How to Take the TOPIK Test in Korea: Registration, Levels, Fees & Test-Day Guide [2026]
If you are studying Korean in South Korea, planning to enter a Korean university, applying for a job, or simply want an official way to measure your Korean ability, you will probably hear about TOPIK — the Test of Proficiency in Korean (한국어능력시험).
TOPIK is Korea’s official Korean-language proficiency examination administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education.
The test is designed primarily for people whose first language is not Korean, including international students, foreign workers, overseas Koreans, and anyone who wants an officially recognized Korean-language score.
Your TOPIK result may be useful for 🎓 university admission, 💼 employment, 📄 scholarships, 🛂 certain visa or immigration-related procedures, and measuring your progress in Korean.
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📝 1. Which TOPIK Test Should You Take?
There are two main proficiency levels:
🟢 TOPIK I — Beginner
TOPIK I is designed for beginner Korean learners and can result in:
• Level 1
• Level 2
For the traditional paper-based TOPIK I PBT, the test includes:
🎧 Listening — 30 questions
📖 Reading — 40 questions
⏱️ Total test time — approximately 100 minutes
💯 Maximum score — 200 points
Level 1: 80–139 points
Level 2: 140–200 points
There is no writing section in TOPIK I PBT.
🔵 TOPIK II — Intermediate to Advanced
TOPIK II is for learners aiming for:
• Level 3
• Level 4
• Level 5
• Level 6
The traditional TOPIK II PBT includes:
🎧 Listening — 50 questions
✍️ Writing — 4 questions
📖 Reading — 50 questions
⏱️ Total test time — 180 minutes
💯 Maximum score — 300 points
Level 3: 120–149 points
Level 4: 150–189 points
Level 5: 190–229 points
Level 6: 230–300 points
If you need TOPIK for university study or professional-level Korean, TOPIK II is usually the test you should investigate first, because it is the examination that awards Levels 3–6.
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💻 2. PBT vs. IBT: What Is the Difference?
Korea now offers both traditional paper-based testing and computer-based testing.
📄 PBT — Paper-Based Test
You receive a paper question booklet and answer sheet.
For multiple-choice sections, the testing center provides the designated computer-readable double-sided pen.
TOPIK II writing answers are written directly on the answer sheet.
If you need to correct an answer, follow the official correction procedures carefully. Candidates may bring correction tape, and testing centers no longer automatically provide correction tape.
💻 IBT — Internet-Based Test
IBT is taken on a computer at an official TOPIK testing center.
You do not take it from your home.
For the current official format:
TOPIK I IBT:
🎧 Listening — 26 questions
📖 Reading — 26 questions
⏱️ Approximately 70 minutes
💯 Maximum score — 400
TOPIK II IBT:
🎧 Listening — 30 questions
📖 Reading — 30 questions
✍️ Writing — 3 questions
⏱️ Approximately 125 minutes
💯 Maximum score — 600
TOPIK II IBT Levels:
Level 3: 191–290
Level 4: 291–360
Level 5: 361–430
Level 6: 431–600
The official TOPIK website also provides IBT practice screens. Candidates can practice functions such as listening with headphones, clicking answers, drag-and-drop reading questions, checking the Korean keyboard, reviewing unanswered questions, and submitting answers.
💡 DiscoverKoreaGuide Tip
If you are comfortable typing Korean and using computers, IBT may feel convenient. However, anyone targeting TOPIK II should practice Korean keyboard input before the exam, especially for the writing section.
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🗣️ 3. What About TOPIK Speaking?
TOPIK also has a separate Speaking Test.
It contains:
🎤 6 speaking tasks
⏱️ Approximately 30 minutes
💯 Maximum score — 200 points
Speaking scores are classified from Level 1 through Level 6.
This is a separate evaluation, so do not assume that registering for TOPIK II automatically registers you for TOPIK Speaking.
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🌐 4. How to Register for TOPIK in Korea
For tests taken in South Korea, registration is generally completed through the official TOPIK website.
The basic process is:
1️⃣ Check the official TOPIK examination schedule.
2️⃣ Choose TOPIK I or TOPIK II.
3️⃣ Decide whether you want PBT or IBT, depending on available examination sessions.
