Two tests, six levels
TOPIK is split into two separate tests. You don’t choose a level — you choose a test, and your score decides the level you are awarded.
| Test | Levels | Sections | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I (beginner) | 1–2 | Listening, Reading | 200 points |
| TOPIK II (intermediate–advanced) | 3–6 | Listening, Writing, Reading | 300 points |
Test structure
TOPIK I
| Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 30 multiple choice | 40 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 40 multiple choice | 60 min | 100 |
TOPIK II
| Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 50 multiple choice | 60 min | 100 |
| Writing (쓰기) | 4 written (2 sentence completions, a 200–300 character description, a 600–700 character essay) | 50 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 50 multiple choice | 70 min | 100 |
Scores needed for each level
| Level | Test | Score | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | TOPIK I | 80+ | Basic survival Korean; about 800 words |
| Level 2 | TOPIK I | 140+ | Everyday tasks and public facilities; 1,500–2,000 words |
| Level 3 | TOPIK II | 120+ | Daily life without difficulty; familiar social topics |
| Level 4 | TOPIK II | 150+ | News and general articles; social relationships |
| Level 5 | TOPIK II | 190+ | Professional and academic use in many fields |
| Level 6 | TOPIK II | 230+ | Fluent professional use, including unfamiliar topics |
Score bands are the ones published for the paper-based test at the time of writing; always confirm details, test dates and fees on the official TOPIK website before you register.
How to prepare with Korea TOPIK Center
- Take the level check to find out whether to aim for TOPIK I or TOPIK II.
- Learn the grammar and vocabulary for your target level — lower levels first; each grammar page shows what it builds on.
- Use practice drills for the question types that cost you the most points.
- Finish with a timed mock test to build stamina and check your estimated score.