If you are learning Korean seriously, you will probably hear about the TOPIK test at some point.
TOPIK is the official Korean language proficiency test used by Korean learners around the world. It can be useful for university admission, scholarships, employment, visa-related requirements, and simply checking your Korean level.
In this guide, you will learn what TOPIK is, how the levels work, how to register, what appears on the exam, and the official 2026 TOPIK schedule.
Table of Contents
What Is the TOPIK Test?
TOPIK stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean.
In Korean, it is called:
한국어능력시험
(hangugeo neungnyeok siheom)
Korean Language Proficiency Test
🔊 Listen: 한국어능력시험
hangugeo neungnyeok siheom
Korean Language Proficiency Test
TOPIK is designed to evaluate the Korean language ability of people who are not native Korean speakers.
The test measures how well you understand and use Korean through skills such as:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking, through separate TOPIK Speaking assessments
The official TOPIK website currently provides separate information for TOPIK PBT, TOPIK IBT, and TOPIK Speaking. TOPIK
Why Do People Take TOPIK?
TOPIK scores can be useful for several different purposes.
🔊 Listen: 토픽
TOPIK
Test of Proficiency in Korean
Common reasons include:
- Applying to Korean universities
- Applying for scholarships
- Meeting Korean language requirements for certain visas or programs
- Applying for jobs in Korea
- Proving Korean language ability
- Checking your own Korean progress
The exact TOPIK level required depends on the university, employer, visa, scholarship, or institution.
So before taking the test for a specific purpose, always check the requirements of the organization you are applying to.
Who Can Take TOPIK?
TOPIK is primarily intended for people who are not native Korean speakers.
In general, learners from many different educational backgrounds can take the exam.
You normally need:
- Valid identification
- Registration during the official application period
- The required test fee
- A suitable test center or online registration option, depending on your country
Registration procedures can differ between Korea and overseas locations.
TOPIK Levels
TOPIK is divided into two main proficiency tests:
TOPIK I
TOPIK I is designed for beginner learners.
It covers:
Level 1
Beginner
Level 2
Upper beginner
The traditional paper-based TOPIK I evaluates:
- Listening
- Reading
There is no writing section in TOPIK I.
TOPIK II
TOPIK II is designed for intermediate and advanced learners.
It includes:
Level 3
Intermediate
Level 4
Upper intermediate
Level 5
Advanced
Level 6
High advanced
The traditional TOPIK II evaluates:
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
This means you do not choose Level 3, 4, 5, or 6 before taking TOPIK II.
Your final score determines which level you receive.
TOPIK I vs TOPIK II
| Test | Levels | Main Skills |
|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | 1–2 | Listening, Reading |
| TOPIK II | 3–6 | Listening, Writing, Reading |
If you are still learning basic vocabulary, particles, numbers, and everyday Korean expressions, TOPIK I is usually the more appropriate starting point.
Learners who can understand longer texts, express opinions, and use intermediate grammar generally prepare for TOPIK II.
What Is TOPIK PBT?
PBT means Paper-Based Test.
This is the traditional version of TOPIK in which candidates complete the exam at an official testing location.
The official TOPIK website continues to list TOPIK PBT as one of its main test formats. TOPIK
This is still the version many learners mean when they simply say “TOPIK.”
What Is TOPIK IBT?
IBT means Internet-Based Test.
Instead of completing the test on paper, candidates use a computer at an approved examination location.
The official TOPIK website now has dedicated IBT testing and even provides an online TOPIK IBT experience area where learners can practice using the test interface. TOPIK
For example, TOPIK II IBT includes computer-based listening and writing interfaces. The official practice system shows candidates entering written answers directly on the computer. TOPIK
What Is the TOPIK Speaking Test?
TOPIK also operates a separate Speaking Assessment.
This is not simply another section added to the traditional TOPIK I or II exam.
The official website lists TOPIK Speaking separately from TOPIK PBT and TOPIK IBT. TOPIK
If a school, employer, or institution specifically requires a speaking result, check whether they require this separate assessment.
How Is TOPIK I Structured?
The traditional TOPIK I exam contains listening and reading questions.
In the older TOPIK format covered in my original guide, TOPIK I consisted of:
- Listening: 30 multiple-choice questions
- Reading: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Total: 70 questions
The exam tests basic Korean comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and everyday communication.
How Is TOPIK II Structured?
Traditional TOPIK II includes three areas:
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
In the paper-based format covered in the original guide:
- Listening: 50 questions
- Writing: 4 questions
- Reading: 50 questions
The writing section is especially important because it is very different from ordinary multiple-choice questions.
TOPIK II Writing Section
TOPIK II writing requires you to produce Korean yourself.
The traditional writing section includes short-answer writing tasks and longer composition tasks.
This means simply recognizing vocabulary is not enough.
You should practice:
- Connecting sentences naturally
- Using appropriate grammar
- Organizing your ideas
- Writing formal Korean
- Explaining information logically
For IBT, the official TOPIK practice interface also shows candidates typing their written answers directly into the computer. TOPIK
So if you plan to take TOPIK II IBT, it is a good idea to practice typing Korean, not only handwriting it.
2026 TOPIK Schedule
The official TOPIK website currently lists the following major 2026 PBT examinations in Korea:
| Test | Test Date | Korea Registration | Result Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 104th TOPIK | January 11, 2026 | Dec. 9–15, 2025 | Feb. 12, 2026 |
| 105th TOPIK | April 12, 2026 | Jan. 27–Feb. 2 | May 29, 2026 |
| 106th TOPIK | May 17, 2026 | Mar. 10–16 | June 25, 2026 |
| 107th TOPIK | July 5, 2026 | May 12–18 | Aug. 13, 2026 |
| 108th TOPIK | October 18, 2026 | Aug. 4–12 | Dec. 10, 2026 |
| 109th TOPIK | November 15, 2026 | Sept. 1–7 | Dec. 22, 2026 |
The official site notes that overseas registration periods vary by country or region, so international candidates should check their local testing organization. TOPIK
2026 TOPIK IBT Schedule
TOPIK IBT is also offered several times during 2026.
