SKA and iSKA at a Glance: From the Exam to Study and Visas

SKA (세종한국어평가, Sejong Hangugeo Pyeongga, Sejong Korean language Assessment) and iSKA (단계적 적응형 세종한국어평가, dangyejeok jeogeunghyeong Sejong Hangugeo Pyeongga, Multi-Stage Adaptive Sejong Korean language Assessment) assess Korean communication skills. The King Sejong Institute Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism organizes both exams. Both exams can evaluate Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, their test formats, question counts, test locations, and conditions for issuing a 성적증명서 (seongjeok jeungmyeongseo, score certificate) differ. This guide covers the differences between the two exams, score systems, registration, at-home test requirements, and how far you can use them for universities and visas in one place.

1. Before You Start

Things to Know First

An SKA or iSKA score alone does not automatically approve a Korean visa or entry into Korea. As of August 2026, more institutions use SKA for admissions, scholarships, hiring, and visa screening. However, unlike TOPIK, it is not an exam that every university, Korean diplomatic mission abroad, and Status of Stay category accepts nationwide. Use your score only when your target university, company, immigration office, or Korean diplomatic mission abroad explicitly states the exact exam name and score.

1-Minute Summary

The King Sejong Institute Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism operates SKA and iSKA.
Based on 2026 administrations, SKA is a hybrid exam that evaluates Listening, Reading, and Writing on paper, and Speaking on the internet.
iSKA is an internet-based test and applies an MST (Multi-Stage adaptive Test) method to Listening and Reading.
SKA has 105 questions, 170 minutes, and 800 points, while the 4-section iSKA has 72 questions, 120 minutes, and 800 points.
The current official assessment levels consist of 6 bands: 초급 하 (Beginner Low), 초급 상 (Beginner High), 중급 하 (Intermediate Low), 중급 상 (Intermediate High), 고급 하 (Advanced Low), and 고급 상 (Advanced High).
Scores are valid for 2 years from the score release date, and you get your score certificate from the official website.
The 2-section iSKA tests only Listening and Reading, and you can only check your score. The Foundation does not issue a score certificate for it.
The 4-section iSKA tests Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing, and you can receive a score certificate.
The August 2026 at-home iSKA required a Windows 10 or higher PC, a webcam, a headset, a smartphone, and a phone stand. Mac could not be used.
Confirmed official use cases in 2026 include 22 domestic and overseas universities and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uzbekistan.
An institution that accepts SKA does not automatically accept iSKA.
You cannot freely replace the EPS-TOPIK for the E-9 Employment Permit System (EPS), regular TOPIK, KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program), or King Sejong Institute course completion with an SKA score.

SKA and iSKA Comparison

Item	SKA	iSKA
Official name	Sejong Korean language Assessment	Multi-Stage Adaptive Sejong Korean language Assessment
English name and abbreviation	Sejong Korean language Assessment, SKA	Official guidance uses the abbreviation iSKA
Administering body	King Sejong Institute Foundation	King Sejong Institute Foundation
Tested sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Core method	Same questions per round, hybrid paper and internet	MST for Listening and Reading, internet-based for Writing and Speaking
Number of questions	105 questions	72 questions for 4 sections
Test time	170 minutes	120 minutes for 4 sections, about 60 minutes for 2 sections
Total score	800 points	800 points for 4 sections
Location	Official domestic and overseas test centers	Official test centers, or internet environments such as at-home depending on the round
Score certificate	Issued when taking all 4 sections	Issued for 4-section type, not issued for 2-section type
Validity period	2 years from score release date	2 years from score release date
Visa use	Cases confirmed at some diplomatic missions and institutions	Requires separate confirmation of acceptance by the institution you submit to

Do not think that the first letter 'i' in iSKA simply means an exam you take at home. Technically, iSKA is a multi-stage adaptive assessment. It can run both as an at-home test and as an in-person test at a test center depending on the round. In March 2026, the King Sejong Institute Foundation explained that it checked operational stability using both at-home and in-person formats.

