Your guide to taking the TOPIK in 2025

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Your guide to taking the TOPIK in 2025

  • 기자 사진
  • TREVOR TREHARNE
Participants take the TOPIK [CHO MOON-GYU]

Participants take the TOPIK [CHO MOON-GYU]

 
With places filled for the final TOPIK of 2024, taking place on Nov. 10, those looking to prove their Korean proficiency must now wait until next year.
 
However, the application period for the first test of 2025 will open on Dec. 10. With 12 TOPIKs set to be held in 2025, up from the nine scheduled for this year, there are more opportunities than ever to secure a place.
    

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The Korea JoongAng Daily breaks down what the test is, when the exams will take place next year and how to sign up.




What is the TOPIK?


The TOPIK, or Test of Proficiency in Korean, is a standardized exam designed to assess the Korean language skills of nonnative speakers.
 
A key requirement for international students aiming to study in Korea, companies in Korea also often demand certain TOPIK levels for employment. It is also for anyone interested in demonstrating their Korean proficiency.
 
The test evaluates reading, writing and listening skills and is offered in two exam levels: TOPIK I (beginner) and TOPIK II (intermediate to advanced). Your grades in those exams define your final TOPIK level (between 1 and 6).




How does the TOPIK work?


TOPIK I consists of two sections — reading and listening — and is intended for beginner learners. It is scored out of 200 points, with the test-takers aiming to reach Level 1 (basic comprehension — 80 marks) or Level 2 (basic conversation — 120 marks).
 
TOPIK II is more advanced and features three sections — reading, listening and writing. This level is designed for those with intermediate to advanced proficiency, offering scores that range from Level 3 (basic fluency) to Level 6 (near-native fluency). The test is scored out of 300 points, with a higher emphasis placed on writing ability. You will need 120 marks for Level 3, 150 for Level 4, 190 for Level 5 and 230 for Level 6.




Can I take the TOPIK online?


It is possible to take the TOPIK online, but only while supervised within a designated TOPIK center. It is not possible to take the TOPIK from home. The number of internet-based tests will rise to six next year, compared to just three this year.
 
Currently, only six countries — Korea, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China and the Philippines — offer the internet-based test. However, seven additional countries — Romania, Malaysia, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, Paraguay and Pakistan — will offer the internet-based TOPIK starting in 2025.




What is the TOPIK speaking test?


Launched in 2022 as a pilot program, the TOPIK speaking test is a newer addition to the traditional TOPIK, designed to evaluate a candidate's oral proficiency in Korean.
 
While the standard TOPIK focuses on reading, writing and listening, the speaking exam assesses how well candidates can communicate verbally in various contexts.
 
The exam tests pronunciation, grammar, fluency and the ability to express ideas clearly.
 
 

What are the 2025 TOPIK dates?


TypeExam No.AreaApplication period  Test dateResults
PBT98thKorea only    Dec. 10-16, 2024Jan. 19Feb. 27  
IBT5thKorea/OverseasDec. 17-23, 2024Feb. 22March 14
IBT6thKorea/OverseasJan. 14-20, 2025March 22April 11
PBT99thKorea/OverseasFeb. 11-17April 12-13May 30
PBT100thKorea/OverseasMarch 11-17May 11June 26
IBT7thKorea/OverseasApril 15-21June 14July 4
PBT101stKorea/OverseasMay 13-19July 12-13Aug. 21
IBT8thKorea/OverseasJuly 15-21Sept. 13Oct. 2
PBT102ndKorea/OverseasAug. 5-11Oct. 18-19  Dec. 11
IBT9thKorea/OverseasAug. 26-Sept. 1Oct. 25   Nov. 14
PBT103rdKorea/OverseasSept. 2-8Nov. 16Dec. 23
PBT10thKorea/OverseasSept. 23-29Nov. 29Dec. 19
* The application period is for tests administered in Korea. Application periods of overseas tests may differ depending on the local testing centers. PBT = paper-based test. IBT = internet-based test.




2025 TOPIK speaking test schedule 


Exam No.AreaApplication periodTest dateResults
7thKorea onlyJan. 14-20March 22April 14
8thKorea onlyApril 15-21June 14July 7
9thKorea onlyAug. 26-Sept. 1Oct. 25Nov. 17


 
How do I sign up for the TOPIK?


You can register on the official TOPIK website here. Places will be available across a range of test centers in Korea and overseas.
 
Registrations open at 9 a.m. in Korea. Places fill up quickly though, so you will need to register ahead of time and be logged into the website ahead of the 9 a.m. opening to secure your space. Tests at central locations in Seoul fill up particularly quickly. You can pay the registration fee either by credit card or bank transfer.
 

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How long is the TOPIK score valid?


Your TOPIK score is valid for two years. Within that period, users can access results online on the TOPIK website.




Tips for preparing for the TOPIK


Start by identifying your target level and tailoring your study approach to the specific sections of the exam. Use past TOPIKs to get a sense of the format and time yourself while practicing.
 
Online resources, language apps and study groups can also help enhance your proficiency and boost your confidence before the test.
 
By planning your studies and practicing regularly, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your desired TOPIK score in 2025. Good luck!

BY TREVOR TREHARNE, LEE TAE-HEE [trevor.treharne@joongang.co.kr]
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