TOPIK at a Glance: From the Exam to Study and Work

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a national exam for people whose native language is not Korean. It evaluates general Korean language ability. The Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education organizes it. It is used for university admissions and graduation, scholarships, jobs in companies and public institutions, and some Status of Stay reviews. This document covers all three types of TOPIK: the paper test PBT, the computer test IBT, and the separate Speaking Test. It organizes everything in one place, from exam selection and registration to score charts, using your scores, and study strategies.

1. Before You Start

Things to Know First

A TOPIK Level alone does not guarantee university admission, employment, a scholarship, or visa issuance. Each school, company, and government agency has different rules for accepted test types, required Levels, score validity periods, and submission deadlines. You must check the latest application guidelines of your target institution and the rules for each Status of Stay separately.

This document was written on August 29, 2026, after directly checking the official TOPIK website and the latest notices. For schedules and detailed conditions, the newly published notices for each round take priority over this document.

1-Minute Summary

• TOPIK is a general Test of Proficiency in Korean administered by the Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education.
• It is a different exam from EPS-TOPIK, which is the selection test for E-9 under the Employment Permit System (EPS). They do not replace each other automatically.
• TOPIK I is beginner level and awards Level 1 and Level 2. TOPIK II is intermediate to advanced level and awards Levels 3 to 6.
• PBT uses paper test papers and answer sheets. IBT is taken on computers or tablets at designated test centers.
• PBT and IBT have the same national exam validity and Level 1 to 6 system. However, their number of questions, test durations, and score scales are different.
• The Speaking Test is a separate 200-point exam with Levels 1 to 6. It does not automatically replace TOPIK I or TOPIK II scores.
• There are no general restrictions on age, academic background, or visa type for taking the exam. The official FAQ explains that people staying on a tourist visa can also take the exam.
• Scores are valid for 2 years from the score release date.
• In 2026, the exam fee in Korea is 40,000 KRW for PBT TOPIK I, 55,000 KRW for PBT TOPIK II, 70,000 KRW for IBT TOPIK I, 95,000 KRW for IBT TOPIK II, and 80,000 KRW for Speaking.
• Registration dates outside Korea, exam fees, and test centers differ from Korea, so you must check the notice from your local test administering institution.
• The 2026 regulations clearly state that using devices with AI translation or writing features, using hidden cameras or recording devices, and similar acts count as serious cheating.

Differences Between TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK, and KIIP

Category	Main Purpose	Result	Organizer and Operator	Can They Replace Each Other?
TOPIK	General Korean ability evaluation, use for study, work, and stay	Level 1 to 6 and score	Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education	Only if the institution states it accepts it
TOPIK Speaking	Korean spoken communication evaluation	Separate Level 1 to 6 and score	Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education	Does not automatically replace TOPIK I or II
EPS-TOPIK	First-round selection of Employment Permit System (EPS) E-9 foreign workers	Selection score and pass status	Ministry of Employment and Labor, HRD Korea, sending countries	Does not automatically replace general TOPIK
KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program)	Social integration through Korean society understanding and Korean education	Stage, completion, and evaluation results	Ministry of Justice	Separate acceptance criteria apply in stay systems
King Sejong Institute Courses	Korean language and Korean culture education	Course completion and evaluation	King Sejong Institute Foundation	Does not automatically award a TOPIK Level

If your goal is E-9 employment, look at the EPS notice and EPS-TOPIK in your country first, not general TOPIK. If you are preparing for university admission, regular company employment, scholarships, or stay systems that require a TOPIK Level, general TOPIK is the right choice.

Who Can Take the Exam?

The TOPIK Basic Operating Regulations state that anyone who wants their Korean language ability evaluated can take the exam. However, people who received a suspension from taking the exam due to cheating are restricted.

• There is no general age limit.
• There is no education level requirement.
• There is no restriction on your Korean Status of Stay.
• Residents outside Korea can also take the exam through local test administering institutions.
• People staying in Korea on a tourist visa can also take the exam.
• Test takers in Korea need to sign up for membership on the TOPIK website and register online.
• For people under 14 years old, the system may require signing up under a parent's name on the Korean website and then registering with the actual test taker's information.

Being able to take the exam is separate from the legality of your stay in Korea. Being allowed to take the exam does not mean your Period of Stay is extended or that you are granted permission to work.