Who Can Take the Exam?

The Sejong Korean language Assessment Basic Operating Regulations state that anyone who wishes to assess their Korean communication skills can take the exam. However, actual 2026 online registration notices stated that registration is open to individuals 14 years old or older who can sign up for a website account.

General Korean language learners can take the exam even if they are not King Sejong Institute students.
Residents outside Korea can also take the exam at an official test center in their country.
Official rules contain no restrictions on general academic background or holding a Korean visa.
People who received a suspension from taking the exam due to cheating may face restrictions.
During the overseas SKA priority registration period, the Foundation assigns seats first to students of the relevant King Sejong Institute.
In general registration, you can only register for remaining seats.
Overseas exams may restrict test takers traveling from other countries to ensure fair test management.

If someone under 14 years old needs to take the exam, do not register under a parent's name on your own. Contact the test administering institution or the King Sejong Institute Foundation in advance.

2. Exam Structure and Scores

SKA Exam Structure

This is the SKA structure table from the official assessment management regulations.

Section	Question Type	Number of Questions	Time	Score
Listening	Multiple choice	50 questions	50 minutes	200 points
Reading	Multiple choice	50 questions	50 minutes	200 points
Writing	Written response	5 questions	50 minutes	200 points
Speaking	Recorded response	8 questions	20 minutes	200 points
Total		105 questions	170 minutes	800 points

In 2026 administrations, Listening, Reading, and Writing run as a paper-based test (PBT), and Speaking runs as an internet-based test. Domestic exams usually hold all four sections on the same day, while overseas exams may separate the dates for the three paper sections and Speaking.

You cannot choose to take only some sections. The Round 13 notice in 2026 stated explicitly that the Foundation issues score certificates only to test takers who took all four sections.

iSKA Exam Structure

Here is the information summarized in the iSKA structure table from the official assessment management regulations.

Section	Question Type	Number of Questions	Time	Score
Listening	Multiple choice and MST	30 questions	30 minutes	200 points
Reading	Multiple choice and MST	30 questions	30 minutes	200 points
Writing	Written response	4 questions	40 minutes	200 points
Speaking	Recorded response	8 questions	20 minutes	200 points
Total		72 questions	120 minutes	800 points

2-Section Type and 4-Section Type

The Round 5 at-home iSKA notice in 2026 let test takers choose one of the two based on their purpose.

Type	Tested Sections	Time Required	Score Certificate
2-section	Listening and Reading	About 1 hour	Not issued, score check only
4-section	Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing	About 2 hours	Issued

If you need to submit official scores to universities, companies, or diplomatic missions, you must not choose the 2-section type. Unless the receiving institution explicitly states that it accepts a score inquiry screen, you need a 4-section score certificate.

What Is MST?

MST (Multi-Stage adaptive Test) is a multi-stage adaptive method. The difficulty of the next question bundle changes depending on your performance level in the previous stage.

The exam applies MST to Listening and Reading.
Writing and Speaking use the traditional method of presenting the same questions to all test takers.
The specific questions that each person sees in Listening and Reading may differ.
It is difficult to compare raw scores with other test takers simply by the number of correct answers.
You must use the official scoring result and the score on your score certificate.

According to the official FAQ, Listening and Speaking move automatically to the next question after your answer, and you cannot return to previous questions. You cannot go back even if you missed an audio clip or ended a recording early, so familiarize yourself with the controls in advance using the practice screen.

SKA and iSKA Scores and Levels

The current official assessment standards state that the following score bands apply starting from May 28, 2025, the score release date of Round 8 SKA.

