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Official score scales

TOPIK score bands for PBT and IBT

TOPIK uses a separate score scale for each exam and format. Identify the exact variant on the result first, then use its matching table.

Find the exact exam name and format on the result first. Then use the matching table row or the same calculator option; the four scales must not be mixed.

1. Read the exam and format before the number

A total without the exam name and format is ambiguous. Before choosing a scale, identify the TOPIK category and the PBT or IBT label on the result.

Published bands determine the level within the selected variant, but they do not replace the requirements of a university, employer, or other receiving organization.

  1. Identify the TOPIK category.
  2. Identify the PBT or IBT format.
  3. Compare the total with only the matching scale.
  4. Check the receiving organization’s requirements separately.

2. Four independent score scales

Choose the exam and format shown on the result, then use only the matching scale.

How to read the PBT scales

TOPIK I and TOPIK II in PBT format use different maximums and different level sets. Always interpret the total inside the exam the candidate actually took.

  • TOPIK I PBT uses the beginner-level scale.
  • TOPIK II PBT uses the advanced-level scale.
  • Totals from different categories cannot be combined.

How to read the IBT scales

IBT has its own maximums and boundaries as well. Use the current official specification for interpretation rather than an older table.

  • Read TOPIK I IBT only on its own scale.
  • Read TOPIK II IBT only on its own scale.
  • Check the date of the official material.
Official TOPIK level bands for PBT and IBT
Exam Maximum score Level Score range
PBT
TOPIK I 200 1 80–139
TOPIK I 200 2 140–200
TOPIK II 300 3 120–149
TOPIK II 300 4 150–189
TOPIK II 300 5 190–229
TOPIK II 300 6 230–300
IBT
TOPIK I 400 1 121–235
TOPIK I 400 2 236–400
TOPIK II 600 3 191–290
TOPIK II 600 4 291–360
TOPIK II 600 5 361–430
TOPIK II 600 6 431–600

On a narrow screen, scroll the table horizontally.

These bands belong to the named formats and are not admission or employment requirements.

TOPIK I · PBT · maximum 200

0
  1. Level 1 · 80–139
  2. Level 2 · 140–200

TOPIK I · IBT · maximum 400

0
  1. Level 1 · 121–235
  2. Level 2 · 236–400

TOPIK II · PBT · maximum 300

0
  1. Level 3 · 120–149
  2. Level 4 · 150–189
  3. Level 5 · 190–229
  4. Level 6 · 230–300

TOPIK II · IBT · maximum 600

0
  1. Level 3 · 191–290
  2. Level 4 · 291–360
  3. Level 5 · 361–430
  4. Level 6 · 431–600
Read the four scales independently Each scale has its own maximum. Do not merge the scales or convert PBT and IBT proportionally.

3. Find the level from the total score

Choose the exam and format, then enter the total shown on the result.

Level: Range:

TOPIK I · PBT

Total score: 0–200

Level 1
Range: 80–139
Level 2
Range: 140–200

TOPIK I · IBT

Total score: 0–400

Level 1
Range: 121–235
Level 2
Range: 236–400

TOPIK II · PBT

Total score: 0–300

Level 3
Range: 120–149
Level 4
Range: 150–189
Level 5
Range: 190–229
Level 6
Range: 230–300

TOPIK II · IBT

Total score: 0–600

Level 3
Range: 191–290
Level 4
Range: 291–360
Level 5
Range: 361–430
Level 6
Range: 431–600

The calculator uses the same published bands as the table and cannot create an official result.

4. Do not convert PBT and IBT by proportion

The reviewed official materials do not provide a direct PBT-to-IBT conversion table. Arithmetic between different maximums creates an unofficial number, not an authoritative equivalence.

If a receiving organization requires a specific format, ask it directly and keep the result on its published scale.

  • Do not multiply a PBT result to obtain IBT.
  • Do not divide an IBT result to obtain PBT.
  • Do not equate matching percentages of the maximum.
  • Use the published band for the actual format.

5. What a total below the first threshold means

If the total is below the first band of the selected scale, no official level is awarded on that scale. This describes a boundary; it is not a separate level.

6. Official results and their validity

Check a published result only through the official TOPIK service. Do not enter an exam login, password, or candidate details on a third-party page that promises to display a result or certificate.

An official TOPIK result is valid for 2 years from the announcement date. A receiving organization may separately set a minimum level, format, document type, and recency requirement.

  1. Wait for the official publication for the session.
  2. Use the official TOPIK results service.
  3. Match the total to the exact exam and format scale.
  4. Check the recipient’s requirements separately.

TOPIK Basic Operating Regulation official TOPIK results service

What to check before submitting a TOPIK result

This checklist helps you prepare a verification, but it does not verify your result or confirm that the recipient will accept it.

  1. Find the recipient's requirement

    Open the rule of the university, employer, visa programme, or other receiving organization. Record the required level, format, document type, and acceptable result age with the recipient itself.

  2. Check the exact result context

    Keep TOPIK I or TOPIK II, PBT or IBT, the achieved level, and total score together. First choose the corresponding official scale; do not convert scores between formats.

    Return to the four official scales
  3. Separate TOPIK validity from the recipient's requirement

    Under the current Basic Regulations, an official TOPIK result is valid for 2 years from the announcement date. The recipient may set a narrower requirement for result age or document type.

    Open the TOPIK Basic Regulations
  4. Check the official channel and current notices

    The regulations provide for issuing a results certificate through the TOPIK website, not by post, fax, or email; an overseas administering body may issue one copy at its own request. In the reviewed official notice, the service is stated to be temporarily unavailable until restored; check the current TOPIK notice before acting.

    Official TOPIK results service current TOPIK notice

  5. Record what is still unknown

    If the format, minimum level, acceptable result age, document type, or service availability is unconfirmed, do not replace it with an assumption. Record the item separately and clarify it with the recipient or in an official source.

    Check the requirement owner and exam format

Checked against an official notice 3 August 2026; service availability must be checked again before acting.

7. Frequently asked questions

How do I find my TOPIK level from a score?

Identify the exact exam category and format on the result, then compare the total with only the matching published scale. The bands from different variants must not be mixed.

Can I convert a TOPIK PBT score to IBT?

The reviewed materials do not provide an official proportional formula. Multiplication, division, or percentage comparison does not create an official equivalence; use the separate scale for the actual format.

Where should I check my official TOPIK result?

Use the official TOPIK results service after the session publishes results. A result is valid for 2 years from its announcement date; never give exam credentials to a third-party service.

Scale selected?

Continue preparing in TopikLab

Open TOPIK practice and continue studying after checking the relevant score scale.
Open TOPIK practice

Materials

Article navigation

Exam overview

Choose the right TOPIK exam and format

The decision has two parts: choose TOPIK I or TOPIK II for the level range you need, then verify whether your local session uses PBT or IBT. The four combinations have different item counts, timings and score scales.

Materials

Official global calendar

TOPIK schedule for 2026

Check the dates of all PBT, IBT and TOPIK Speaking sessions against the NIIED plan. Then open your country page: the local organizer separately confirms session availability, registration, fees, documents, city and venue.

Materials