Ace the TOPIK with Confidence

Complete preparation guide for the Test of Proficiency in Korean

90+ Countries
6/year Test Dates
2 years Certificate Validity
1-2
TOPIK I
Basic communication skills
3-4
TOPIK II Intermediate
Daily life & work tasks
5-6
TOPIK II Advanced
Professional fluency

Why Take the TOPIK?

Official Korean proficiency certification recognized worldwide

🎓

University Admission

Required for undergraduate and graduate programs at Korean universities

💼

Visa Benefits

Score-based points for work visas and immigration

🏠

Permanent Residence

Significant advantage for Korean permanent residence applications

📈

Career Advancement

Essential for employment at Korean companies and government agencies

2025 TOPIK Exam Schedule

Plan ahead and register early

📝 Paper-Based Test (PBT) Global
Session Test Date Results
98회01.19 (일)02.27
99회04.13 (일)05.30
100회05.11 (일)06.26
101회07.13 (일)08.21
102회10.19 (일)12.11
103회11.16 (일)12.23
💻 Internet-Based Test (IBT) Korea Only
Session Test Date Results
5회02.22 (토)03.14
6회03.22 (토)04.11
7회06.14 (토)07.04
8회09.13 (토)10.31
10회11.29 (토)12.19
Important Notice
  • Test schedules may vary by country/region
  • International test-takers should register through local Korean Education Centers
  • IBT is currently available only in select countries

TOPIK Test Structure

Understand the format and scoring system

TOPIK I

For beginners (Levels 1-2)

Test Areas Listening + Reading
Time 100 min (Listening 40 + Reading 60)
Questions 70 questions
Total Score Total: 200 points

Level Criteria

Level 1 80+ points
Level 2 140+ points

TOPIK II

For intermediate/advanced (Levels 3-6)

Test Areas Listening + Writing + Reading
Time 180 min (Listening 60 + Writing 50 + Reading 70)
Questions 104 questions
Total Score Total: 300 points

Level Criteria

Level 3 120+ points
Level 4 150+ points
Level 5 190+ points
Level 6 230+ points

What Can You Do With Each Level?

Real-world applications of TOPIK levels

Beginner Level 1-2

  • Travel and basic shopping in Korea
  • Simple introductions and greetings
  • Ordering food at restaurants
  • Foundation for language school admission

Intermediate Level 3-4

  • Admission to Korean universities
  • Part-time work and internships
  • Understanding Korean news and media
  • E-7 work visa eligibility
  • Korean teacher qualification exam eligibility

Advanced Level 5-6

  • Graduate school admission
  • Full-time employment at Korean companies
  • Permanent residence application
  • Professional certification eligibility
  • Naturalization exam exemption
  • Professional visa benefits

Level-Specific Study Guides

Tailored strategies for each level range

TOPIK I (Level 1-2) Guide

3-6 months study

Learning Goals

  • Master Hangul completely
  • Acquire basic grammar patterns
  • Basic daily conversations
  • Understand/write simple sentences

Vocabulary

800-2,000 words

TOPIK II (Level 3-4) Guide

6-12 months study

Learning Goals

  • Full understanding of intermediate grammar
  • Conversations for social relationships
  • Comfortable using public facilities
  • Writing section prep essential

Vocabulary

3,000-5,000 words

TOPIK II (Level 5-6) Guide

12-24 months study

Learning Goals

  • Master advanced grammar freely
  • Capable of professional discussions
  • Academic research activities
  • Native-level expressions

Vocabulary

6,000+ words

TOPIK Score Calculator

Calculate your level based on section scores

Section-by-Section Test Strategies

Expert tips for maximizing your score

🎧 Listening Section

  • Watch Korean dramas/variety shows without subtitles
  • Repeatedly listen to TOPIK past listening tests
  • Improve accuracy through dictation practice
  • Develop ability to grasp conversation context
  • Focus on practicing numbers and time expressions

📖 Reading Section

  • Build vocabulary by reading articles on topics of interest
  • Analyze sentence structure through grammar study
  • Develop speed through timed reading practice
  • Improve comprehension by identifying topic sentences
  • Practice with TOPIK past reading tests

✍️ Writing Section (TOPIK II)

  • Memorize various essay structures
  • Practice writing with time limits
  • Expand vocabulary for diverse topics
  • Study model answers for reference
  • Get feedback from native speakers

Official Practice Tests

Prepare with real past exam questions

Free Sample Tests

Sign up and try real past exams for free. No credit card required!

TOPIK I Level 1-2 · Beginner

TOPIK II Level 3-6 · Intermediate/Advanced

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for TOPIK?

Registration is done online through the official TOPIK website (topik.go.kr for Korea, or your country's designated site). Create an account, select your test center, and pay the registration fee during the registration period. Registration typically opens 2-3 months before the test date.

How long is my TOPIK certificate valid?

TOPIK certificates are valid for 2 years from the test date. However, some institutions may accept expired certificates depending on their policies. For university admission or visa applications, make sure your certificate will be valid when you submit your application.

Can I take TOPIK I and TOPIK II on the same day?

No, you can only register for one test type (either TOPIK I or TOPIK II) per test date. If you're unsure which to take, TOPIK II is recommended as it covers all 6 levels. Even if you score low on TOPIK II, you can still achieve Level 3 or 4.

What's the difference between PBT and IBT?

PBT (Paper-Based Test) is the traditional format using paper answer sheets and is available worldwide. IBT (Internet-Based Test) is computer-based and currently only available in South Korea. Both have the same content and difficulty, but IBT offers more flexible scheduling throughout the year.

How long does it take to prepare for TOPIK?

Preparation time varies by target level and current proficiency. Generally: Level 2 requires 200-300 hours of study, Level 4 needs 600-800 hours, and Level 6 typically requires 1,500+ hours. With 2 hours of daily study, reaching Level 4 takes about 1 year from scratch.

Official TOPIK Resources

TOPIK Official Website

www.topik.go.kr
  • Exam schedule and online registration
  • Free past exam download
  • Listening MP3 files available
  • Score check and certificate issuance
Visit Site

Regional TOPIK Sites

Korean Education Center
  • Country-specific registration methods
  • Local test center information
  • Registration fee payment methods
  • Test center location check
Regional Info
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