Score	Current Displayed Level	Simple Meaning
101~200	초급 하 (Beginner Low)	Very basic communication, such as greetings and self-introductions
201~310	초급 상 (Beginner High)	Using simple complete sentences in familiar daily and public life
311~410	중급 하 (Intermediate Low)	Short paragraph-level communication on daily and familiar social topics
411~520	중급 상 (Intermediate High)	Performing complex functions like comparing, agreeing, and disagreeing in diverse social situations
521~620	고급 하 (Advanced Low)	Systematically reporting and arguing in social, work, and specialized fields
621~800	고급 상 (Advanced High)	Communicating elaborately and fluently even on unfamiliar specialized topics

The official current standards table does not display a separate level name for scores between 0 and 100 points. Do not label it as "failed" or "초급 하 (Beginner Low)" on your own, and check the result on your actual score certificate.

Do Not Confuse It with the Old Level 1 to 6 Table

The attached table of the operating regulations revised in February 2025 on the official website still contains the old "Level 1 to 6" score bands for past comparison. However, the current assessment standards page states explicitly that the new 6 bands apply from May 28, 2025. Therefore, it is safer to follow these principles:

Use the score and level name displayed on your latest score certificate as they are
Do not assume on your own that the past "SKA Level 3" and the current "중급 하 (Intermediate Low)" are identical
If a university or diplomatic mission uses the old level table, check the applicable conversion table with that institution
Do not automatically convert your score into a TOPIK level

Is It the Same Exam as TOPIK?

No. SKA, iSKA, and TOPIK differ in administering bodies, exam structures, score scales, and accepting institutions.

Category	SKA and iSKA	TOPIK
Administering body	King Sejong Institute Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism	Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
Tested sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	TOPIK I and II test Listening, Reading, and Writing; Speaking is a separate test
Total score	800 points total across four sections	200, 300, 400, 600 points, etc., depending on test type
Result system	Currently 초급 하 (Beginner Low) to 고급 상 (Advanced High)	TOPIK I and II Level 1 to 6
General use	Some universities, scholarships, companies, and diplomatic missions	Used more widely for universities, employment, and stay in Korea

The official 2026 press release from the King Sejong Institute Foundation also distinguishes SKA from TOPIK by highlighting the comprehensive assessment across four sections as SKA's strength. You must not use an arbitrarily converted table on visa documents, such as "SKA 중급 상 (Intermediate High) = TOPIK Level 4".

3. 2026 Schedule and At-Home Environment

2026 SKA Schedule

You must check the basic schedule in the King Sejong Institute Foundation Annual Information together with the SKA Latest Notices.

Round	Region	Test Date	Status as of 2026-08-29
Round 11	Overseas	2026-03-14	Finished
Round 12	Overseas	2026-06-06	Finished
Round 12	Domestic	2026-06-13	Finished
Round 13	Overseas paper	2026-09-05	Registration closed, exam upcoming
Round 13	Overseas speaking	One day out of September 6, 12, or 13, 2026, decided by each institution	Check with each institution
Round 13	Domestic	2026-09-19	Registration August 24 to September 6

What to Do When Schedules Disagree

The annual program information page lists Round 13 domestic and overseas exams for September 5. However, the domestic registration notice revised on August 19, 2026 announces the domestic exam as September 19, 13:00~17:20. When dates conflict, the later-published individual notice for that specific round and the 수험표 (suheompyo, admission ticket) take priority.

Latest Information on Round 13 Domestic SKA

This is based on the revised notice dated August 19, 2026.

Test date and time: 2026-09-19 13:00~17:20
Registration period: 2026-08-24 09:00~09-06 23:59(KST)
Correcting your information: 2026-08-24~09-08 18:00(KST)
Registration method: individual online registration on the official SKA website
Eligible test takers: learners of Korean as a foreign language who are 14 years old or older
Test sections: all sections of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Domestic test centers: the open test center at Sinyeon Middle School plus 13 universities, 14 places in total

The 14 test centers listed in the notice are Sinyeon Middle School, Konkuk University, Kyungdong University, Gimhae College, Daegu Haany University, Dongyang University, Dongwon Institute of Science and Technology, Shinhan University, Yeungnam University College, Jungwon University, Chodang University, Chungcheong University, Tech University of Korea, and Handong Global University. Please check the remaining seats on the registration screen and your final admission ticket once more.

