The Korean exam that fits me

To work in Korea, EPS-TOPIK; to study or get a job, TOPIK; for permanent residency or naturalization, the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP). Compare the target group, exam structure, passing criteria, cost, and official site for each purpose at a glance.

Mr. Gaon

Which Korean exam you need depends on your purpose. Choose your situation first. Choosing wrong can waste time and money!

What's my situation?

I want to work in a factory, in agriculture, livestock, fishing, construction, or services → EPS-TOPIK To work in Korea under the Employment Permit System (E-9, non-professional employment), you must pass the EPS-TOPIK in your home country. I want to study at a Korean university or get a job at a Korean company → TOPIK TOPIK levels are used for university (graduate school) admission and graduation, jobs at companies and public institutions, and government-invited scholarships. I live in Korea and am preparing for permanent residency or naturalization → KIIP The basic knowledge requirement for permanent residency (F-5) and the naturalization test exemption are handled through the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP). With a TOPIK result, you can skip some KIIP stages.

Compare at a glance

	EPS-TOPIK	TOPIK	KIIP
Purpose	Selection of foreign job seekers under the Employment Permit System	Proof of Korean ability for study and work	Immigrants' adaptation to Korean society, permanent residency, and naturalization
Organizer	Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRDK)	National Institute for International Education (NIIED, Ministry of Education)	Ministry of Justice
Who it's for	Citizens of the 17 sending countries, aged 18-39	Foreigners and overseas Koreans whose native language is not Korean	Foreigners legally staying in Korea (registered as foreign residents)
Where	Home country (apply through the local sending agency)	Test centers in Korea and other countries	Operating institutions and assessment centers in Korea
Exam	20 reading and 20 listening, 40 questions, 50 minutes	TOPIK I Listening and Reading / TOPIK II Listening, Writing, and Reading	After placement from 0 to 5 by the pre-test, you take courses and tests stage by stage
Result	Out of 100, relative evaluation (ranked by score among those at or above the minimum score for each industry)	Levels 1-6	Complete the stage and pass the comprehensive test with 60 or higher
Validity	2 years from the date the pass is announced	2 years from the date of the results announcement	Start the course within 2 years after your pre-test placement
Cost	USD 28 (USD 24 for the Philippines)	Korea standard: TOPIK I KRW 40,000, TOPIK II KRW 55,000	Pre-test KRW 38,000; Stages 1-4 tuition KRW 100,000 each (Stage 0 is free)

Exam details can change. Always check the official website before you apply. (Based on official websites and the original text of the laws, 2026-10-14)

Check your current level with the skill test → TOPIK 2026 Exam Schedule Calendar →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the EPS-TOPIK and TOPIK?

The EPS-TOPIK is an exam for selecting foreigners to work under the Employment Permit System (E-9), and it is taken in your home country. TOPIK is a general Korean proficiency exam used for study, jobs, and more, with Levels 1-6.

Which exam do I need for permanent residency?

The basic knowledge requirement for permanent residency (F-5) is completing the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) or scoring 60 or higher on the comprehensive test. With a TOPIK result, you can start KIIP at a higher stage.

I don't know which exam to prepare for first.

First, decide why you are coming to Korea. Then check your current level with the OpenHangul skill test, and it will be easier to plan your studies.