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Goal	Recommended Exam	Reason
Prove proficiency in 한글 (Hangeul, the Korean alphabet) and basic daily conversation	TOPIK I	Awards Level 1 and Level 2
University degree program admission	Usually TOPIK II	The standard requirement is Level 3 or higher
University graduation	Usually TOPIK II	The standard requirement is Level 4 or higher
Competitive edge for professional jobs and scholarships	TOPIK II	Evaluates Levels 4 to 6
Speaking ability is separately required	TOPIK Speaking	Evaluates actual spoken responses
PBT schedule or seats do not fit your needs	TOPIK IBT	Another test format with the same Level validity
E-9 Employment Permit System employment	Check EPS-TOPIK notices	Its purpose and procedures differ from general TOPIK

If you take TOPIK II and score below 120 points (PBT), you do not drop down to Level 1 or Level 2. Instead, you receive No level awarded. In TOPIK I, you can only receive up to Level 2. If your goal is Level 3 or higher, you must register for TOPIK II from the start.

2. Test Format

What Is the Difference Between PBT and IBT?

Item	PBT	IBT
Method	Paper test papers and answer sheets	Digital devices such as PCs or tablets at designated test centers
Validity	National TOPIK	Same validity and Level system as PBT
TOPIK I Total Score	200 points	400 points
TOPIK II Total Score	300 points	600 points
TOPIK I Duration	100 minutes	70 minutes
TOPIK II Duration	180 minutes, two sessions	125 minutes, no break
Writing Input	Written directly on the answer sheet	Typed using digital devices
Exam Fee in Korea	40,000 KRW / 55,000 KRW	70,000 KRW / 95,000 KRW

IBT is different from an online exam taken at home. You attend a designated test center equipped with an internet test environment and take the exam under supervision. PBT scores and IBT scores use different scales. Do not compare raw scores directly. Instead, compare your Level and the test format on your 성적증명서 (seongjeok jeungmyeongseo, score certificate).

TOPIK I PBT Structure

Section	Questions	Time	Points
Listening	30 questions	40 minutes	100 points
Reading	40 questions	60 minutes	100 points
Total	70 questions	100 minutes	200 points

In Korea, the test schedule is generally entering the room by 09:20, starting at 10:00, and ending at 11:40. Overseas, the local test administering institution announces the schedule.

TOPIK I PBT Levels

Result	Total Score
No level awarded	0~79 points
Level 1	80~139 points
Level 2	140~200 points

TOPIK II PBT Structure

Section	Questions	Time	Points
Listening	50 questions	60 minutes	100 points
Writing	4 questions	50 minutes	100 points
Reading	50 questions	70 minutes	100 points
Total	104 questions	180 minutes	300 points

In Korea, for Session 1, you must enter the room by 12:20 and take Listening and Writing from 13:00 ~ 14:50. For Session 2, you must re-enter the room by 15:10 and take Reading from 15:20 ~ 16:30. If you miss the 입실 완료시간 (ipsil wallyo sigan, the entry deadline, meaning the time by which you must already be inside the exam room), you cannot take the exam.

TOPIK II PBT Levels

Result	Total Score
No level awarded	0~119 points
Level 3	120~149 points
Level 4	150~189 points
Level 5	190~229 points
Level 6	230~300 points

Levels are not decided by adding up minimum scores for each section. Instead, your Level is decided by the total score range in the official table. However, universities or companies may set their own requirements for scores in specific sections, so check the criteria of the institution where you submit your score.

TOPIK I IBT Structure and Levels

Section	Questions	Time	Points on the Scale
Listening	26 questions	30 minutes	200 points
Reading	26 questions	40 minutes	200 points
Total	52 questions	70 minutes	400 points

Result	Total Score
No level awarded	0~120 points
Level 1	121~235 points
Level 2	236~400 points

In Korea, entry starts at 08:30 and must be finished by 08:50, and you take the exam from 09:30~10:40. Practice moving between screens, controlling audio, and selecting answers in advance on the official IBT practice page.

TOPIK II IBT Structure and Levels

Section	Questions	Time	Points on the Scale
Listening	30 questions	35 minutes	200 points
Reading	30 questions	40 minutes	200 points
Writing	3 questions	50 minutes	200 points
Total	63 questions	125 minutes	600 points

Result	Total Score
No level awarded	0~190 points
Level 3	191~290 points
Level 4	291~360 points
Level 5	361~430 points
Level 6	431~600 points

In Korea, entry starts at 12:00, and you must enter by the entry deadline at 12:20. The exam runs from 13:00~15:05. There is no break between the three sections. For Writing, if you are not used to typing in Korean and operating the screen, you may run out of time regardless of your language skills.