Latest Information on Round 13 Overseas SKA

This is based on the overseas registration notice dated July 9, 2026.

Listening, Reading, Writing: 2026-09-05 13:00~16:10, local time
Speaking: one day chosen by the test administering institution among September 6, 12, or 13
Priority registration: July 13~16, students at the relevant King Sejong Institute
General registration: July 20~26, with separate extension notices later
Registration method: individual online registration on the official website
Eligible test takers: King Sejong Institute learners and general Korean language learners who are 14 years old or older
Score certificate: issued only if you take all four sections

Overseas test takers should be especially careful about these points:

Distinguish between the registration deadline shown in KST and the local exam time
Check the Speaking test date with your local test administering institution
Note that registration may be restricted if you are not a resident of that country
Check the official ID regulations and test center locations for each country with the local institution
Note that your registration may be cancelled if you register during priority registration without being eligible

2026 iSKA Schedule

The King Sejong Institute Foundation annual iSKA guide posts the schedule for each round.

Round	Test Date	Status as of 2026-08-29
Round 3	2026-04-18	Finished
Round 4	2026-06-10	Finished
Round 5	2026-08-26	Finished, score release scheduled
Round 6	2026-10-17	Scheduled

As of August 29, 2026, a separate round notice was not confirmed regarding the registration period, whether it is at-home or in-person at a test center, whether 2 or 4 sections are offered, and equipment standards for the Round 6 exam. Do not buy equipment or finalize travel plans based only on annual dates, and wait for the latest notice.

Round 5 At-Home iSKA Case

As the most recent detailed notice, Round 5 in 2026 was run like this.

Registration: July 28~August 4, later extended until August 7
사전점검 (sajeon jeomgeom, the pre-test system check): choose between August 19 or 20
Main test: choose between 10:00 or 14:00 on August 26
Score release: September 30 at 15:00
Location: an independent testing space such as your home
Number of applicants: 400 people for the 2-section type, 300 people for the 4-section type

This information is not a confirmed condition for the next round, but rather "the most recent example of at-home operation". For Round 6 conditions, the new notice will be the standard once it is released.

At-Home iSKA Equipment and Environment

The Round 5 notice also set minimum environment standards.

Equipment	Requirements
Operating system	Windows 10 or higher, Mac OS cannot be used
CPU	Intel Core i3 or higher
Memory	RAM 4GB or higher
Webcam	Built-in or external PC webcam
Headset	Required, microphone required for 4 sections
Smartphone	iOS or Android, used as a second camera for identity checks
Phone stand	To hold the smartphone camera at a fixed angle
Location	Independent space with no entry by others and no noise

You must participate in the pre-test system check using the PC, webcam, microphone, and internet connection you will use for the actual test. Equipment or connection problems caused by not participating in the pre-test system check may be the responsibility of the test taker.

4. Registration and Exam Fee

How to Register

The basic registration procedure is described in the Official Registration Guide.

Sign up as a member on the official SKA website.
Log in.
Go to the test registration menu.
Select the SKA or iSKA currently open for registration.
Select your test center, time, and test type.
Register your identification information and photo.
Check the registration completion screen.
Check your registration history and email again.
Print your admission ticket or check the test instructions.

For overseas tests, the test administering institution in each country may announce separate registration methods. If you do not see the test on the official website, do not register for a test center in another country on your own, and ask your local King Sejong Institute.

Name and ID

Enter your 영문성명 (yeongmun seongmyeong, your name in English letters) exactly as shown on your passport or your country's government-issued ID.
On the day of the test, bring an original ID document that confirms your photo, name in English letters, and date of birth.
If the registration information and the name in English letters on your ID document do not match, you cannot take the test.
For overseas test takers, the list of accepted ID documents from the local test administering institution applies.
For domestic test takers, the official domestic ID regulations apply.

