Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)

(Picture from: http://www.topik.go.kr/)

Only 9 days left for the 27th TOPIK test.  This time only people in South Korea will be able to take the test.  Many people may study hard to prepare for TOPIK exam. But some people may have no idea at all what TOPIK is.  So, this time, we will talk about TOPIK. ^^"

TOPIK stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean.  This exam is provided by National Institute for International Education(NIIED). There are 3 levels of TOPIK test but 6 level of Korean proficiency: Beginner(level 1-2), Intermediate (level 3-4), Advanced(level 5-6).

For each exam, there are 2 sections with 4 parts of language capability tests.  Each section requires 90 minutes.  First section contains of vocabulary and grammar part and writing part. Second section contains of listening part and reading part.

For grading system, if applicant can get average score above 50% and 40% for each part, applicant can get first level of Korean proficiency for each level of TOPIK test.  Also, if applicant can get average score above 70% and 50% for each part, applicant can get second level.  For example, if you take beginner level and you get above 50% for average score as well as you get above 40% for each part's score, you get level 1. On the other hand, if you get above 70% for average score and above 50% for each part's score, you get level 2.

Normally, people can take 4 times a year for TOPIK exam: January, April, July and October.  TOPIK test provider may change the period for exam, so you should check from TOPIK website before you want to take the test.  People outside South Korea can apply the TOPIK test for 2 times a year which are around April and around October.  The exam fee for people in South Korea(based on the year 2011) is 40,000 won and exam fee for people outside South Korea varies depending on country.

Nowadays, there are many TOPIK preparation books from many publishers in many languages mainly in English, Chinese, and Japanese.  Also, you can study Korean language from many websites which some of them provide the service for free. However, most of the free website do not focus on TOPIK exam.

So, if you want to take your Korean skill, please go ahead!! Good luck ^^"