TOPIK Speaking Test

The TOPIK Speaking Test evaluates your Korean communication skills separately from TOPIK I and TOPIK II. It has 6 questions, lasts 30 minutes in total, and is worth 200 points. Your score is valid for 2 years from the score release date. The exam fee in Korea is 80,000 KRW.

Question	Type	Preparation Time	Response Time
1	Answering a question	20 seconds	30 seconds
2	Playing a role based on a picture	30 seconds	40 seconds
3	Telling a story based on a picture	40 seconds	60 seconds
4	Completing a conversation	40 seconds	60 seconds
5	Interpreting data	70 seconds	80 seconds
6	Giving your opinion	70 seconds	80 seconds

Speaking Levels

Result	Score
No level awarded	0~19 points
Level 1	20~49 points
Level 2	50~89 points
Level 3	90~109 points
Level 4	110~129 points
Level 5	130~159 points
Level 6	160~200 points

The evaluation factors are content and task performance, language use, and delivery of speech. Rather than simply having accurate grammar, it is important to speak enough content that answers the question, organize it logically, and deliver it with understandable pronunciation, intonation, and a natural speed.

Starting July 6, 2026, the Speaking score certificate shows only the scale score and the level. It does not show the percentile. Both the old form and the new form have normal validity, but check first whether the organization you submit to requires the score or the level. Source: Speaking Score Certificate Change Notice

3. Schedule and Registration

2026 Full Exam Schedule

These are the registration dates and exam dates in South Korea shown on the TOPIK Official Schedule as of August 29, 2026. Exam dates outside Korea may differ by one day depending on the region. The registration period outside Korea is set separately by the local test administering institution.

PBT

Round	Registration in Korea	Exam Date in Korea	Score Release
Round 104	2025-12-09~12-15	2026-01-11	2026-02-12
Round 105	2026-01-27~02-02	2026-04-12	2026-05-29
Round 106	2026-03-10~03-16	2026-05-17	2026-06-25
Round 107	2026-05-12~05-18	2026-07-05	2026-08-13
Round 108	2026-08-04~08-12	2026-10-18	2026-12-10
Round 109	2026-09-01~09-07	2026-11-15	2026-12-22

IBT

Round	Registration in Korea	Exam Date in Korea	Score Release
Round 11	2025-12-16~12-22	2026-02-28	2026-03-20
Round 12	2026-01-13~01-19	2026-03-21	2026-04-10
Round 13	2026-04-07~04-13	2026-06-13	2026-07-03
Round 14	2026-07-07~07-13	2026-09-12	2026-10-02
Round 15	2026-08-18~08-24	2026-10-24	2026-11-13
Round 16	2026-09-15~09-21	2026-11-28	2026-12-18

Speaking Test

Round	Registration in Korea	Exam Date	Score Release
Round 10	2026-01-13~01-19	2026-03-21	2026-04-13
Round 11	2026-04-07~04-13	2026-06-13	2026-07-06
Round 12	2026-08-18~08-24	2026-10-24	2026-11-16

Schedules may change or be cancelled due to natural disasters, local situations, or test center operations. Open the official schedule page again to check before you register.

Differences Between Registration in Korea and Registration Outside Korea

Taking the Exam in South Korea

• You register online after signing up for an account on the TOPIK registration system in Korea.
• The dates, regional split registration periods, and payment deadlines in the South Korean notice apply.
• The exam fees and refund standards for Korea apply.
• Test centers may close early if many applicants register at once.
• Mobile registration is not supported, and the latest notice recommends using a PC and the Chrome browser.

Taking the Exam Outside South Korea

• You usually register through official test administering institutions such as the Korean Education Center, embassy, or university in that country, not through the TOPIK website.
• Registration dates, costs, currencies, photo and ID requirements, and refund methods differ by country.
• You must not assume that the dates are the same as the registration dates in Korea.
• The 2026-08-26 Round 15 IBT Notice for Outside Korea advises applicants to register through local test administering institutions and check with those institutions for changes.

Reserving a seat in Korea from overseas through register.topik.go.kr and registering for an exam in your own country are different procedures. You must first check which country you are in to find the right path.

Online Registration Steps in South Korea

1. Sign up for an account on the TOPIK website and log in.
2. Select the exam type and TOPIK I or II.
3. Enter your 영문성명 (yeongmun seongmyeong, your name in English letters), date of birth, and gender.
4. Select a test center.
5. Upload a standard photo and register additional information.
6. Select a payment method.
7. Pay the exam fee within the deadline.
8. Check your registration details in 마이페이지 (My Page, your personal page on the website).
9. Print your 수험표 (suheompyo, admission ticket).