Do not change the order of your names, spacing, hyphens, or Latin alphabet spelling arbitrarily. If you may submit this for a visa, the spelling on your passport and the score certificate must match completely.

Photo Specifications

The notices for Round 13 SKA and Round 5 iSKA in 2026 gave the same specifications.

Taken within 6 months of the registration start date
Full-color, upper body, frontal passport-style photo
3.5cm × 4.5cm
3.2~3.6cm from the top of the head to the chin
Solid white background, no border
Do not cover your face with hair, glasses, hats, or accessories
Do not alter the original image or overly retouch it with software

If you do not register a photo or if identity verification is difficult, taking the test or issuing a score certificate may be restricted.

Correcting Information and Cancelling

In the 2026 notice examples, the scope of correctable information was limited.

Missing parts or typographical errors in your name
Discrepancy in one item among year, month, or day of your date of birth
Error in the order of month and day in your date of birth
Errors in photo specifications

You may need to submit a correction application form and a copy of your ID document to the relevant test administering institution. Changing to another person's information entirely or arbitrarily changing test centers and test types cannot be considered permitted.

The official FAQ states that registration cancellation is only possible during the registration period, and you cannot cancel once the registration period has ended. If you want to register again after cancelling, the registration period must still be open and seats must be available.

Exam Fee and Refunds

The official operating regulations specify that the President of the Foundation sets the examination fee and payment method separately. However, in the Round 13 SKA domestic and overseas notices and the Round 5 at-home iSKA notice checked as of August 29, 2026, an amount applied commonly to all countries and rounds was not stated.

Therefore, it is safer to check the exam fee yourself.

Do not state uniformly that "SKA is free" or "the exam fee is ○ won"
Check the amount for that round on the registration screen and with the test administering institution in each country
Check separately the period when you can cancel and whether you actually get a refund
If the local institution charges a fee, check the currency, payment recipient, and receipt

If someone asks for fees not listed in official notices via personal bank accounts or messaging apps, verify the authenticity with the test administering institution and the King Sejong Institute Foundation first.

5. Exam Day and Scores

Preparing for Exam Day

SKA at an Official Test Center

Original ID document
Admission ticket or registration information
Writing tools guided by the test administering institution
Arriving earlier than the 입실 완료시간 (ipsil wallyo sigan, the entry deadline when you must already be inside the room)
Checking the date, location, and equipment for the Speaking evaluation
Complying with guidelines for storing mobile phones and electronic devices

At-Home iSKA

The Windows PC used during the pre-test system check
Webcam, headset, and microphone
Charged smartphone and stand
Stable wired or high-speed internet
Independent space free from disturbances
Official guidance email and login information
System check before starting

Cheating and Invalid Scores

Official operating regulations specify that if you take the test by dishonest methods or cheat during the evaluation, the test may be stopped and your score may be invalidated. Detailed suspension periods follow the relevant regulations and round notices.

Do not do the following actions:

Having another person take the test for you
Photographing, recording, duplicating, or transmitting exam questions
Posting answers or questions online
Using other people, translation tools, search engines, or AI tools during at-home exams
Using unauthorized electronic devices and reference materials
Placing reference materials or other people in camera blind spots
Forging or altering ID documents or photos

Exam questions are confidential materials as a rule. You must not recreate actual questions even in exam review content.

Checking Your Score and the Score Certificate

This is information provided by the Official Test Taker Guide.

You check your score on the official website at the announced release date and time.
If the release date changes, it will be announced on the website.
Scores are valid for 2 years from the release date.
You get your score certificate from the official website.
The Foundation does not send them individually by mail, fax, or email.
Institutions can check the authenticity of score certificates with the King Sejong Institute Foundation.

