TOPIK : Test of Proficiency in Korean

The Test of Proficiency in Korean is a Korean language test offered two times annually (in Jan, Mar, Apr, Jul, Oct, Nov) to foreigners in Korea and twice annually (Apr, Oct) to people studying Korean in other countries. TOPIK is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED – 국립국제교육원). King Sejong Institute in Montreal is the official implementation of the Montreal region.

Objective of Examination

This examination aims to set a right Korean Language learning path for overseas Koreans and foreigners who do not speak Korean as their mother tongue and promote the use of Korean language.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Overseas Koreans and foreigners who do not speak Korean as their mother tongue
  • Those learning Korean language and those with intentions to apply for local universities
  • Those with intention to join/work for domestic/overseas Korean companies and public organizations
  • Koreans who study or graduated overseas

Validity

  • Valid for two (2) years after the announcement of examination results

Evaluation

There are two types of evaluations : TOPIK 1 and TOPIK 2.

TOPIK 1 : for beginners ( 2 grades )

  • Grade 1: score over 80
  • Grade 2: score over 140

TOPIK 2 : for those wanting to study or work in Korea (4 grades )

  • Grade 3: score over 120
  • Grade 4: score over 150
  • Grade 5: score over 190
  • Grade 6: score over 230

Structure of Questions

The test consists of mostly multiple-choice questions; however, the TOPIK II level writing examination will require a short-answer. TOPIK I consists of multiple-choice questions for listening (40 minutes long with 30 questions) and reading (60 minutes long with 40 questions). Both examination areas are worth a score of 100 with a combining score of 200. TOPIK II has two slots.


The first slot is the listening examination (60 minutes long with 50 questions) and writing (50 minutes long with 4 short-answer questions). The second slot is for the reading examination (70 minutes long with 50 questions). All three examinations of TOPIK II are worth a score of 100 with a combining score of 300.

Use of the test results

  • Korean university admission for foreigners.
  • Obtaining work visas for local Korean companies.
  • Recognizing domestic practitioner license for foreigners with medical doctor qualifications.
  • For the application of a Korean Language Teaching Qualification test (level 2 and 3) and acquisition of certificate.
  • To apply for permanent residency.
  • To obtain marriage based immigrant visa.

Our Students

Our students are automatically eligible to participate for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). In the eventuality that there are more than 20 participants in the greater Montreal area, there is the possibility to take the test at King Sejong Institute in Montreal.