TOPIK? What's this?

In the next section, you can see how points are distributed.

You must have heard about the TOPIK exam. TOPIK is short for Test of Proficiency in Korean. And it is the most popular exam to determine the level of knowledge of the Korean language. Let's get to know this exam a little closer.

The TOPIK certificate is asked for when entering a university in Korea when applying for a job when applying for a visa. Also, many universities in Korea can give you a grant in the form of a tuition discount depending on your TOPIK level. 

History of TOPIK

The very first TOPIK exam took place in 1997, and then only 2,274 people took it. And in 2021, a total of 330,016 people registered for the exam!

Types of TOPIK

Previously, TOPIK was divided into 2 types: B-TOPIK and S-TOPIK . What is the difference? S-TOPIK or Standard TOPIK is a regular TOPIK, i.e. for general purposes. A B-TOPIK or Business TOPIK for employment. S-TOPIK, in turn, was divided into elementary (1-2), intermediate (3-4) and advanced (5-6) levels.

Since 2014, the level classification has changed to TOPIK I (1-2) and TOPIK II (3-4).

This year will be the first TOPIK IBT exam, i.e. a computerized version of the exam. By the way, since it is just starting to be introduced, the first 2 exams will be trial and FREE! So don't miss the chance🙂

Since 2022, a colloquial TOPIK (토픽 말하기) has appeared. It only lasts 30 minutes, but in Korea, it costs 80,000 Korean won (about $65)

TOPIK levels

There are 6 levels in total. The lowest level is level 1 (1 급). And the highest level is level 6 (6 급). The level is determined by the total number of points scored.

In the next section, you can see how points are distributed.

What does the TOPIK exam consist of?

TOPIK 1 and TOPIK 2 differ not only in levels but also in the very content of the exam.

There are only 2 sections in TOPIK 1: listening and reading. Whereas in TOPIK 2 there are 3 departments: listening, writing, and reading. Therefore, TOPIK 1 takes less time, only 100 minutes, and TOPIK 2 takes 180 minutes and takes place in 2 passes. Listening and writing (110 minutes) are taken first, followed by reading (70 minutes). There is a 30-minute break between them.

How much does TOPIK cost?

In Korea, TOPIK 1 costs 40,000 Korean won (about $35) and TOPIK 2 costs 55,000 Korean won (about $45). In many countries of Central Asia, the exam costs 3-4 times cheaper, about 10 dollars.

A conversational TOPIK costs 80,000 Korean won (about $65). The cost of TOPIK IBT has not yet been determined.

So, I advise you to take the exam before coming to Korea.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The general process of passing the exam is basically the same all over the world. But there are of course some little things that may be different depending on the centre for passing the exam. That is, even if you rent in one country or city, then different centres may have their own characteristics.

I'll tell you how it usually goes in Korea.

Before the start of the exam, you hand over all gadgets (phones, smart watches, tablets, etc.). You need to have an ID card or passport, and putty with you.

You must be in the classroom 40 minutes before the start of the exam.

If earlier the written part of the exam was allowed to be written with a pencil, pen or felt-tip pen, now it is only a felt-tip pen, which is issued at the exam centre. It is allowed to use putty.

During the delivery of the listening section, you cannot leave the audience, because you can interfere with other candidates.

How to fill out exam sheets

All examination papers or forms are checked by computer, so filling them out correctly is very important! This is what the exam paper looks like. The colour depends on the section of the exam (listening, reading, writing).

So in the exam, it is important not only to find the correct answer but also to correctly fill out the examination sheet itself!

Each candidate has their own individual examination (registration) number (수험번호) . It will need not only to be entered in numbers but also to fill in the corresponding circles with numbers, as shown in the figure below at number 3. Also, you write off your name in Korean and in English.

Examination tickets are divided into 2 types: A type and B type. The type, in turn, is divided into even (짝수형) and odd (홀수형). This will be indicated on the cover. And the type is passed in America, Europe, Africa, and the countries of Oceania, and the exam is taken on Saturdays. TOPIK Type B is taken in Asian countries and the exam itself takes place on Sundays.

It is important to colour the circles correctly! The circle must be completely painted over. You can not put ticks, crosses, or dots. Answers with incorrectly marked circles will not be counted, i.е. in other words, the answer will be considered incorrect.

A couple of tips

Take as many practice tests as you can while preparing for the exam. First, learn to fit in time. And secondly, to learn the structure of the exam. And of course, this is a great practice in vocabulary replenishment, the concept of grammar, the concept of Korea and the Korean language.

The TOPIK counts the total number of points scored, so don't worry and don't give up! Even if, for example, your weakest part is listening, then you have a chance to score higher in reading.

Read aloud! This practice is useful not only for improving your reading speed but also for your listening comprehension of the Korean language.

Official website of TOPIK: www.topik.go.kr