TOPIK is a Korean-language proficiency examination for people whose first language is not Korean. Choose the exam for your purpose first, then separately verify the format that is actually available in your local session.
1. Choose TOPIK I or TOPIK II by your goal
TOPIK measures Korean proficiency for overseas Koreans and people whose first language is not Korean. Results may be used for study, employment and other procedures, but each receiving organization decides the required level, accepted format and acceptable result date.
TOPIK I covers levels 1–2 and contains Listening and Reading. TOPIK II covers levels 3–6 and contains Listening, Writing and Reading. You register for the whole exam; the total score in the selected format determines the awarded level.
- Choose TOPIK I for the beginner range.
- Choose TOPIK II for the intermediate and advanced ranges.
- Choose TOPIK II when you need a Writing section.
- TOPIK Speaking is a separate exam, not a section of TOPIK II.
Official TOPIK overviewCurrent TOPIK regulationCurrent IBT specification
- Listening 30 · 40 min
- Reading 40 · 60 min
- Listening 26 · 30 min
- Reading 26 · 40 min
- Listening 50 · 60 min
- Writing 4 · 50 min
- Reading 50 · 70 min
- Listening 30 · 35 min
- Writing 3 · 50 min
- Reading 30 · 40 min
The first choice separates TOPIK I and TOPIK II by the required result range. A separate availability check must follow before a format is selected.
The map does not make PBT and IBT equivalent, promise IBT in every country, or apply Writing 51–52–53–54 labels to IBT.
2. Treat PBT and IBT as separate specifications
PBT is paper based, while IBT delivers tasks and answers through a computer interface. They are not two interfaces for an identical paper: item counts, section times, maximum scores and level thresholds differ.
Listing both formats in the general regulation does not make both available in every country or session. Use the format explicitly named in the current local organizer notice.
- Keep the exam name and format together.
- Do not convert a PBT practice score into IBT by percentage.
- Check the date of IBT material because its specification changed.
3. Compare the four current structures
The table is generated from the central fact registry and shows the sections, item counts, section times and maximum score for each named variant.
| Variant | Sections: items · minutes | Total items | Section time | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I · PBT |
| 70 | 100 | 200 |
| TOPIK I · IBT |
| 52 | 70 | 400 |
| TOPIK II · PBT |
| 104 | 180 | 300 |
| TOPIK II · IBT |
| 63 | 125 | 600 |
On a narrow screen, scroll the table horizontally.
- TOPIK I tests Listening and Reading.
- TOPIK II tests Listening, Writing and Reading.
- The maximum score belongs to the complete named exam and format.
The listed time is the sum of examination sections, not a universal interval from arrival at the centre to release.
Overview and maximum scoresSections and timingCurrent IBT specification
4. Read time as examination-section time
The cards show the order and duration of sections in the selected variant. Reporting, identity checks, instructions, seating, possible breaks and required arrival time are controlled by the local organizer.
The current IBT specification applies from 22 February 2025. Earlier official or teaching material may describe the previous structure, so check the document date.
- Listening 30 · 40 min
- Reading 40 · 60 min
- Listening 26 · 30 min
- Reading 26 · 40 min
- Listening 50 · 60 min
- Writing 4 · 50 min
- Reading 50 · 70 min
- Listening 30 · 35 min
- Writing 3 · 50 min
- Reading 30 · 40 min
The cards show the order and duration of sections in the selected variant. Reporting, identity checks, instructions, seating, possible breaks and required arrival time are controlled by the local organizer.
- Use your format’s section timer for practice pacing.
- Use the local notice for test-day logistics.
- Do not replace the current specification with an older IBT table.
5. Keep PBT Writing rules out of IBT
Labels 51–52–53–54, response-length bands, points and rubrics in the official paper guide apply only to TOPIK II PBT. The reviewed public NIIED material does not establish the complete current taxonomy and rubric for every IBT Writing task.
- TOPIK II PBT Writing: 4 tasks in 50 minutes.
- TOPIK II IBT Writing: 3 tasks in 50 minutes.
- Do not transfer PBT lengths, points or rubrics to IBT.
6. Read the awarded level and result validity correctly
An official TOPIK result is valid for 2 years from its announcement. A receiving organization may still impose its own minimum level, accepted format, document and recency requirements.
- Do not convert PBT to IBT proportionally.
- Use the separate scale for the exact exam and format.
- Count validity from the official result announcement.
- Verify the receiving organization’s current requirements separately.
From requirement to practice
Start with the receiving party's rule: TOPIK Lab explains the exam, but does not confirm that a particular organization will accept your result.
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Save the requirement and its source
Open the rule of the university, employer, visa programme, or other receiving party. Check the required level, format, result validity, and document with that party; do not replace a missing detail with an assumption.
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Match only an explicitly stated level
If the requirement explicitly names level 1 or 2, the next section is TOPIK I. If it names 3, 4, 5, or 6, it is TOPIK II. If the level is absent or stated differently, return to the receiving party: TOPIK Lab does not choose it for you.
- Open TOPIK I — only if the requirement explicitly names level 1 or 2.
- Open TOPIK II — only if the requirement explicitly names level 3, 4, 5, or 6.
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Confirm PBT or IBT for your session
PBT and IBT are different formats. After choosing TOPIK I or TOPIK II, check the country, city, and session with the official local organizer: whether the needed format is currently offered and which procedure applies.
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Continue to the next internal guide
After confirming the pair ‘TOPIK I or II + PBT or IBT’, choose only the next section you need. Writing 51–54 applies only to confirmed TOPIK II PBT; scores and results are relevant after you receive an official result.
Open the preparation plan — after confirming the exam and format.
Open PBT Writing — only after confirming TOPIK II PBT and the 51–54 task boundary.
TOPIK scores and results — a secondary path after you have already received an official result.
Once you have chosen the exam category, you can open TOPIK I or TOPIK II practice in TopikLab — either individual tasks or an available full test.
7. Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TOPIK I and TOPIK II?
TOPIK I covers levels 1–2 and tests Listening and Reading. TOPIK II covers levels 3–6 and tests Listening, Writing and Reading. You choose the exam; the total score in the selected format determines the awarded level.
Should I take TOPIK PBT or IBT?
Use the format offered by the relevant local session and accepted for your purpose. PBT and IBT have different item counts, timings, maximum scores and thresholds, so confirm the format before selecting practice material.
Does every TOPIK exam include Writing?
No. TOPIK I has Listening and Reading only. TOPIK II includes Writing in both formats, but labels 51–52–53–54, published length bands and rubrics apply to TOPIK II PBT only.