Based on the Round 109 notice, one person must use only one ID. The notice states that it is possible to apply for both TOPIK I and II at the same test center with one ID. However, you should check the actual exam times and whether you can move between rooms in time. Using automated macro programs, mass registrations, temporary email addresses, and repeated seat holding can lead to account suspension, registration cancellation, or a criminal complaint.

Information to Prepare Before Registration

• Your English name that matches your 규정 신분증 (gyujeong sinbunjeung, approved ID) exactly
• Date of birth and gender
• An email address and mobile phone number where you can actually be reached
• Target exam and level
• Desired region and candidate test centers
• Standard photo file
• A card that can make payments in Korea, or a payment method to transfer money to a 가상계좌 (gasang gyejwa, virtual bank account)
• The score arrival deadline required by the organization you are submitting to

After you select a test center, it is difficult to change your English name, date of birth, or gender right away. If you entered information incorrectly, do not add different information on your own. Check the correction period and allowed scope for that round first.

Photo Specifications

Photo standards for registration in Korea are listed in the TOPIK Official FAQ.

• 3.5cm wide × 4.5cm tall
• 200KB or less
• JPG or JPEG
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Front-facing face photo with a white background
• Follows the Ministry of Justice photo standard for foreigner registration

Your photo appears on your admission ticket and score certificate. If your photo does not meet the standards or is judged different from your real face on exam day, you may face penalties such as not being allowed to take the exam or having your score invalidated. Registration websites in different countries may set different file sizes or submission methods.

Why Your Name and ID Are Most Important

On the day of the exam, if the English name on your approved ID and the English name on your admission ticket differ even slightly, you cannot take the exam. This is the rule in the latest 2026 notice in Korea.

• Enter the Roman letter spelling and order exactly as shown in your passport.
• Do not change spaces, hyphens, or the order of your first and last name on your own.
• Check your passport expiration date before registering.
• If you receive a new passport and your name spelling changes, ask immediately whether correction is possible.
• Check local approved IDs that include your photo, English name, and date of birth.

The official FAQ states that people staying on a tourist visa can also take the exam if they verify their identity with an unexpired passport. For applicants outside Korea, the ID list from the local institution takes priority.

4. Fees, Refunds, and Support

Exam Fees and Payment

Exam	Exam Fee in Korea
TOPIK I PBT	40,000 KRW
TOPIK II PBT	55,000 KRW
TOPIK I IBT	70,000 KRW
TOPIK II IBT	95,000 KRW
TOPIK Speaking	80,000 KRW

Based on the Round 109 notice for PBT in Korea, your registration will be cancelled if you do not select a payment method within 1 hour after registering. The notice states that credit cards must be paid within 1 hour after registration. For virtual bank accounts, payment must be completed by 23:59:59 on the same day if conditions are met. Overseas remittances and cards issued outside Korea cannot be used for registration payments in Korea.

These payment deadlines may change depending on the exam round. Selecting a test center without paying is not a completed registration.

Refunds

Refund rates and deadlines follow each exam round notice. These are the refund stages set by the Round 109 notice for PBT in Korea.

Stage	Application Period	Refund Rate
Stage 1	2026-09-01~09-07 10:00:00	100%
Stage 2	2026-09-07 after 10:00~09-14	50%
Stage 3	2026-09-15~11-14 13:00	40%

Log in and apply for a refund under Registration Status on My Page. Once a refund is completed, you cannot cancel it, and you cannot take the exam with that registration. Depending on your payment method and bank processing, it may take several business days to receive your money. For refunds outside Korea, the rules of the local test administering institution take priority.

Changing Your Test Center and Correcting Your Information

Based on the Round 109 announcement, you can change your test center up to 5 times during the registration period to a test center with remaining seats at the same exam level (TOPIK I or TOPIK II). If you want to change the exam level itself, you must get a refund and register again.

Even if you edit your member information after the registration period ends, your submitted exam registration information does not change. During the correction period for each round, go through 'Registration Status → Apply to Correct Applicant Information'. The scope of corrections is limited, and changes may be impossible after the correction period passes.

Special Accommodations for People with Disabilities

In the Republic of Korea, special accommodations are for persons with disabilities under the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities. They are also for people who have real difficulty taking the exam because of an external physical disability. The organizer reviews whether to provide support, based on your supporting documents.

• Complete your online registration first.
• Submit the application form and original supporting documents within the deadline in the round announcement.
• Whether support can be provided is announced separately after a document review.
• Support related to enlarged-print question papers, a separate exam room, time, or equipment is not automatically guaranteed for each individual.