The official schedule currently lists:
| IBT Test | Test Date | Result Date |
|---|---|---|
| 11th IBT | February 28 | March 20 |
| 12th IBT | March 21 | April 10 |
| 13th IBT | June 13 | July 3 |
| 14th IBT | September 12 | October 2 |
| 15th IBT | October 24 | November 13 |
| 16th IBT | November 28 | December 18 |
Dates and availability can differ by country, so always confirm the final schedule on the official TOPIK website before registering. TOPIK
2026 TOPIK Speaking Schedule
The official 2026 calendar also lists separate TOPIK Speaking assessments, including:
- March 21
- June 13
- October 24
There is also a speaking assessment pilot scheduled for July 25, 2026. TOPIK
Again, availability outside Korea may vary.
How to Register for TOPIK in Korea
If you are taking TOPIK in Korea, registration is generally handled through the official TOPIK website.
Because popular test locations may fill quickly, it is a good idea to prepare before registration opens.
You may need:
- TOPIK account
- Identification information
- Photograph
- Preferred testing location
- Payment method
The official website currently warns candidates against using automated or macro programs during registration and states that suspicious registrations may be canceled or accounts restricted. TOPIK
How to Register for TOPIK Outside Korea
Outside Korea, the process may be different.
Depending on the country, TOPIK registration may be handled by:
- Korean embassies
- Korean Cultural Centers
- Universities
- Authorized Korean language institutes
- Local TOPIK testing organizations
Registration periods, fees, required documents, and available test types can vary considerably.
For that reason, international candidates should check the testing information specifically for their country rather than relying only on the Korean domestic registration schedule.
How Much Does TOPIK Cost?
TOPIK fees can vary depending on:
- Test type
- Country
- Testing organization
- PBT or IBT format
Because fees may change, I would not hard-code an old 2024 price into the 2026 guide.
This is one important change from my original TOPIK article.
Instead, check the official TOPIK registration page or your local test center for the current fee before applying.
How Do I Check My TOPIK Result?
TOPIK results can be checked through the official TOPIK website.
After results are released, candidates can access score-related services and print the appropriate score certificate through the official system.
The TOPIK homepage provides dedicated options for checking results and printing score certificates. TOPIK
How Long Is a TOPIK Score Valid?
TOPIK scores are generally valid for two years from the date the score is issued.
However, when using TOPIK for a university, scholarship, visa, or employment application, check whether that particular institution has additional requirements regarding the age of the score.
How Should Beginners Prepare for TOPIK?
If you are preparing for TOPIK I, start with the foundations.
Focus on:
- Hangul
- Basic Korean vocabulary
- Numbers
- Family words
- Food vocabulary
- Everyday verbs
- Basic particles
- Present and past tense
- Common Korean expressions
- Listening practice
Try to build a strong vocabulary base before spending all of your study time solving mock exams.
How Should You Prepare for TOPIK II?
TOPIK II requires a wider vocabulary and much stronger reading ability.
You should focus on:
- Intermediate and advanced grammar
- Formal written Korean
- News and informational vocabulary
- Longer reading passages
- Listening at natural speed
- Essay structure
- Connecting ideas logically
- Timed practice
Writing practice is especially important because it is much harder to improve quickly if you wait until the final weeks before the exam.
Practice With Official TOPIK Materials
One major improvement compared with the old version of this guide is that the official TOPIK website now provides multiple learning and practice resources.
The current site includes options such as:
- Previous TOPIK questions
- TOPIK basic practice
- TOPIK IBT practice
- TOPIK speaking practice
- Video lectures
- Study materials
These are available through the official TOPIK learning section. TOPIK
For serious exam preparation, official materials should be one of your main study resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOPIK only for students?
No.
People take TOPIK for university, employment, immigration-related requirements, scholarships, personal goals, and Korean language certification.
Can beginners take TOPIK?
Yes.
TOPIK I is specifically designed for beginner-level learners.
Does TOPIK include speaking?
Traditional TOPIK I and TOPIK II are not simply four-skill exams with speaking included in the same test.
A separate TOPIK Speaking Assessment exists.
Can I take TOPIK online from home?
Do not confuse IBT with a home exam.
TOPIK IBT means the exam is computer-based, but candidates normally take it under official testing conditions at an authorized location.
Is TOPIK I required before TOPIK II?
No.
If your Korean is already strong enough, you can apply directly for TOPIK II.
TOPIK I and TOPIK II at a Glance
| Feature | TOPIK I | TOPIK II |
|---|---|---|
| Level | 1–2 | 3–6 |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Listening | Yes | Yes |
| Reading | Yes | Yes |
| Writing | No | Yes |
| Best for | Beginner learners | Intermediate/advanced learners |
Final Tips
TOPIK can look intimidating at first, but you do not need to study everything at once.
If you are a beginner, build your vocabulary and grammar foundation first.
If you are preparing for TOPIK II, add more reading, listening, and writing practice gradually.
Most importantly, always check the official TOPIK website before registering because test dates, registration periods, locations, and procedures may change.
Planning to work in Korea through the Employment Permit System? Read our EPS Korea 2026 Complete Guide to learn about EPS-TOPIK, E-9 jobs, eligibility, the Skills Test, and the employment process.👇
