TOPIK Korean language test Full Guide
a second language is very important for you in the future. If you are an aspiring student or you want to live and study in South Korea, Being fluent in you can take a Korean language test and get a TOPIK approved certificate to prove your proficiency in the Korean language. In this article, we will learn about all the details of the Korean language test and TOPIK certificate, how to obtain it and the most important details.
What is TOPIK Korean Language Test?
TOPIK is an acronym for Test of Proficiency in Korean, which is a test of proficiency in Korean, written and designed to measure the ability of non-native speakers to express and comprehend the language, with the aim of spreading and setting the direction for learning Korean for non-native speakers and for Koreans abroad. It also aims to measure and evaluate their skills in the Korean language and to benefit from the results for admission to Korean colleges and search for work in Korea.
Since 2011, TOPIK has been run by the National Institute for International Education ( 국립 국제 교육원, NIIED ), a branch of the Ministry of Education in South Korea.
To whom it is directed:
This test is intended for non-Korean speakers, overseas Koreans or foreigners with Korean as their second language and who aspire to:
- Learn the language and enter a Korean university for graduate studies.
- Search for jobs in companies and public institutions in Korea and abroad.
- Residence abroad or enrollment/graduation from a foreign school.
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How often is TOPIK Korean language test held
This exam is held 6 times a year (January, March, April, July, October and November).
Test sections:
A new TOPIK format has been implemented since 2014. Instead of the original triple classification (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced), there are now only two test levels TOPIK I and TOPIK II. TOPIK I has two sub-levels 1 and 2 and is a basic level test.
TOPIK II has 4 sub-levels from 3 to 6 and is Intermediate / Advanced.
Another important change is that TOPIK I now contains only 2 sections, Reading and Listening, instead of 4 sections in the old format. TOPIK II has 3 sections, Reading, Listening and Writing.
The test consists mostly of multiple-choice questions, however, the TOPIK II writing test requires a short answer. As for the sections, they are as follows:
Section one TOPIK I:
As we said above, the first section TOPIK I is divided into two sub-levels only, which are as follows:
level one :
The first level in TOPIK is equivalent to level A1 of the CEFR system. The first level is that the applicant is able to have basic conversations related to daily survival skills, such as being able to identify himself, buy something, daily dealing, etc. They are also able to create simple sentences based on about 800 items of basic vocabulary and have an understanding of basic grammar, and are able to understand and form simple and useful sentences related to everyday life.
Second Level :
Corresponding to CEFR level A2, the applicant is able to carry out simple conversations related to daily routines such as making phone calls, requesting services as well as using utilities in daily life. (Able to use about 1,500 to 2,000 vocabulary and understand personal and familiar topics in a particular order, such as paragraphs.) He is also able to use both formal and informal expressions depending on the situation.
TOPIK II SECTION TWO:
As mentioned earlier, this section consists of 4 levels, from level 3 to level 6.
The third level :
Corresponding to CEFR level B1, applicants at this level are able to perform the basic language functions necessary to use various public facilities and maintain a social relationship. Also, he does not face much difficulty in his routine life. And be able to mix with people without difficulty and deal with them normally They can understand and use both written and spoken language based on their basic distinguishing characteristics.
fourth level :
Corresponding to level B2 of the CEFR system, at this level the applicant is able to perform language functions to use various public facilities and perform the functions to some extent. They are also able to grasp the easy parts of newsletters and newspapers and understand and use expressions on social and abstract topics correctly and relatively fluently. Be able to understand social and cultural topics, based on an understanding of Korean culture and frequently used idiomatic expressions.
level five :
Corresponding to level C1 of the CEFR system, applicants at this level are able to perform somewhat language functions necessary for research and assignments in professional fields. Be able to understand and use expressions relating to even unfamiliar aspects of politics, economics, society and culture. They are also able to use expressions correctly, depending on the formal and informal context, both spoken and written.
Sixth level:
Corresponding to level C2 of the CEFR system, be able to relatively correctly and fluently perform the language functions necessary for research and assignments in professional fields, and able to understand and use expressions relating even to unfamiliar topics in politics, economics, society and culture. There are no difficulties in performing functions or conveying meaning, although the level of proficiency is not quite on the same level as that of a university native speaker.
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exam mark
TOPIK I consists of multiple choice questions, listening (30 questions) and reading (40 questions). Each section of this test deserves a score of 100 and the test score for each level is a total of 200, as the first level needs more than 80 points to pass, while the second level needs more than 140 points.
TOPIK II is two-part, the first part includes the Listening (50 questions) and Writing (4 short-answer questions).
The second part is devoted to the reading test (50 questions). All three exams in TOPIK II are worth a score of 100 for each section with a combined score for each level of 300, as the third level needs more than 120 and the fourth needs more than 150, the fifth level needs more than 190 and the sixth needs more than 230 to pass.
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Test duration
The duration of the test varies between each section, as TOPIK I must pass the Listening test in 40 minutes, and Reading in 60 minutes, with a total of 100 minutes for the two tests.
As for the duration of the TOPIK II test, the listening test must be passed in 60 minutes, writing in 50 minutes and reading in 70 minutes. For a total of 180 minutes.
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how to prepare
Self-study is irreplaceable especially when you want to pass the TOPIK test. You need to study yourself well. Plus get all TOPIK papers and previous answer papers. We will also provide you with some resources that will help you greatly in preparing for the TOPIK Korean language test.
- TOPIC Guide .
- Cham Korean .
- TOPIC Master .
- COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE TOPIK Ⅰ – NEW EDITION (BASIC) .
- TOPIK GUIDE BOOKS .
How to register for the Korean language test:
You must apply online through secure to get the online application form. A JPG image must also be attached. In addition, the candidate’s name must be used as a file name for the personal photo, and the photo will be on the certificate after completing the test and obtaining your certificate. The photo must be clear and identifiable, otherwise the application may be forfeited. As for image requirements:
- It must be recent, not more than 3 months old.
- Maximum image size should not exceed 200 KB, 3 x 4, 354 x 472 pixels.
- The background of the photo must be white and clear.
- Full frontal view with clear facial features.
- Do not wear a hat and avoid heavy makeup.
Registered candidates will receive instant confirmation via email. Candidate should visit official website topik-hk and click on “Print ID Coupon” to log in and print TOPIK identification slip and official receipt (candidate will be notified via email). Please note that the candidate must present valid personal identification and TOPIK identification slip in order to attend the test.
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Test cost
The cost of the TOPIK I test is about $50. The TOPIK II costs approximately $53.
Test Validity
From 2012 onwards, TOPIK results are valid for two years from the date of their release.
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Conclusion :
If you wish to travel or study in South Korea, you must be able to speak and master the Korean language to be able to function normally there. Also, you cannot obtain a university admission if you want to study at a Korean university in the Korean language. Therefore, mastering it is very important, in addition to the advantage of having a second language that greatly strengthens your resume
