TOPIK 2023: Changes and updates (and Registration Period)

Skip to 2023 Exam Details
Skip to the new Speaking Assessment details

TOPIK, or Test of Proficiency in Korean, is a Korean language test held twice annually (usually in Apr and Oct). In Singapore, TOPIK is administered by the Singapore Korean International School.

TOPIK certification is required for non-natives who need to apply for official Korean documentation (eg. marriage, work visa, etc)

For students applying to Korean universities, some courses will require a minimum TOPIK level (check with the school for the specific course).

TOPIK certification can be included in your resume or scholarship application to increase your chances of working / studying in Korea!

There are 2 sections for TOPIK 1 (Listening and Reading Comprehension) and 3 sections for TOPIK 2 (Listening, Writing and Reading Comprehension).
 
Level Period Section Type Number of questions Points distribution Maximum possible score
TOPIK I 1 Listening  Multiple choice questions 30 100 200
Reading Comprehension Multiple choice questions 40 100
TOPIK II 1 Listening Multiple choice questions 50 100 300
Writing Subjective questions 4 100
2 Reading Compression Multiple choice questions 50 100
For TOPIK 1, Grade 1 (80 to 139) and Grade 2 (140 to 200).
For TOPIK 2, Grade 3 (120-149), Grade 4 (150-189), Grade 5 (190-229), Grade 6 (230-300).
TOPIK I (Level 1 and 2) TOPIK II (Level 3, 4, 5, 6)
 Sublevel 1  Sublevel 2  Sublevel 3  Sublevel 4  Sublevel 5  Sublevel 6
Score 80 ~ 139 140 ~ 200 120 ~ 149 150 ~ 189 190 ~ 229 230 ~ 300
Each TOPIK certificate is valid for two years.

Yes! But do not underestimate the difficulty levels of TOPIK II exam paper. For more details, contact us for the TOPIK Preparation class to increase your chances of passing TOPIK!

2023 TOPIK Exam Details

87th TOPIK exam date for Singapore is 9 April Sunday. There are usually 2 exam dates per year in Singapore (April and October).

There is only one exam center in Singapore, located at 71 Bukit Tinggi Road Singapore 289759 (Singapore Korean International School).

Registration period for 87th TOPIK exam is from 17 Jan 9am to 31 Jan 4pm sharp at the Singapore Korean International School website.

TOPIK I: SGD$100

TOPIK II: SGD$120

Results are expected to be released on 25 May Thursday at 3pm (subject to changes)

2023: New Speaking Assessment

Extracted from the TOPIK website: topik.go.kr

2021 and 2022: Pilot tests conducted successfully

2023: Regular implementation, fee, and details yet to be announced. Test dates for Korea only have been announced.

From TOPIK official website: http://topik.go.kr/
From TOPIK official website: http://topik.go.kr/
  • To guide those learning Korean as a second language to study in a way that helps improve their ability to communicate in Korean
  • To evaluate the test-taker’s communication skills in Korean and allow them to use their test results in filing college applications, job applications, etc
  • To enter a Korean college or graduate school and receive a scholarship in the case of foreigners or overseas Koreans who have completed 12 years of schooling abroad
  • To be hired by a Korean company and obtain an excellent performance assessment results
  • To apply for a visa to stay in Korea
  • Overseas Korean or non-Korean whose first language is not Korean and who:
    • is currently learning Korean or wishes to study at a Korean college;
    • wishes to work for a Korean company or public agency based in or outside Korea.
  • Korean national who is currently studying at or has graduated from a school abroad

It is valid for two years from the announcement of the test score.

You must have TOPIK I or TOPIK II test scores.

Test dates: 17 June 2023 (Korea only) and 19 August 2023 (Korea only) Test time: 30 minutes Test questions: 6 questions
QuestionQuestion typePrep timeResponse time
1Listen to and answer a simple question20sec30sec
2Ask and answer in a familiar social situation30sec40sec
3See a series of scenes and create a story40sec60sec
4Listen to a dialog and answer the question40sec60sec
5Explain the material and provide a critical analysis70sec80sec
6Express opinion on the given topic70sec80sec
Evaluation FactorDescription
Content and task performanceDid he/she express him/herself appropriately for the given topic?
Did he/she faithfully perform the given task?
Did the dialog flow in an organized and coherent manner?
Command of the languageDid he/she use appropriate language considering the context of the dialog?
Did he/she use rich and diverse vocabulary and expressions?
Did he/she use his/her vocabulary and expressions in an accurate way?
Pronunciation and deliveryWas his/her speech comprehensible (satisfactory pronunciation and intonation)?
Did he/she speak at a natural pace?
TOPIK Speaking
 FailSublevel 1Sublevel 2Sublevel 3Sublevel 4Sublevel 5Sublevel 6
Score0 ~ 1920 ~ 4950 ~ 8990 ~ 109110 ~ 129130 ~ 159160 ~ 200
SublevelDescription
Grade 6
  • The individual is able to speak logically and persuasively regarding social issues and abstract topics.
  • The individual rarely makes any mistakes and can freely vary his/her vocabulary and syntax (sentence structures) according to the context of the dialog.
  • The individual sounds natural in terms of pronunciation, intonation and speed and thus boasts excellent delivery.
Grade 5
  • The individual is able to speak relatively logically and coherently regarding social issues and some abstract topics.
  • The individual occasionally makes mistakes but is capable of using various words and expressions according to the context of the dialog.
  • The individual, in most cases, sounds natural in terms of pronunciation, intonation and speed and thus boasts good delivery.
Grade 4
  • The individual is able to speak in a concrete and organized way regarding some social issues.
  • The individual makes mistakes from time to time but is capable of using various words and expressions according to the context of the dialog in most cases.
  • The individual sounds relatively natural in terms of pronunciation, intonation and speed and thus has little trouble conveying what he/she wants to say.
Grade 3
  • The individual is able to speak in a relatively concrete manner regarding familiar social issues.
  • The individual makes mistakes from time to time but is relatively capable of using somewhat various words and expressions according to the context of the dialog in most cases.
  • The individual sounds slightly unnatural in terms of pronunciation, intonation and/or speed but does not have a major problem conveying what he/she wants to say.
Grade 2
  • The individual is able to ask and answer questions about everyday topics in frequently encountered situations.
  • The individual has limited command of the language, is unable to use words, etc. that are appropriate for the situation at times, and often makes mistakes.
  • The individual sounds unnatural in terms of pronunciation, intonation and/or speed and has somewhat of a problem conveying what he/she wants to say.
Grade 1
  • The individual is able to provide simple answers to questions about family, everyday topics.
  • The individual has extremely limited command of the language and often makes mistakes.
  • The individual sounds very unnatural in terms of pronunciation, intonation and/or speed and has a problem conveying what he/she wants to say.
TL;DR

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