If you delete your SKA website account, taking exams and issuing score certificates may become impossible, so please keep your account until all submissions are finished.

6. Visas and Practical Use

Can You Use SKA for a Visa

You can use it in limited cases.

The King Sejong Institute Foundation usage notice dated August 19, 2026 announces that SKA is used as proof of Korean language proficiency for university admissions and scholarships, visa issuance, public institutions, and companies. The current King Sejong Institute Foundation program information page explicitly names the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uzbekistan as a place that uses it for visa issuance.

Let's look at exactly what this means.

There are official cases where SKA was actually used in visa screening.
You cannot generalize the case of one confirmed diplomatic mission to all countries and diplomatic missions.
Required scores may differ depending on visa type, university, nationality, and the applying diplomatic mission.
Even if SKA is accepted as proof of Korean proficiency, you must meet other requirements such as finances, academic background, admission, invitation, and employment.
You must follow the validity period and submission format announced by the diplomatic mission.

Can You Use iSKA for a Visa Too

It is safer to consider it possible only when an institution explicitly accepts "iSKA."

The title and description of the latest usage notice in August 2026 are for "SKA" usage status. A general rule that institutions accepting SKA automatically accept iSKA as well was not confirmed in official materials. In particular, score certificates are not even issued for the 2-section type of iSKA.

Before submitting, ask the following in writing:

Which exam do you accept between SKA and iSKA?
If iSKA is accepted, do you accept only the 4-section score certificate?
What are the required total score, level, and scores by section?
Do you accept the full 2 years of score validity from the release date?
Which submission method do you require: the original document, a printed copy, or 진위확인 (jinwi hwagin, authenticity verification)?

Judgment by Visa

Purpose and Status of Stay	SKA and iSKA Judgment
D-2 Student	Can be used when the university admission criteria and the diplomatic mission you apply to accept it
D-4 General Training (language training)	Used only when the school or diplomatic mission requires it. Because this is a course for coming to learn Korean, it is not always required.
E-9 Non-professional Employment	You cannot replace EPS-TOPIK with SKA or iSKA
E-1 to E-7 professional employment	There is no nationwide common SKA requirement. It centers on job type, employment contract, academic background, and career, and an institution may require it separately.
F-6 Marriage Migrant	Under the current system, King Sejong Institute course completion and an SKA test score are different kinds of proof, so do not confuse them
D-3 Technical Training	The King Sejong Institute Beginner course completion requirement and an SKA score are not automatically the same document
F-5 Permanent Residence and naturalization	The standards of that system, such as KIIP and the social integration evaluation, come first. SKA is not an automatic substitute.

King Sejong Institute Completion Certificates and SKA Are Different

Even when Ministry of Justice standards state course completion, such as 'completion of the 120-hour King Sejong Institute Beginner course', an SKA score does not automatically replace it.

King Sejong Institute completion certificate: proof that you completed a specific curriculum for a set number of hours
SKA and iSKA score certificate: the result of having your Korean language proficiency evaluated in a set exam

If the visa guidance says 'King Sejong Institute completion', you must check whether you can submit a completion certificate instead of an exam score. On the other hand, if it says 'SKA', you must not submit only a general completion certificate.

Use for University Admission and Scholarships

The official notice on where the exam is used from August 2026 disclosed 22 domestic and overseas universities that use SKA.

Domestic: Geoje University, Konkuk University GLOCAL Campus, Kyungwoon University, Kyungin Women's University, Kyungpook National University, Korea University, Kookmin University, Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies (aSSIST), Seoul Institute of the Arts, Sungkyul University, Anyang University, Yonsei University, Yeungnam University College, Wonkwang University, Ewha Womans University, Korea National University of Arts
Overseas: Vanderbilt University, University of Missouri, Vilnius University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, National University of Singapore, HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE)

The purpose of use varies by institution, including admission, scholarships, entering a major, and checking Korean proficiency. You must not conclude that all departments and admission tracks accept SKA simply because an institution is on this list. You must check the exam name and score criteria directly in the application guidelines for the relevant year.