Round 109 required the documents to arrive within 5 business days after the registration deadline. If you need support, contact the TOPIK Center first before you register.

5. Test Day

What to Bring on Exam Day

• A valid original approved ID for that round
• Admission ticket
• Writing and correction tools permitted by the announcement
• Test center location and transportation details
• A plan to arrive well before the entry deadline

Copies, mobile phone photos, and expired IDs may not be accepted. Approved IDs can differ depending on whether you take the exam in Korea or outside Korea, and whether you are an adult or a minor, so print out the announcement for that round and check it.

Entering the Room and Leaving Early

As a rule, you cannot enter the exam room after the entry deadline. You cannot leave freely after the exam starts. If you unavoidably leave the exam room before the end, you must wait in a designated space until the exam ends, and your score is invalidated.

The official page instructs you to complete entry by 40 minutes before the exam starts for the IBT and the TOPIK Speaking Test. Checking the test center building, transportation, your seat, and identity verification takes time, so travel based on the 'entry deadline', not the 'exam start time'.

Electronic Devices You Cannot Bring In

The 2026 announcement in Korea tells test takers not to bring any electronic or communication device into the exam room. Storing a device in a random place is also not allowed. You must hand your devices in, following the instructions of the 감독관 (gamdokgwan, the invigilator who supervises the exam room). This rule covers all such devices, including the ones below:

• Mobile phones
• Analog and electronic wristwatches
• Smartwatches and smart glasses
• Earphones, recording devices, and cameras
• Power banks
• E-cigarettes
• Similar devices with storage, communication, payment, charging, or electronic screen functions

If you keep an unsubmitted device or use it during break time, it can be treated as cheating. Even with submitted devices, you may face penalties if noise or operation is detected, so turn the power off completely.

2026 Cheating Standards

Current official regulations set different levels of sanctions depending on the seriousness of the act.

Sanction	Examples
Exam stopped or score invalidated	Writing answers outside the allowed time, failing to submit prohibited devices, refusing identity checks or belongings inspection, exchanging items
Score invalidated + 2-year suspension from taking the exam, starting from the date of the decision	Sharing answers, communicating, using unauthorized materials, recording, photographing, or releasing questions or answers, forging or altering documents or score reports, using AI-enabled devices
Score invalidated + 4-year suspension from taking the exam, starting from the date of the decision	Asking someone to take the exam for you, or taking the exam in someone else's place

The latest Basic Operating Regulations, in effect since February 1, 2026, clearly state serious types of cheating. These include disguised recording or filming devices, devices with AI translation or writing functions, keyboard and mouse actions unrelated to the test during the IBT, and using AI translation, writing, or deepfake technology. Cases found after the exam are also subject to administrative penalties, and actual advance notices and decision notices were posted in July and August 2026.

Common Mistakes When Filling In the PBT Answer Sheet

• Marking outside the designated area
• Marking two answers for one question
• Leaving unclear correction marks
• Failing to match the required length and format for Writing answers
• Violating the time limits for each section, such as solving the Reading section during Listening time
• Continuing to write after the exam ends

Even if you know the correct answer, you cannot get points if the machine does not read the answer sheet accurately. Practice within time limits using official past exam questions and answer sheets in the actual format.

6. Section Prep and Study Strategy

TOPIK II Writing Preparation

PBT Writing consists of a total of 4 questions, from short sentence completion to data explanation and logical essay writing. To get high-level scores, maintain essay structure and accuracy rather than just using many difficult words.

• Include all content required by the question
• Connect the introduction, main reasons, examples, and conclusion logically
• Use written-style and formal expressions
• Ensure accurate spelling, word spacing, and grammar
• Accurately describe numbers, changes, and comparisons in the data
• Follow the required length and the rules for writing on 원고지 (wongoji, Korean manuscript paper)
• Do not write memorized model answers that do not fit the topic

Because IBT Writing uses computer typing, you need to practice switching to the Korean keyboard, editing, structuring paragraphs, and managing time limits. You cannot use external spell checkers or AI tools in the test center.

Listening Preparation

• Practice quickly reading question answer choices beforehand
• Take notes on numbers, dates, prices, locations, reasons, and intentions
• Learn expressions from news, lectures, and debates, not just daily conversations
• Move to the next question immediately even if you miss one question
• Practice with the actual exam audio speed and the condition of playing only once
• Prepare for the test center speaker environment, not just earphones

Advanced Listening is different from a test where you translate every single word. It is a test to understand the speaker's purpose, attitude, supporting reasons, and discourse structure.

