TOPIK Korean Language Proficiency Test guide
TOPIK I and II scores by level (1-6), exam structure and timing, fees, score validity, the 2026 exam schedule, past exams, and a free mock exam, all at a glance.
TOPIK is the official Korean language exam run by the Korean government. It's used for study abroad, jobs, and visas. Start with the level check to see where you stand, then set a target level!
A 10-minute level check tells you your estimated level and recommended lessons.
What is TOPIK?
- Organizer National Institute for International Education (NIIED, Ministry of Education)
- Who it's for Overseas Koreans and foreigners whose first language is not Korean
- Score validity 2 years from the results announcement date
- Main uses Admission to or graduation from Korean universities (graduate schools), jobs at Korean and overseas companies and public institutions, residence and work visas such as permanent residency, Korean government scholarships
Levels and scores
Your level is decided by your total score, not by passing each section separately. TOPIK I is out of 200 points and TOPIK II is out of 300.
| Exam | Level | Score | What you can do |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Level 1 | 80 ~ 139 | You can use basic everyday expressions such as greetings, introducing yourself, shopping, and ordering food. |
| TOPIK I | Level 2 | 140 ~ 200 | You can handle everyday situations in Korean, such as making phone calls, asking favors, and using public facilities. |
| TOPIK II | Level 3 | 120 ~ 149 | You have no major trouble in daily life and can keep up social relationships in Korean. |
| TOPIK II | Level 4 | 150 ~ 189 | You can use public facilities and handle basic work tasks, and understand easy news articles. |
| TOPIK II | Level 5 | 190 ~ 229 | You can do research or work in a specialized field in Korean to some extent. |
| TOPIK II | Level 6 | 230 ~ 300 | You can use Korean fairly accurately and fluently, even in specialized fields. |
Exam structure and timing
TOPIK I Beginner · Levels 1-2
- Listening 30 questions · Reading 40 questions (all multiple choice)
- Session 1 only · 100 min
- Exam fee (Korea) 40,000 KRW
TOPIK II Intermediate-Advanced · Levels 3-6
- Session 1: Listening 50 questions · Writing 4 questions (110 min)
- Session 2: Reading 50 questions (70 min)
- Exam fee (Korea) 55,000 KRW
Besides the paper-based test (PBT), there are also TOPIK IBT (introduced in 2023) and the TOPIK Speaking test (introduced in 2022).
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2026 Exam Schedule (Domestic Korea, PBT)
📅 Next exam: Round 108 · October 18, 2026
| Round | Exam date | Results announced |
|---|---|---|
| Round 104 | January 11, 2026 | February 12, 2026 |
| Round 105 | April 12, 2026 | May 29, 2026 |
| Round 106 | May 17, 2026 | June 25, 2026 |
| Round 107 | July 5, 2026 | August 13, 2026 |
| Round 108 | October 18, 2026 | December 10, 2026 |
| Round 109 | November 15, 2026 | December 22, 2026 |
Overseas exam dates and registration periods differ by country. Be sure to check the official site before registering.
📅 TOPIK 2026 Exam Schedule Calendar →To work in Korea you need the EPS-TOPIK; for permanent residency or naturalization you need the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP). The Korean exam that fits me →
Prepare with OpenHangul
- Levels 1-2 Beginner lessons → TOPIK I prep lessons
- Levels 3-4 Intermediate lessons → TOPIK II prep lessons
- Levels 5-6 Advanced lessons · Native expressions
- Practice TOPIK I·II mock exam · Try the official past exams ↗
Frequently asked questions
Should I take TOPIK I or TOPIK II?
If your goal is Beginner (Levels 1-2), take TOPIK I; if it's Intermediate-Advanced (Levels 3-6), take TOPIK II. Universities and employers usually require Level 3 or higher, so many people take TOPIK II. Check your level with the level check first.
How long are scores valid?
Scores are valid for 2 years from the results announcement date.
How is my level decided?
Your level is decided by your total score, not by passing each section separately. In TOPIK I (out of 200), 80 points or more is Level 1 and 140 or more is Level 2. In TOPIK II (out of 300), 120, 150, 190 and 230 points or more are Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Where can I try past exam questions?
On the official NIIED site, under 'Try TOPIK past exams', you can practice for free, including the listening audio. OpenHangul's mock exams are new practice questions in the same format.
Source: NIIED TOPIK Exam Guide · Exam overview · Exam schedule (Checked on October 14, 2026)
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