Your Guide to TOPIK in Korea

Test of Proficiency in Korean, also known as TOPIK, is the only official Korean language evaluation system managed and recognized by the Korean government. Expats in Korea as well as other foreigners interested in visiting the country, are usually well familiar with the program due to its importance for many aspects of life here. Although being fully fluent in Korean is rarely a requirement for coming to or staying in Korea per se, good command of the local language can open many doors in terms of career, academic, and even residential possibilities. That is why, taking the test is essential if you want to upgrade your status as a foreigner living in Korea. However, with the exam being lengthy and competitive, many applicants struggle with understanding the registration and preparation process surrounding it. From benefits of the certificate to time management, we have summarized everything you need to know about TOPIK in this article.

Why Should I Take TOPIK?

There are three main reasons why foreigners resort to taking the TOPIK test. First of all, similarly to other language certificates and their use around the world, TOPIK plays an important role in the university life of foreign students in Korea. Although each university has its own rules regarding admission and graduation, it is not uncommon to see having a certain level of TOPIK listed among those requirements. For example, officially, those who apply for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) do not need to submit a TOPIK score, but in reality, presenting this certificate significantly increases your chances of passing the selection round. Especially, TOPIK Level 5 holders are allowed to skip the year-long language course, which is otherwise mandatory for the program, thus saving themselves some precious time of the study process. In the case of KGSP, TOPIK Level 5 adds financial benefits to the basic monthly allowance, too. Secondly, having a valid TOPIK certificate is crucial for working in Korea, whether it be a part-time or a full-time job. The higher their test score is, the easier international students can obtain a part-time job permit in Korea. Not to mention, different TOPIK levels correspond with different rights regarding working hours for part-timers. When it comes to working in Korea as a foreigner full time, language proficiency is also always positively reviewed by employers. Lastly, taking TOPIK is vital when applying for residency here, considering the points necessary to apply for F-2-7 Visa (Long-Term Residency Visa). Successfully completing the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) gives you ten additional points out of a total of 80. Consisting of seven steps to go through, KIIP itself is a pretty long process, but, luckily, high TOPIK scores allow you to skip certain levels, saving you up to 435 hours of attendance!

What to Expect on the Test?

TOPIK consists of six levels, with Level 6 being the highest. However, the terms TOPIK 1 and TOPIK 2 might be confusing to some because they commonly apply not only to the language proficiency levels but also to the types of tests. That being said, TOPIK 1 usually refers to the test that includes Levels 1-2, while TOPIK 2 is an advanced test system for Levels 4-6. Generally, the levels available in the first test are beginner level of language comprehension, therefore, they do not really provide much of the aforementioned benefits. In contrast, the levels evaluated through the second test go from intermediate to advanced, and are what you need to aim for if you want to have a certificate that you can actually put into use. The good thing about TOPIK, as opposed to KIIP, is that you do not need to take the test for each level consequently, e.g. if you are feeling prepared enough, you can directly apply for the second test, without having to submit any previous Korean language transcripts. 

Another major difference between the two TOPIK exams is the components that are being tested. TOPIK 1 has only two parts, listening and reading, and the total time for completing the test is 100 min. Test-takers are given 40 min for the listening section, which has 40 questions, and 40 min for the reading section, which has 40 questions. On the contrary, the duration of TOPIK 2 is much longer - 180 min, divided into three components, listening, writing, and reading. In the listening section, 60 mins are given to answer 50 questions. Then, applicants need to complete four writing assignments in 50 mins. Although the ratio between time and questions seems more than enough, this is the part where most applicants fail due to the complicated nature of the writing topics, so it should not be overlooked when preparing for the exam. After a short break, the test proceeds with the reading section which is 70 min-long and includes 50 questions. Finally, TOPIK certificates are valid for two years only and the exam needs to be retaken after that.

How to Register for the Test?

Photo by: thisisengineering

Registration for the test is slightly different in Korea and overseas. The first and major difference is how frequently the test is held in each country. Naturally, Korea has the largest number of test dates in comparison to other places. However, the registration process in Korea, and particularly in Seoul, is highly competitive nonetheless. As the registration period and test dates are uploaded in advance on TOPIK’s official website, we strongly recommend you sign up for the test as early as possible, in order to increase the chances of taking the exam at the venue closest to you. A convenient location is vital because arriving late at the test site results in being irreversibly disqualified. In addition, registration for taking TOPIK in Korea is available online only. There is also a registration fee of KRW 40,000. Some educational institutions and foundations provide reimbursement of the test cost, so if you are on a tight budget, it is a good idea to confirm this with your university or employer. Unlike the registration which is conducted entirely online, there are a couple of options for the fee transaction, including via ATM, so expats who do not yet know how to set up internet banking in Korea, should not be worried about this. 

On the other hand, although there are many dates for overseas testing listed online, they are announced quite generally by regions. Bearing this in mind, if you are planning to take the test outside of Korea, the best thing you can do, in order to prepare properly, is to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the relevant country. It is important to point out that not all countries have such diplomatic establishments, so in that case, you can email NIIED at topik@korea.kr with your inquiry. It is also possible that there is no test venue in your country, so you might be redirected to the closest neighboring state. Moreover, registration fees and methods vary from country to country and that is another essential information you need to inquire about. In some countries where registration is not available online, applicants are required to visit the registration center in person, so it is crucial to prepare time to commute in order not to miss the deadline. Lastly, a recent photo needs to be submitted in the case of both online and offline registration, so that is one more detail to keep in mind when signing up.

What to Do at the Test Venue?

Besides, obviously, taking the exam, there is a to-do list that test-takers should be aware of when arriving at the test venue. For starters, do not forget to bring the identification document you have submitted during registration, because applicants are not allowed to enter the venue otherwise. As mentioned above, being late for the test is frowned upon and is likely to result in disqualification. Moreover, applicants are expected to arrive around an hour prior to the actual starting time of the exam in order to verify their identity and take their assigned seats. That’s right: you cannot sit wherever you want, nor change seats. Names or registration numbers of applicants are usually written on their designated seats. Seating arrangements may differ in each venue but, generally, everyone is supposed to sit alone. Needless to say, all cellphones are collected, although you may bring a watch for timekeeping. 

Test-takers are not allowed to have any other personal items on the table, except for a pencil and eraser. A black felt-tip pen is provided at the venue and it is the only acceptable means of filling in the answers on the test sheet. Using any other tools will automatically make your test invalid. Editing is done with white correction tape which you may bring with you or ask for on the spot. In the case of TOPIK 2, there is a 20-min break after the writing section, during which test-takers may use the bathroom. While keeping a water bottle or any snacks is not allowed during the test, applicants may consume food if they have brought some with them in that interval. However, phones are not returned during the break and, in most countries, no one should leave the building under any circumstances because that also results in disqualification.