Reading Preparation

• Solve grammar and vocabulary questions quickly and accurately
• Master solving methods by question type, including title, main topic, main point, and sentence arrangement
• Understand paragraph structure using connecting words and reference words
• For long passages, check the questions first and then find the necessary supporting evidence
• Do not spend too much time on a single unfamiliar word
• Organize vocabulary from recurring topics in past exams, such as society, education, environment, science, and economy

In TOPIK II, failing to manage time lowers your level significantly. Try solving an entire section within the actual time limit once a week.

Speaking Preparation

• Note down only 3~5 keywords during preparation time
• Answer the question directly in your first sentence
• Add reasons and concrete examples
• For data questions, explain in the order of overall trend, key figures, and comparisons
• For opinion questions, use the structure of claim, reason, example, and conclusion
• Maintain understandable pronunciation and a steady speed rather than perfect pronunciation
• Record your voice, and check yourself for missed tasks, silence, and repeated words

It is safer to connect short, accurate sentences logically than to memorize long sentences and get cut off while speaking.

Official Study Materials

These services are available in the TOPIK Official Study Menu.

• Practice TOPIK Past Exam Questions
• Practice TOPIK Basics
• Try the TOPIK IBT
• Practice and Try the TOPIK Speaking Test
• Video lectures
• Today's TOPIK
• Study materials archive

'TOPIK Basics' is a learning and diagnostic service, not a separate qualification exam that issues official TOPIK I or II score certificates. For past exam questions, use only officially released materials, not illegally leaked materials.

Study Strategy for Each Target Level

Levels 1~2

• Make reading and writing Hangeul automatic
• Everyday vocabulary, numbers, time, places, transportation, and shopping
• Basic particles, tenses, honorifics, and connecting expressions
• Repetition of short notices and daily conversations

Levels 3~4

• General vocabulary for university classes and workplace life
• Summarizing news articles and explanatory texts
• Basic structures for each TOPIK II Writing question type
• Time management for an entire exam set
• If you aim for Level 4, secure extra points to prepare for test day variations instead of aiming for exactly 150 points

Levels 5~6

• Abstract and academic topics and 한자어 (hanjaeo, Korean words that come from Chinese characters)
• Identifying the author's attitude and logical development
• Data interpretation and argumentative writing
• Essay correction by error type
• Record your weak areas for each exam and focus on improving them

A 12-Week Study Example

Period	Goal
Weeks 1~2	Take 1 official diagnostic or past exam, and check your target level and weak areas
Weeks 3~5	Organize core vocabulary and grammar, and review basic question types for each section
Weeks 6~8	Practice timing for Listening and Reading, and get feedback on Writing or Speaking
Weeks 9~10	Take full-length mock exams with real time limits, and categorize reasons for wrong answers
Week 11	Focus on strengthening weak question types, and practice test center procedures and IBT screens
Week 12	Complete 1~2 full practice runs, and do final checks on sleep, travel, ID, and admission ticket

The gap between your current skill and your target level is more important than the time left until the exam. If beginners aim for Level 6 in a short period, they become vulnerable to shortcut materials or scams that promise a guaranteed pass.

7. Scores and How to Use Them

Score Release and the Score Certificate

You can check your score on the TOPIK website around 15:00 on the announced release date. The date and time of the release can change depending on circumstances.

• Members in Korea: Check Score Status on My Page after logging in
• Exam rounds with a score check menu without login: Look up with your test information
• You print the score certificate yourself directly from the website.
• As a rule, they do not send score certificates to individuals by postal mail, email, or fax.
• Organizations can use the 진위확인 (jinwi hwagin, authenticity verification) service for score certificates.
• An error in your English name can create an identity mismatch problem at the organization you submit to.

The latest official notice in Korea states that you cannot look up scores or print score certificates after the validity period expires. Do not delay submitting your results after the score release. Submit them to the necessary organizations within the validity period.

How to Calculate Your Score Validity Period

TOPIK scores are valid not from the exam date but for 2 years from the score release date.

For example, Round 109 scores released on December 22, 2026 are calculated as valid until December 22, 2028 in principle. However, read the application guidelines to check whether the organization you submit to uses "valid on the application deadline", "valid on the admission date", or "valid on the document submission date".

Printing your score certificate in advance does not extend its validity period. If expiration is near, count backwards to check if the score release of the next exam comes out before your submission deadline.

Using TOPIK for University Admission and Graduation

The Government Study in Korea TOPIK Information introduces general standards for regular degree programs taught in Korean at general universities.

