TOPIK, Test of Proficiency in Korean, is a PBT or an IBT test designed to measure the ability of non-native speakers for expression and comprehension in the Korean language. TOPIK test measures proficiency in reading, writing, and listening comprehension in the Korean language.
TOPIK is orgarnized by National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and there are two levels in the test; TOPIK I and TOPIK II.
While TOPIK I has 2 sublevels that are for beginners, TOPIK II has 4 sublevels that are intermediate and advanced.
IBT TOPIK is conducted 3 times a year,
Test Structure and Scoring
| Test Types |
Section |
No. of Items |
Time Limit(min.) |
Total Score |
Level(Score) |
| TOPIK I (IBT) |
Listening |
30 |
85(min) |
400 |
Level 1(132~207) |
| Reading |
30 |
Level 2(208~400) |
| TOPIK II (IBT) |
Listening |
40 |
150(min) |
600 |
Level 3(204~261) |
| Reading |
40 |
Level 4(262~330) |
| Writing |
3 |
Level 5(331~411)
Level 6(412~600) |
TOPIK Question Types
| Test Name |
Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) |
| Institutions |
Ministry of Education, National Institute for International Education |
| Test Type |
PBT (Paper Based Test) or IBT (Internet Based Test) |
| Type of Questions (IBT Test) |
- Radio Button: Choose one of the four answers
- Vocabulary Insertion: Select the correct word to put in the blanks of the reading fingerprint.
- Sentence Insertion: Choose the right location for the text.
- Drag and Drop: Move sentences and arrange them in order
- Short answer: Complete the sentence by typing short answers in the blanks
- Easy writing: Write a narrative answer according to the given topic and quantity.
|
| Test Composition |
TOPIK I IBT Listening (30 Questions), Reading (30 Questions)
TOPIK II IBT Listening (40 Questions), Writing (40 Questions), Writing (3 Questions)
|
Evaluation Criteria by Level
| Type |
Level |
Level Description |
| TOPIK I IBT |
Level 1 |
The individual can perform basic language functions necessary for elementary communication (such as introducing themselves, buying things and ordering food) and can understand and express content related to familiar topics, such as self-introductions, family, hobbies, and the weather.
Based on an understanding of 800 basic vocabulary words and rudimentary grammar, simple sentences can be created.
He/she can also understand and communicate basic daily tasks and practical texts.
|
| Level 2 |
The individual has the language skills necessary for everyday life, such as making phone calls, asking for a favor, and using the post office, bank, or public facilities.
He/she knows about 1,500 to 2,000 words and can understand and compose paragraphs about casual or familiar topics.
The person can also communicate in formal and informal situations.
|
| TOPIK II IBT |
Level 3 |
The individual has no problem doing normal, day-to-day activities and has the basic language skills to use various public facilities and maintain interpersonal relationships.
He/she can understand and express him/herself regarding not only familiar and specific topics, but also familiar social issues in paragraph form.
He/she is also capable of distinguishing the basic features of colloquial language and literary language and can understand and use the two forms of language him/herself.
|
| Level 4 |
The individual has the language skills to use various public facilities and maintain interpersonal relationships and apply his/her skills to work situations to a certain extent.
He/she can understand the news, news articles, etc., when it is in relatively plain language. He/she can understand and express him/herself about general social issues and abstract concepts in a fairly accurate and fluent manner.
The person can also talk about social and cultural issues based on frequently used idiomatic expressions and an understanding of Korean culture.
|
| Level 5 |
The individual can use his/her language skills professionally or for research in a specialized field to a certain extent and can understand and express him/herself regarding unfamiliar and challenging topics concerning politics, the economy, culture, and so on. He/she can appropriately use different forms of language according to the context and situation (e.g. formal/informal and colloquial/literary).
|
| Level 6 |
The individual can use his/her language skills professionally or for research in a specialized field in a largely accurate and fluent manner and can understand and express him/herself regarding unfamiliar topics concerning politics, the economy, culture, and so on.
While he/she may not be able to speak as fluently as a native Korean speaker, he/she has no trouble expressing him/herself as intended.
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