4️⃣ Register during the official application period.
5️⃣ Select an available testing location.
6️⃣ Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your identification document.
7️⃣ Upload your registration photograph.
8️⃣ Pay the examination fee.
9️⃣ Check your registration information and testing center.
🔴 Important: Popular TOPIK testing centers can reach capacity, so it is better to prepare your account information, photograph, identification details, and payment method before registration opens.
Also note that the official TOPIK registration system states that registration is not supported on mobile phones, tablets, or touchscreen laptops during the application period. Use a PC or standard laptop for registration.
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📸 5. TOPIK Registration Photo Requirements
For TOPIK applications in Korea, the official 2026 notice requires a recent color photograph.
The photograph should generally be:
📷 Taken within the previous 6 months
📏 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm
👤 Front-facing upper-body/ID-style photo
🎨 Color photograph
⬜ Simple, solid background
👀 Eyes clearly visible
🚫 No hat covering the head
🚫 No digitally altered facial image
After the official correction period closes, the registration photograph cannot normally be changed.
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💳 6. How Much Does TOPIK Cost in Korea? — 2026 Fees
For tests registered in South Korea, the officially announced 2026 fees are:
📄 TOPIK I PBT — ₩40,000
📄 TOPIK II PBT — ₩55,000
💻 TOPIK I IBT — ₩70,000
💻 TOPIK II IBT — ₩95,000
🎤 TOPIK Speaking — ₩80,000
Fees outside Korea vary by country and local testing organization.
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📅 7. Upcoming 2026 TOPIK Opportunities in Korea
As of August 16, 2026, several important remaining test dates are worth knowing.
📄 109th TOPIK I & II PBT
Registration in Korea: 📅 September 1–7, 2026
Test: 📅 November 15, 2026
Score announcement: 📅 December 22, 2026
💻 15th TOPIK I & II IBT
Registration: 📅 August 18–24, 2026
Test: 📅 October 24, 2026
Score announcement: 📅 November 13, 2026
💻 16th TOPIK I & II IBT
Registration: 📅 September 15–21, 2026
Test: 📅 November 28, 2026
Score announcement: 📅 December 18, 2026
🎤 12th TOPIK Speaking Test
Registration: 📅 August 18–24, 2026
Test: 📅 October 24, 2026
Score announcement: 📅 November 16, 2026
Schedules can change, so always check the official TOPIK announcement before making travel or examination plans.
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🪪 8. What Should You Bring on Test Day?
This is extremely important.
You must bring an officially accepted original identification document.
Depending on your status in Korea, accepted identification can include documents such as:
🛂 Valid passport
🪪 Alien Registration Card / Residence Card
🪪 Mobile foreign resident identification through an officially approved app
🪪 Permanent Resident Card
🪪 Korean resident registration card, where applicable
🚗 Korean driver's license, where applicable
The identification information must match your TOPIK registration information.
If you arrive without an acceptable ID, you may not be allowed to take the examination.
✅ Check your name spelling carefully, especially your English name.
The information on your TOPIK application should correspond with your identification document, and personal information cannot simply be corrected at the test center on examination day.
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⏰ 9. Arrive Early
Do not plan to arrive exactly at the deadline.
TOPIK testing centers conduct identity verification before candidates enter or begin the examination.
The official rules specifically advise candidates to allow sufficient time for the ID-checking process.
Before test day:
📍 Check the exact test center
🚇 Find the nearest subway station
🚌 Check bus connections
🚶 Calculate walking time
🗺️ Save the location
⏰ Add extra travel time
Parking may not be available for outside vehicles at testing facilities, so public transportation is often the safer option when taking TOPIK in Korea.
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📱 10. Smartphones and Electronic Devices
Electronic-device rules are strict.
Phones and unauthorized electronic devices must be handled according to the supervisor's instructions before the examination begins.
Unauthorized devices can include equipment capable of:
📱 Communication
📷 Photography
🎙️ Recording
💾 Data storage
💳 Electronic payment
🔌 Electronic functions or charging
⌚ Screen display
Failing to surrender prohibited electronic equipment when instructed can result in the test being stopped or invalidated.
A smartwatch should therefore never be treated like an ordinary wristwatch at a TOPIK examination.