Use by Companies and Public Institutions

Official materials from 2026 present use cases such as KOTRA, Daekyo, POSCO TJ Park Foundation, and Korea National University of Arts AMA+ scholarship recipient selection. There are several ways the exam is used.

Reference for foreign employee hiring or placement
Strengthening and evaluating Korean language skills
Scholarship recipient selection
Checking the level of training and education candidates
Selection for overseas government and cultural institution programs

This does not mean that 'if you have an SKA score, you will receive a Korean work visa.' Company selection and the Status of Stay screening by the Ministry of Justice and Korean diplomatic missions abroad are separate procedures.

Exam Selection Guide

Situation	Recommended Choice
The institution you submit to specifies only SKA	Take SKA
The institution you submit to specifies iSKA 4 sections	Take iSKA 4 sections
You need an official score report	All SKA sections or iSKA 4 sections
You only need a learning diagnosis	iSKA 2 sections is also possible
You need a comprehensive evaluation including Speaking and Writing	SKA or iSKA 4 sections
There is no official SKA test center near your home	Consider an at-home iSKA round, but check the accepting institution
Aiming for E-9 employment	Check EPS-TOPIK procedures, not SKA
The university requires only TOPIK	Do not substitute with SKA or iSKA on your own
Diplomatic mission guidance is vague	Check in writing with the diplomatic mission before registering for the exam

7. Study Strategy

Question Types by Section

This summarizes the Official Question Type Guide by section.

Listening

Identifying the topic, main idea, and details of a story
Choosing the right answer to a question
Matching pictures with spoken utterances
Inferring the location, situation, and purpose of a conversation
Choosing what will be said or done next
Arranging pictures in order

Reading

Identifying the topic, title, and main idea of a text
Determining whether content matches or does not match
Choosing the right vocabulary or content for blank spaces
Inferring the purpose of a text and reader reaction
Connecting pictures and sequence

Writing

Responding after reading a message
Completing an explanatory text
Creating a story from pictures
Writing request and inquiry messages
Stating an argument with supporting evidence

Speaking

Speaking while looking at pictures
Answering questions
Having a conversation while looking at pictures
Creating a story following a picture sequence
Speaking by making comparisons
Role-play
Expressing opinions
Giving a presentation based on materials

How to Study

Common

Study using beginner, intermediate, and advanced functions and topics from the King Sejong Institute curriculum
Do not study the four sections separately. Listen, read, write, and speak about the same topic
Broaden your scope beyond daily life to work, education, society, culture, and specialized topics
Use 'Learn About the Assessment' and 'Practice the Assessment' on the official website
Practice under real test conditions by applying time limits

SKA

Speed practice to solve 50 multiple choice questions in 50 minutes
Training to write written responses by hand for 50 minutes
Managing preparation time and response time before recording Speaking answers
Overseas test takers prepare separately for the paper test date and the Speaking test date

iSKA

Practice screen transitions and typing in Korean
Answer at once with the understanding that you cannot return to previous questions in Listening and Speaking
Focus on the current question without panicking even if the difficulty increases
For at-home tests, prepare for language study and equipment checks with equal importance
Finalize the positions of your webcam, microphone, and the smartphone you use as a second camera during the pre-test system check

Common Mistakes

Thinking that SKA and a King Sejong Institute completion certificate are the same thing
Assuming that an institution that accepts SKA also accepts iSKA
Taking iSKA 2 sections and expecting an official score certificate
Converting an SKA score into a TOPIK level on your own
Looking only at the annual schedule without checking revised notices for each round
Thinking that the overseas SKA Speaking test date is the same as the paper-based test date
Registering with a name in English letters that is different from your passport
Assuming that you can take at-home iSKA on a Mac
Confusing KST for overseas registration times with local time for the actual test
Thinking that university admission acceptance and visa acceptance are the same thing