• Admission: TOPIK II Level 3 or higher
• Graduation: TOPIK II Level 4 or higher

This standard is not forced on every university and department. It can be different for graduate schools, arts and physical education majors, exchange students, government-invited scholarship students, foreign-government-supported scholarship students, Korean language training courses, English-only programs, and other cases. Universities may require Level 4 or Level 5, or they may accept their own Korean test or course completion instead.

Things to Check Before Applying to a University

• Does the university accept both PBT and IBT?
• Do you need a Speaking score separately?
• At which point must your score be valid: application date, admission date, or graduation date?
• Is there conditional admission or a Korean language course after admission?
• Are there higher standards for specific majors?
• Are there scholarships based on TOPIK levels?

Using TOPIK for Employment

The official TOPIK page introduces employment at domestic and international companies and public institutions as a major use. In actual hiring, requirements differ depending on the job and company.

• Korean customer service, sales, and office jobs: They may evaluate your practical speaking and writing skills together.
• Research and technical jobs: They may value your major, career experience, and English skills more than TOPIK.
• Public institutions and licensed jobs: Job notices clearly state accepted exams, levels, and validity periods.
• Overseas branches of Korean companies: They may give preference for TOPIK, but they may also conduct their own interviews.

'TOPIK Level 6 = guaranteed job' is not true. On the other hand, even if a job notice does not require a specific level, employers can check your actual ability through Korean interviews and business writing.

Using TOPIK for Visas, Permanent Residence, and Stay

TOPIK can be used as proof of Korean proficiency or as a scoring item in the points-based system in some stay systems related to employment, job seeking, residency, and permanent residence. However, accepted levels, alternative methods, validity periods, and requirements for income, education, and career differ for each Status of Stay.

It is safer to follow the checking steps one by one.

1. Check the exact Status of Stay and detailed type you will apply for.
2. Check the latest guidance for each stay status on HiKorea as of your application date.
3. Check which scores among TOPIK PBT, IBT, and Speaking are accepted.
4. Check alternative proof of Korean language proficiency, such as KIIP.
5. Check finally with the immigration office in charge or the Immigration Contact Center at 1345.

Visas are not issued based on TOPIK scores alone. Full requirements for each visa are covered in visa-related documents, and this document explains only the role of Korean language proof.

Using TOPIK for GKS and Scholarships

TOPIK can be used for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) selection, exemption from Korean language training, academic management, or university scholarships. Detailed scores and exemption standards follow the GKS notice for each recruitment year and course first.

The official TOPIK Speaking page introduces one use case. It is giving 3 bonus points across the board for Speaking Level 4 or higher in the GKS selection for outstanding self-funded students (우수자비). You must not broaden this into a common rule for all GKS courses or all scholarships.

8. FAQ and Safety

Which Is Better for You, PBT or IBT?

People Who Are More Likely to Suit PBT

• People who are used to reading long texts on paper and marking them
• People whose handwriting is fast and steady
• People who prefer a relatively lower exam fee
• People who have a nearby PBT test center and schedule

People Who Are More Likely to Suit IBT

• People who are fast at reading on screens and typing in Korean
• People who prefer a shorter exam time and taking the exam in one continuous session
• People who need scores before the PBT schedule
• People who have no problems with operations in the official IBT trial

The level validity of both exams is the same. However, if you are worried about whether the computer system of the organization you submit to can process the new IBT score certificate, contact the organization before registering.

Frequently Asked Questions

If You Get 200 Points in TOPIK I, Is It Level 3?

No. The highest level in TOPIK I is Level 2. You must take TOPIK II for Levels 3 to 6.

If You Get 119 Points in TOPIK II, Is It Level 2?

No. In TOPIK II PBT, a score below 120 points receives No level awarded.

Is 300 Points in IBT the Same as 300 Points in PBT?

No. TOPIK II IBT is on a 600-point scale, and PBT is on a 300-point scale. They apply their own level tables separately.

If You Get Level 4 in Speaking, Is It TOPIK II Level 4?

No. They are different scores. Check the exam required by the organization you submit to.

Can You Take the Exam Without a Korean Visa?

You can take the exam at test administering institutions outside Korea. In Korea, according to the official FAQ, you can also take the exam on a tourist visa. However, you must enter and stay in Korea legally.

If You Pass the Exam, Do You Automatically Get Accepted into a Korean University or Company?

No. TOPIK is one proof of Korean language proficiency.

Can You Use a Printed Score Certificate After the Validity Period Expires?

In principle, it is not recognized as a valid TOPIK score. Check the standards of the organization you submit to and prepare for a new exam.

