level | Minimum score | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 80 / 200 | Basic communication: greetings, shopping, simple daily interactions (~800 words) |
| Level 2 | 140 / 200 | Routine tasks, simple conversations, basic workplace communication (~1,500–2,000 words) |
TOPIK II
| Level | Minimum score | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | 120 / 300 | Threshold for Korean university admission. Complex conversations, reading news |
| Level 4 | 150 / 300 | Required for master's/PhD programs. Professional use, newspapers and articles |
| Level 5 | 190 / 300 | Fluent in formal contexts: conferences, business negotiations |
| Level 6 | 230 / 300 | Near-native. Professional and academic activities without limitations |
CEFR correspondence
Approximate mapping of TOPIK levels to the European CEFR scale:
| TOPIK | CEFR | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | A1 | Elementary |
| Level 2 | A2 | Pre-intermediate |
| Level 3 | B1 | Intermediate |
| Level 4 | B2 | Upper-intermediate |
| Level 5 | C1 | Advanced |
| Level 6 | C2 | Proficient |
For a detailed breakdown of what each level means in practice — university admission, visa requirements, career opportunities — see our TOPIK levels and scoring guide.
Why get certified: Korean university admission (level 3–4), KGSP scholarship (level 3+), E-series work visa, F-5 permanent residency, proof of competency for employers worldwide.
PBT and IBT — Test Formats
Since 2023, TOPIK is offered in two formats. The content is the same; the delivery method differs.
PBT (Paper-Based Test)
The traditional format. You receive a printed booklet and mark answers on an OMR sheet. TOPIK II essays are handwritten. PBT is offered 6 times per year at test centers worldwide and in Korea.
IBT (Internet-Based Test)
The newer format, launched in 2023. Questions appear on a monitor, and you submit answers through the interface. Essays are typed on a keyboard. IBT is offered 6 times per year, primarily in Korea, though international availability is expanding.
| Parameter | PBT | IBT |
|---|---|---|
| Answer method | Paper OMR sheet | Computer |
| Writing (TOPIK II) | Handwritten | Typed |
| Frequency | 6 times/year | 6 times/year |
| International availability | Widespread | Limited (expanding) |
| Results | ~5 weeks | ~2-3 weeks |
Which to choose? If you're testing outside Korea, PBT is likely your only option. If in Korea, IBT is more convenient: faster results, and typing essays is easier than handwriting. The format doesn't affect your certificate — it's the same either way.
TOPIK Speaking — Oral Exam
Since 2023, NIIED has been developing a new component — TOPIK Speaking (말하기). This is a separate computer-based exam: you listen to prompts through headphones and record your answers via microphone.
TOPIK Speaking structure
| # | Task type | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Read a text aloud | 30–40 sec |
| 3–4 | Respond to a situational prompt (role play) | 40–60 sec |
| 5 | Describe a graph or chart | 60–80 sec |
| 6 | Express an opinion on a given topic | 80–90 sec |
Total duration is about 20 minutes. Recordings are analyzed by experts and an AI system. Scoring evaluates pronunciation, fluency, grammatical accuracy, and completeness of response.
Note: TOPIK Speaking is currently in pilot mode and is not mandatory. The result does not affect your main TOPIK certificate. Follow updates on topik.go.kr.
Registration and Schedule
How to register
Registration is handled through the official website topik.go.kr. The process:
- Create an account on topik.go.kr (email required)
- Select your date, format (PBT or IBT), and test center
- Upload a passport-style photo
- Pay the registration fee (in Korea: 40,000 KRW for TOPIK I, 55,000 KRW for TOPIK II; fees vary by country)
- Print your registration confirmation
Important: Registration opens ~2 months before the exam and lasts 3-5 days. Spots fill up quickly, especially at popular centers. Monitor dates on topik.go.kr.
TOPIK 2026 Schedule
Exact dates are published on topik.go.kr at the beginning of each year. For the full list of dates, registration windows, and result dates, see our complete 2026 TOPIK schedule. For 2026:
- PBT: 6 sessions (international and Korean centers)
- IBT: 6 sessions (primarily in Korea)
Test centers are available in over 90 countries. Check the current list of locations during registration on topik.go.kr.
Fees
In Korea: 40,000 KRW (~$30) for TOPIK I and 55,000 KRW (~$40) for TOPIK II. International fees may be higher and vary by country and test center. Payment is typically processed on the website during registration (credit card or bank transfer).
Test day
Arrive 30 minutes before the exam starts. You'll be assigned a room and seat. Staff will verify your ID and take your photo. All personal belongings, including your phone, must be stored outside the exam room.
Listening audio is played through room speakers (PBT) or headphones (IBT). Playback is fixed-pace — you cannot pause or replay. This is one reason why practicing with real audio is essential during preparation.
TOPIK II Writing Section
Writing is the most challenging section of TOPIK II. It includes 4 tasks of increasing difficulty:
| # | Task type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Fill in blanks within a text | 1–2 sentences |
| 52 | Write a practical text (notice, announcement) | 1–2 sentences |
| 53 | Descriptive essay on an everyday topic | 200–300 characters |
| 54 | Argumentative essay on a social topic | 600–700 characters |
Essays are graded by two independent raters on four criteria: content, structure, grammar and vocabulary, and stylistic appropriateness. Tasks 51 and 52 are graded quickly, while tasks 53 and 54 account for a significant portion of the 100-point section. For a complete breakdown of all four tasks with scoring criteria and essay templates, see our TOPIK II Writing section guide.
Writing tips
- Use formal style (합쇼체 / -ㅂ니다) — informal speech lowers your score
- Follow structure — introduction, body, conclusion for task 54
- Don't exceed the character limit — text beyond the limit is not graded
- Practice regularly — writing improves only through practice with feedback
Practice writing with AI: in TopikLab you get scores for each criterion, error analysis, and improvement suggestions — like the real exam, but instant.
Results and Certificate
When results are available
PBT results are published approximately 5 weeks after the exam; IBT results in 2-3 weeks. You can check your results on topik.go.kr under "Results" (성적확인).
Certificate
If you meet the passing score, you receive a TOPIK certificate indicating your level (1-6). The certificate can be downloaded digitally or received as a paper copy.
Valid for 2 years from the date results are announced. After expiration, you must retake the exam. When applying to universities or for visas, make sure your certificate is still valid at the time of application.
How to Prepare for TOPIK
1. Solve real past exams
The best way to understand the format and learn to manage your time. NIIED publishes exams after each session. TopikLab has 22 complete exams with auto-grading — choose free practice or full simulation with a timer.
2. Drill your weak spots by question type
TOPIK has 26 different question types. If one type is harder for you, focus on it specifically. In TopikLab, each type is grouped into a dedicated block with questions from different exams and progress tracking.
3. Practice writing regularly
Writing is the only section without multiple choice. Write essays regularly and get feedback. AI evaluation in TopikLab lets you practice anytime without a tutor.
4. Plan your preparation by target level
Preparation time depends on your current level and goal:
| Goal | Approximate preparation time | Focus areas |
|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I (level 1-2) | 3–6 months from zero | Basic grammar, vocabulary, listening |
| TOPIK II (level 3-4) | 6–12 months | Intermediate reading, writing section |
| TOPIK II (level 5-6) | 1.5–2+ years | Academic vocabulary, argumentative essays, reading speed |
Ready to start? Open TopikLab — free, no sign-up required to browse questions.
Check the complete 2026 TOPIK schedule to plan your exam date. If writing is your weak point, read our TOPIK Writing section guide with task breakdowns, scoring criteria, and essay templates.