Korean Language Tests — How EPS-TOPIK and TOPIK Are Different

The difference between the two tests

Item	EPS-TOPIK	TOPIK
Run by	한국산업인력공단 (HRD Korea, Human Resources Development Service of Korea)	교육부 (Ministry of Education) · 국립국제교육원 (National Institute for International Education)
Purpose	Choosing workers for the Employment Permit System	Proving your Korean level (for visas, study, jobs)
Where you take it	In your home country (before coming to Korea)	Test centers in Korea and abroad
Website	epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr	topik.go.kr
Result	Pass/Fail + score ranking	Level 1 to Level 6

If you are already in Korea on an E-9 visa, the test you need to take again is usually TOPIK.

What kind of test is EPS-TOPIK?

• Who can apply: People aged 18 to 39 (full age) on the first day of registration.
• Test type: CBT (on a computer) or UBT (using a USB).
• Questions: 20 listening questions and 20 reading questions, 40 questions in total. The test time is 50 minutes.
• Score: The top score is 200 points. Among people with 120 points or more, people with higher scores pass first.
• After you pass, you take a skills test (physical strength, interview, basic skills) for your job type. The first and second tests are added together for your final score.
• How long your score stays valid and the schedule for each country change every year. Please check the notices at epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr.

TOPIK levels and scores

There are two types of TOPIK.

• TOPIK I: Listening and reading. The top score is 200 points. Level 1 is 80 points or more. Level 2 is 140 points or more.
• TOPIK II: Listening, writing, and reading. The top score is 300 points. Level 3 is 120 points or more, Level 4 is 150 points or more, Level 5 is 190 points or more, and Level 6 is 230 points or more.
• The TOPIK Speaking Test needs a separate registration.
• Your score is valid for 2 years from the result date. While it is valid, you can print your score certificate from the website for free.

Test fees and registration

The test fees in Korea are as follows.

Test	Test fee
TOPIK I (PBT, paper test)	40,000원
TOPIK II (PBT)	55,000원
TOPIK I (IBT, computer test)	70,000원
TOPIK II (IBT)	95,000원
Speaking Test	80,000원

How to register:

1. Make an account at topik.go.kr.
2. Prepare a photo file (check the size rules).
3. During the registration period, choose the test round, test center, and test type, and pay the fee.
4. Print your admission ticket. On test day, bring your 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card) or passport and your admission ticket.

In 2026, the paper tests (PBT) in Korea are on January 11, April 12, May 17, July 5, October 18, and November 15. Registration opens about two months before the test date, and it is open for only about one week. Popular test centers fill up within a few hours, so it is best to apply on the first day of registration. The schedule can change, so always check the notices at topik.go.kr.

Korean language rules for visas

E-7-4 skilled workers are chosen by a points system. In the basic item, Korean language, you must get at least 50 points. You can meet this with one of the following:

• TOPIK Level 2 or higher
• Completing Level 2 or higher of the 사회통합프로그램 (KIIP, Korea Immigration and Integration Program)
• 41 points or more on the KIIP placement test

The Korean language requirement is put on hold for a limited time, until December 31, 2026. But this hold has conditions, so it is safer to get TOPIK Level 2 in advance. The points table and the hold conditions change every year through the 법무부 (Ministry of Justice) selection plan notice. Before you apply, please check the notice on 하이코리아 (HiKorea, hikorea.go.kr).

How to study for free

• Nuri King Sejong Institute (nuri.iksi.or.kr): Gives free Korean textbook e-books, videos, and Korean culture materials.
• Online King Sejong Institute: You can take Korean classes online for your level.
• EPS-TOPIK website (epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr): You can download the standard textbook and sample questions (past question types), and play the listening audio.
• 사회통합프로그램 (KIIP): You learn in a classroom and also earn visa points at the same time.

Tips for preparing for the test

1. First, decide whether to take TOPIK I or TOPIK II. If your goal is Level 2, TOPIK I is enough.
2. Do one full set of sample questions while timing yourself. You need to know your current score to make a plan.
3. For listening, 20 minutes every day is better than listening a lot at one time.
4. Make a word list from the words used at your company (work instructions, safety signs). You can use them both in daily life and on the test.
5. In TOPIK II, people often run out of time for writing. Practice writing on 원고지 (Korean writing grid paper) in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can I take EPS-TOPIK in Korea? A. As a rule, EPS-TOPIK is held in the workers' home countries. The test you need in Korea is usually TOPIK.

Q. My TOPIK score is no longer valid. A. After 2 years, the score is no longer valid. You must take the test again.

Q. If I fail, can I take the test as many times as I want? A. There is no limit on how many times you can take TOPIK. You pay the test fee each time.

Q. Can I go to the test center while I am working? A. The test is usually held on weekends. If it is on the same day as your work schedule, talk to your company in advance.

Where to get help

• Test of Proficiency in Korean topik.go.kr / EPS-TOPIK epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr
• Nuri King Sejong Institute nuri.iksi.or.kr
• 외국인종합안내센터 (Immigration Contact Center) 1345 (questions about visas)
• 외국인력상담센터 (Migrant Worker Counseling Center) 1577-0071