Can You Take the IBT at Home?

No. You must attend a designated test center and take the exam on digital devices under supervision.

Where Can You Get Official Past Exam Questions?

Use the public past questions and trial service on the study menu of the TOPIK website. Selling leaked questions on social media carries risks of scams and cheating.

Preventing Scams and Illegal Agents

The official TOPIK website warns that advertisements asking for money on social media have increased. These ads use having someone take the exam in your place, providing exam questions, registering on your behalf, and a guaranteed pass as bait.

If you see phrases like these in an advertisement, it is a warning sign:

• "100% guaranteed pass"
• "Providing real questions before the exam"
• "Another person takes the exam for you"
• "Solving IBT with a secret program"
• "Securing a seat by paying an official institution employee"
• "Score certificate can be modified"

Leaking questions, having someone take the exam in your place, and forging score certificates can lead to suspension from taking the exam and to criminal problems. Use your own account and official test administering institutions for registration. When sending money, compare the institution name, domain, and notice link.

Official Ways to Check

What to Check	Official Source	Basis and Use
Exam purpose, target test-takers, validity period	TOPIK Exam Overview	Current standing information
Full 2026 schedule	TOPIK Exam Schedule	Viewed 2026-08-29
PBT time, levels, exam fees	TOPIK PBT Information	Current standing information
IBT time, validity, exam fees	TOPIK IBT Information	Current standing information
Speaking questions, evaluation, levels	TOPIK Speaking Information	Current standing information
Number of questions, levels, cheating across the three exams	TOPIK Basic Operating Regulations	Latest listed revision 2026-02-01
Latest detailed registration conditions in Korea	Round 109 PBT Registration Notice in Korea	2026-08-24
Principles for IBT registration outside Korea	Round 15 IBT Registration Notice Outside Korea	2026-08-26
Speaking score certificate changes	Score Certificate Change Notice	2026-07-03
Registration procedure	How to Apply for the Exam	Current standing information
Photo, score, passport FAQ	TOPIK FAQ	Current standing information
General standards for university admission and graduation	Study in Korea TOPIK Information	Government portal of the National Institute for International Education
Official study, past questions, and trial	TOPIK Study Menu	Link to the official study menu

9. Wrapping Up

Final Checklist

Before Registering

• Did you check the exam and level required by your target organization?
• Did you check whether PBT, IBT, and Speaking are accepted?
• Did you check if the score release date is earlier than your submission deadline?
• Did you distinguish between test administering institutions in Korea and outside Korea?
• Does your English name match your passport completely?
• Did you prepare a standard photo taken within the last 6 months with a white background?
• Did you prepare candidate test centers and a payment method?
• If you need special accommodations, did you inquire in advance?

After Registering

• Did you check your completed payment and registration details?
• Did you check the admission ticket print date?
• Did you check the deadline for information correction?
• Did you check the travel route to your test center and the entry deadline?
• Did you try the official past questions, IBT trial, and Speaking trial?

On Exam Day

• Do you have a valid original approved ID?
• Do you have your admission ticket?
• Did you prepare permitted writing and correction tools?
• Did you turn off electronic devices and submit them according to invigilator instructions?
• Did you follow the time for each section and the invigilator instructions?

After the Score Release

• Did you check your score, level, and English name?
• Did you check how to print score certificates and verify authenticity?
• Did you record the 2-year validity period from the release date?
• Did you submit it to your university, company, or government office on time?
• If you fell short of your goal, did you count backwards to find the next registration date?

In Closing

TOPIK is a national exam that shows your Korean proficiency, but it is not an automatic approval letter for studying abroad, employment, or visas. First check the exam and level required by your target organization, distinguish between the different score tables of PBT, IBT, and Speaking, and register based on the latest official notice for your country and round. For details that change frequently, such as schedules, exam fees, and registration conditions, the official notice on the day you register always takes priority over this document.

Official Sources

This document was written based on the following official materials:

• TOPIK Exam Overview · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK Exam Schedule · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK PBT Information · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK IBT Information · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK Speaking Test Information · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK Basic Operating Regulations (Revised 2026-02-01) · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• Round 109 PBT Registration Notice in Korea (2026-08-24) · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• Round 15 IBT Registration Notice Outside Korea (2026-08-26) · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• Speaking Score Certificate Change Notice (2026-07-03) · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• How to Apply for the TOPIK Exam · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK FAQ · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education
• Study in Korea TOPIK Information · National Institute for International Education
• TOPIK Official Study Menu · Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education