8. Safety and Official Checks

Preventing Scams

Check whether the official registration address is ska.ksif.or.kr.
Do not believe personal accounts on social media or messaging apps that claim to sell seats or passing scores.
Advance sales of exam questions and answers are very likely cheating or scams.
Reject offers to forge score certificates or alter scores.
Check whether diplomatic missions and universities accept the exam through official emails or notices.
If someone asks for money, compare the institution name, bank account name, receipts, and official notices.
Beware of agencies that promise guaranteed visas, guaranteed passing, or guaranteed scores.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Registering

Which country do you live in?
Is your purpose for taking the exam learning diagnosis, admission, scholarships, employment, or a visa?
Which exam did the institution you submit to specify exactly, SKA or iSKA?
What are the required score, level, and sections?
Do you need a score certificate?
If it is iSKA, should you choose 2 sections or 4 sections?
Is the score release date earlier than your document submission deadline?
Which Korean embassy or consulate general will screen your visa?
Have you confirmed both university acceptance and diplomatic mission acceptance?
In addition to your score, do you meet other requirements such as academic background, finances, an employment contract, and an invitation?

A Safe Order for Checking

Decide your purpose for entering Korea.
Decide the exact visa code, university, and company.
Check the name SKA or iSKA in the latest notice of that institution.
Check the required score, level, validity period, and type of score report.
Check the latest SKA or iSKA notice for that round.
Choose the exam type, test center, and equipment.
Register with your passport information and photo.
Take the exam and receive an official score certificate.
Submit it along with your other admission, employment, and visa documents.

Official Contacts

Official SKA and iSKA website: ska.ksif.or.kr
King Sejong Institute Foundation main phone number: 02-3276-0700
Inquiries about use for hiring, placement, and training: ska@ksif.or.kr (shown in the August 2026 official notice on where the exam is used)
Overseas exams: the official King Sejong Institute or test administering institution in the relevant country
Visa acceptance: the Korean embassy or consulate general where you will actually apply, or the Immigration Contact Center at 1345

Test institutions give information about the exam and scores. Visa authorities decide whether to accept a score and whether to issue a visa. Do not judge visa acceptance based solely on promotional slogans from test institutions.

9. Wrapping Up

In Closing

SKA is a hybrid paper-based and internet-based exam that assesses four sections over 170 minutes, and iSKA applies adaptive technology to Listening and Reading to assess four sections in 120 minutes. If your goal is to submit an official score, choose all four sections of SKA or iSKA 4 sections. Current score levels have 6 bands from 초급 하 (Beginner Low) to 고급 상 (Advanced High), and scores do not automatically convert to TOPIK. Acceptance of SKA does not mean acceptance of iSKA, and you must check the exact exam name and score required for each visa, university, and company. SKA and iSKA are only test scores and do not guarantee a visa, admission, or employment on their own. For details that change often like schedules and conditions, official notices on the day of registration always take priority over this document.

Official Sources

This document was written based on the following official materials:

SKA Program Information (Annual Schedule and Where It Is Used) · King Sejong Institute Foundation
iSKA Program Information (MST and Annual Schedule) · King Sejong Institute Foundation
SKA Official Notices (Notices by Round and Where It Is Used) · King Sejong Institute Foundation
2026 SKA Operations Press Release (2026-03-31) · King Sejong Institute Foundation
SKA and iSKA Assessment Management Regulations · King Sejong Institute Foundation
Current Assessment Standards (Applied from 2025-05-28) · King Sejong Institute Foundation
Official Question Type Guide · King Sejong Institute Foundation
Official Registration Guide · King Sejong Institute Foundation
Official Test Taker Guide · King Sejong Institute Foundation
Official FAQ · King Sejong Institute Foundation

Policies and schedules can change. Always confirm with the official sources before applying or departing.