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All About TOPIK Test - The Complete Guide - TOPIK GUIDE - The Complete Guide To TOPIK Test
All About TOPIK Test - The Complete Guide - TOPIK GUIDE - The Complete Guide To TOPIK Test
What is TOPIK?
TOPIK, Test of Proficiency in Korean, is a written test designed to measure the ability of
non-native speakers for expression and comprehension in the Korean language.
TOPIK test measures proficiency in reading, writing, and listening comprehension in the
Korean language. The test has three different levels: Beginner, Intermediate and
Advanced. Further accuracy is expressed through six grades, two matched to each level to
evaluate proficiency.
Purpose of Exam
To propagate and set direction for learning Korean for non-native Korean speakers
and overseas Koreans.
To measure and evaluate their Korean language skills and utilize the results for
admission to Korean colleges and job-seeking
Applicant Qualification
Overseas Koreans and foreigners for whom Korean is a second language and
who:
Aim to learn the language and enter a Korea university for higher studies
Seek jobs in companies and public institutions in Korea and overseas
Reside overseas or are attending/graduated from a foreign school
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The test also serves as an excellent opportunity to receive formal certification for those who
expect to use Korean in their careers. Students of Korean who take the test will also learn
which aspects of the language they need to concentrate on in future study.
In Other Countries: In most countries, the Korean Embassies and Korean Culture
Centres (한국문화원) administer the TOPIK tests. Some affiliate institutes also accept the
applications. You can get the list of the affiliate institutions in your country our Updates
page. For registration, you have to visit the embassy or affiliate institution with 2 passport
size photographs and the registration fee (which varies country to country).
You can watch the video below to see the complete registration process.
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TOPIK test has two levels – TOPIK-I and TOPIK-II. TOPIK-I, i.e. the beginner level, has
two sublevels – 1 & 2 while TOPIK-II, i.e. Intermediate-Advanced level, has 4 sublevels –
3, 4, 5 & 6. Test takers get a level between 1 and 6 based on their total score in the test.
Test takers who meet the requirements will be issued a formal certificate with one of six
possible grades: low beginner (level 1), high beginner (level 2), low intermediate (level 3),
high intermediate (level 4), low advanced (level 5), and high advanced (level 6).
TOPIK-I (Level 1-2) has just two sections – Reading and Listening. TOPIK
II (Level 3-6), which is the combined Intermediate-Advanced test, has 3 sections
– Reading, Listening and Writing.
Each section is graded out of 100 points with a possible total of 200 points for the Beginner
and 300 points for Intermediate-Advanced level. The test includes composition, listening
and multiple choice sections.
The test consists of two 90-minute sessions with a 30-minute break in between. The first
session tests vocabulary & grammar, and writing, and the second session tests listening and
reading.
Following is the brief description of the language skills demanded of each level.
[Beginner level]
1st Grade Use of basic commands of Korean for survival, such as greeting, purchasing,
ordering, etc. Expressing and understanding oneself in simple everyday conversation by
making simple sentences from 800 basic words.
[Intermediate level]
3rd Grade Carrying out transactions with people in public spaces and maintaining social
relationships. Understanding the correct usage of words and speech. Command of
fundamental characteristics of Korean.
4th Grade Comprehension of news articles, general social issues and abstract topics with
accuracy and fluency. Comprehension of Korean social and cultural contents relying on
essential idioms and understanding of representative aspects of Korean culture.
[Advanced Level]
5th Grade High fluency in using the Korean language in professional research or work.
Understanding and discussing less unfamiliar topics in politics, economics and other fields.
Usage of appropriate expressions, distinguishing formal and informal, written and spoken,
by context.
6th Grade Absolutely fluent in the Korean language for professional research or work,
Capacity to understand and express oneself without problem, although without the full
fluency of a native speaker.
Time
Section Questions Marks Session
(Minutes)
TOPIK –
I Beginner Listening 30 40 100
1st Session
(Level 1-2) Reading 40 60 100
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Question Composition
TOPIK – I (Level 1-2) has a total of 70 Multiple Choice Questions – Reading (40 Questions)
and Listening (30 Questions). TOPIK I has a total of 200 marks and the Test Time is 100
Minutes.
TOPIK II (Level 3-6) has a total of 104 Questions – Reading (50 Multiple
Choice Questions) and listening (50 Multiple Choice Questions) and Writing (4 Short-
answer/Essay Questions). TOPIK II has a total of 300 marks and the Test Time is 180
Minutes.
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– Test results are announced at the TOPIK website (www.topik.go.kr) and individual score
reports are sent to all test takers regardless of pass or fail.
– When checking through the website, you must know the test number (e.g. if you took
the 40th test, 40); application number and birth date.
– Level applied, area-specific score, total score, average score, and pass or fail are declared
on score report
For people who appeared in the test overseas, all score reports are sent to the affiliated
institution of that nation, who will be responsible for distributing to each test taker.
Those who took the test overseas can also confirm their score on the website
(www.topik.go.kr).
**For more information on the TOPIK test you can visit the official
site http://www.topik.go.kr or email us on [email protected].
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