TOPIK Test of Proficiency in Korean

한국어를 모국어로 하지 않는 외국인과 재외동포를 위한 대표적인 한국어능력시험 입니다.

한국어능력시험은 TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK, KBSKLT, SKA, KLAT 총 5종이 운영되고 있으며,
각 시험은 듣기, 읽기, 쓰기, 말하기, 어휘 및 문법 등 다양한 영역을 평가합니다.

이러한 시험들은 유학, 취업, 비자 신청, 영주권 및 국적 취득 등 여러 분야에서 폭넓게 활용되고 있습니다.
그 중 TOPIK은 전 세계적으로 가장 널리 인정받는 시험으로, 한국어 실력을 객관적으로 증명할 수 있는 기준이 됩니다.

Purpose

- Guiding Korean language learning and promoting Korean worldwide for non-native speakers and overseas Koreans.

- Assessing and certifying Korean proficiency for university admission, employment, and official use.

Eligibility

- Open to all foreigners and overseas Koreans whose native language is not Korean.

Main Applications

- Admission to and graduation from Korean universities and graduate schools for foreigners and overseas Koreans

- Enrollment and academic management for government-invited foreign scholarship programs

- Fulfillment of credit and graduation requirements in Korean language-related departments at overseas universities

- Employment at domestic and international companies and public institutions

- Acquisition of residency or work visas (including permanent residency)

Test Fields

- TOPIK I (Beginner), TOPIK II (Intermediate & Advanced), and TOPIK Speaking

- Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Internet-Based Test (IBT, currently in pilot operation)

- Test Areas: Listening, Reading, Writing (only for TOPIK II), and Speaking (separate test)

Number of Questions & Test Duration

Category

TOPIK PBT

TOPIK IBT

TOPIK Speaking

TOPIK I (Beginner)

TOPIK II (Intermediate)

TOPIK I (Beginner)

TOPIK II (Intermediate)

문항 수
(듣기/읽기/쓰기)

30 / 40

50 / 50 / 4

26 / 26

30 / 30 / 3

6

시험 시간
(총점)

100분
(200점)

180분
(300점)

70분
(400점)

125분
(600점)

30분
(200점)

Score by Grade

Section

Grade

TOPIK PBT

TOPIK IBT

TOPIK I (Beginner)

Grade 1

80 ~ 139

121 ~ 235

Grade 2

140 ~ 200

236 ~ 400

TOPIK II (Intermediate)

Grade 3

120 ~ 149

191 ~ 290

Grade 4

150 ~ 189

291 ~ 360

Grade 5

190 ~ 229

361 ~ 430

Grade 6

230 ~ 300

431 ~ 600

Section

Grade

Score

TOPIK Speaking

Grade 1

20 ~ 49

Grade 2

50 ~ 89

Grade 3

90 ~ 109

Grade 4

110 ~ 129

Grade 5

130 ~ 159

Grade 6

160 ~ 200

* TOPIK 시험 일정 및 신청 홈페이지 URL : https://www.topik.go.kr/

Purpose

- To assess the Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society among foreign job seekers

- To use the results as an objective selection criterion when compiling the list of foreign job seekers

- To encourage the entry of individuals with a basic understanding of Korea and to promote better adaptation to life in Korea

Eligibility

- Individuals aged between 18 and 39 years old

- 고용허가제를 시행 중인 송출국의 국민
* 송출국: 한국 정부와 고용허가제(EPS) 협약을 맺고 외국인 근로자를 한국으로 합법적으로 보내는 국가

Main Applications

- Eligibility requirements for non-professional employment in Korea

- Conditions for participation in the Employment Permit System (EPS)

- Procedures for obtaining E-9/E-10 visas

- Job seeker registration for workers from a Sending Country

Test Fields

- EPS-TOPIK covers a single field.

- It is administered as a Paper-Based Test (PBT) and a Computer Based Test (CBT), with the CBT format varying by country.

- Test sections include Listening and Reading.

Number of Questions & Test Duration

Category

EPS - TOPIK

문항 수
(듣기/읽기)

20 / 20

시험 시간
(총점)

50분
(100점)

Score by Grade

- Evaluation Method: Relative Evaluation

- Selection Criteria: Candidates who score above the minimum passing score for each industry category are selected based on ranking until the planned number of recruits is reached.

  1. 1. Manufacturing and Shipbuilding Industries: 55 points or higher out of 100
  2. 2. Other Industries: 45 points or higher out of 100
  3. 3. Special Fisheries Program: 27 points or higher out of 90 (Pass/Fail)

* EPS-TOPIK 시험 일정 및 신청 홈페이지 URL : https://epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr/

Purpose

- Assessing the Korean language proficiency of foreigners and overseas Koreans.

- Designed to promote the Korean language among non-native speakers, this test provides learning guidance to help overseas Koreans and foreigners rapidly maximize their Korean language skills for practical use.