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✍️ 11. TOPIK II Writing Requires Special Practice
For many learners, the biggest jump between TOPIK I and TOPIK II is not simply harder vocabulary.
It is writing.
You need to practice:
📊 Interpreting information and data
🔗 Connecting sentences logically
🧠 Organizing arguments
📚 Using formal vocabulary
✍️ Producing structured Korean under time pressure
Do not wait until the week before the examination to practice TOPIK writing.
Create a routine.
For example:
Monday → Vocabulary
Tuesday → Reading
Wednesday → Listening
Thursday → Writing
Friday → Grammar review
Weekend → Full practice test
Consistent preparation usually works better than trying to memorize everything immediately before the exam.
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🏆 12. Which TOPIK Level Should You Aim For?
Your target should depend on why you need Korean.
🌱 Level 1–2
Useful for beginners learning basic everyday Korean.
🏫 Level 3
A meaningful intermediate milestone and a common starting target for learners planning further study in Korea.
🎓 Level 4
A strong practical target for many international students who want to function more independently in Korean academic and everyday environments.
💼 Level 5
Advanced Korean ability suitable for more demanding academic and professional communication.
🏆 Level 6
The highest TOPIK level, demonstrating advanced proficiency across complex Korean-language contexts.
However, universities, companies, scholarships, immigration programs, and other organizations may establish their own required TOPIK level.
Always check the requirement of the specific institution rather than assuming that one TOPIK level applies everywhere.
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📊 13. How Long Is a TOPIK Score Valid?
TOPIK scores are officially valid for two years from the score announcement date.
This is important if you plan to use TOPIK for:
🎓 University applications
🎓 Graduate school
💰 Scholarships
💼 Employment
📄 Administrative applications
If your application is still a year or two away, consider the timing of your test carefully.
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💻 14. How Do You Check Your TOPIK Result?
TOPIK scores are announced online according to the official schedule.
After the result is released, candidates can check their score and obtain their score report through the TOPIK website.
Official score certificates are normally issued through the website rather than being individually sent by email, fax, or regular mail.
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🌏 15. Can You Take TOPIK Outside Korea?
Yes.
TOPIK is administered in many countries around the world.
However:
⚠️ Registration dates can differ from Korea.
⚠️ Application procedures can differ.
⚠️ Test fees can differ.
⚠️ Accepted identification rules can differ.
⚠️ Not every country offers every TOPIK session.
If you are taking TOPIK outside South Korea, check with the official local TOPIK administering organization or Korean educational institution in your country. The 2026 official notice specifically warns that overseas registration schedules differ from Korean registration schedules.
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💡 DiscoverKoreaGuide Quick Checklist
Before registration:
✅ Decide TOPIK I or TOPIK II
✅ Decide PBT or IBT
✅ Prepare your ID information
✅ Prepare a recent ID photograph
✅ Check the registration opening date
✅ Use a PC or standard laptop
✅ Prepare your payment method
✅ Choose preferred testing locations
Before test day:
✅ Check your test center
✅ Check subway/bus transportation
✅ Prepare your original accepted ID
✅ Confirm your English name matches your registration
✅ Arrive early
✅ Follow electronic-device instructions
✅ Follow the test supervisor's directions
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🇰🇷 Final Tip
TOPIK is much easier to manage when you think of it as a process rather than just one exam.
Choose your level → register early → practice the actual test format → confirm your test center → bring the correct ID → arrive early → take the test → check your score online.
If you are living in Korea, TOPIK can become much more than a certificate. Preparing for it can improve your ability to understand announcements, read signs, communicate at school or work, use public services, and participate more confidently in everyday Korean life.
📚 Study consistently.
🎧 Listen every day.
📖 Read real Korean.
✍️ Practice writing.
🗣️ Use Korean whenever you can.
Your TOPIK level is one milestone in a much bigger journey of understanding Korea.
✨ Discover Korea Beyond the Tourist Spots
Travel • Food • Culture • Lifestyle • Education • Local Tips 🇰🇷
🗺️ Plan smarter.
📚 Learn Korea deeper.
✨ Experience Korea like a local.
👉 More Korea guides: discoverkoreaguide.com
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