Eligibility

- Korean language learners who wish to assess their proficiency

- Students seeking admission to universities in Korea

- Individuals aiming to gain employment at Korean companies

- Foreigners, immigrants, and members of multicultural families

Main Applications

- Evaluation of standard language usage and proper sentence construction skills by broadcasting companies and media organizations

- Used as supporting documents or self-introduction materials when applying for jobs

- Utilized for Korean language education completion assessments or diagnostic purposes

- Recognized as proof of Korean language proficiency or supplementary material for graduation requirements for international students

Test Fields

- There are two types of tests: KBSKLT-I and KBSKLT-II

- The tests are administered as Paper-Based Test (PBT), Internet-Based Test (IBT), and Computer-Based Test (CBT).

Number of Questions & Test Duration

Category

KBSKLT

KBSKLT – I

KBSKLT – II

문항 수
[듣기]
[읽기]
[쓰기]

 
30 ~ 40문항
30 ~ 35문항
쓰기 없음

 
30 ~ 40문항
30 ~ 35문항
2 ~ 5문항

시험 시간
(총점)

90분
(200점)

140분
(300점)

Score by Grade

Grade

KBSKLT – I

KBSKLT – II

Grade 1

30 ~ 74

30 ~ 74

Grade 2

75 ~ 119

75 ~ 119

Grade 3

120 ~ 164

120 ~ 164

Grade 4

165 ~ 200

165 ~ 209

Grade 5

-

210 ~ 254

Grade 6

-

255 ~ 300

* KBSKLT 시험 일정 및 신청 홈페이지 URL : https://www.kbsklt.com

Purpose

- Providing guidance for Korean language learning and promoting the global spread of Korean

- Comprehensive assessment of Korean language proficiency with a focus on communication skills

- Supporting practical applications both domestically and internationally (e.g., study abroad, employment)

Eligibility

- Open to all foreigners and overseas Koreans whose native language is not Korean.

Main Applications

- Utilized for the selection and admission of outstanding foreign talent

- Used as proof of Korean language proficiency for studying in Korea

- Referenced during visa applications and residency qualification reviews

Test Fields

- SKA covers a single field.

- The test is administered as a Paper-Based Test (PBT) and a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

- Test sections include Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Number of Questions & Test Duration

Category

SKA

문항 수

듣기 / 읽기 / 쓰기

20 / 20 / 2

말하기

2

시험 시간
(총점)

140분
(800점)

Score by Grade

Grade

SKA

초급 학습자

Grade 1

108 ~ 215

Grade 2

216 ~ 295

중급 학습자

Grade 3

296 ~ 400

Grade 4

401 ~ 495

고급 학습자

Grade 5

496 ~ 580

Grade 6

581 ~ 800

* SKA 시험 일정 및 신청 홈페이지 URL : https://ska.ksif.or.kr/

Purpose

- Assessment of Korean language proficiency for foreigners and overseas Koreans

- Providing guidance for Korean language learning and verifying learning achievement

- Utilized for studying abroad in Korea, employment, visa applications, and residency qualification reviews

- Fulfilling credit and graduation requirements for Korean language-related departments at overseas universities

Eligibility

- Foreigners and overseas Koreans whose native language is not Korean

- Individuals seeking admission to Korean universities or graduate schools

- Individuals aiming to work at Korean companies or Korea-related enterprises

- Anyone wishing to have their Korean language proficiency evaluated

Main Applications

- Used for document screening during admission to Korean universities (freshman or transfer) and employment at Korean companies

- Preferred qualification or additional points given when selecting and promoting foreign employees

- Applied as a selection criterion and evaluation tool for midterm and final exams for international students

- Utilized as a selection criterion for foreign trainees and overseas Koreans

Test Fields

- 시험의 종류는 총 4종 B-KLAT(기초), KLAT(초급), KLAT(중급), KLAT(고급)

- The tests are administered as Paper-Based Tests (PBT) and Internet-Based Tests (IBT).

- Test sections include Listening, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Grammar.

Number of Questions & Test Duration

Category

B-KLAT(Basic)

KLAT(Beginner)

KLAT(Intermediate)

KLAT(Advanced)

Test Duration

Listening

Reading

Listening

Vocabulary and Grammar

Reading

Listening

Vocabulary and Grammar

Reading

Listening

Reading

Writing

25

25

30

25

20

20

25

30

30

30

3

시험 시간
(총점)

80분
(200점)

110분
(200점)

120분
(200점)

165분
(300점)

Score by Grade

Grade

SKA

Recommended Study Hours

B-KLAT(Basic)

Grade 1

92 ~ 139

150 ~ 200시간

Grade 2

140 ~ 200

KLAT(Beginner)

Grade 1

80 ~ 139

400시간 이하

Grade 2

140 ~ 495

KLAT(Intermediate)

Grade 3

80 ~ 139

401 ~ 800시간

Grade 4

140 ~ 200

KLAT(Advanced)

Grade 5

150 ~ 239

801시간 이상

Grade 6

240 ~ 300

※ KLAT 1급은 각 영역별 합격 점수(듣기: 27점, 어휘/문법: 14점, 읽기: 18점) 이상을 득점해야 합격

※ B-KLAT 기초 성적결과가 1급 이하일 경우에는 'B-KLAT 무급(No Grade)' 처리

* KLAT 시험 일정 및 신청 홈페이지 URL : http://www.kets.or.kr/