Updated November 20, 2025 Beginner-friendly — checked regularly with new TOPIK info.

TOPIK exam beginner guide — desk, headphones, simple study checklist for Korean test

📘 TOPIK Exam Beginner Guide — Levels, Structure, Scoring, and Registration

📑 Table of Contents (open/close)

Hook — Is TOPIK right for you?
What is TOPIK? (Basic overview)
Levels & scores (TOPIK I & II)
Test structure — sections & timing
Who should take TOPIK?
How to register (Korea & abroad)
Study plan — simple 90-day path
Fast wins (Listening / Reading / Writing)
Official resources
Next: strategy series
Coaching CTA

You’re curious about TOPIK, but everything looks complicated.

In one short guide, you’ll see what TOPIK is, how the exam is organized, how scoring works, and how to register — plus a simple 90-day plan to get ready.

A plain-English overview of levels (TOPIK I & II) and what they mean.
A quick look at test structure so you don’t get surprised on exam day.
A beginner-friendly study routine and links to my deeper TOPIK series.

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean language exam run by NIIED (국립국제교육원). It measures Korean ability for non-native speakers.

Purpose: study in Korea, job applications, visas, or simply a clear learning goal.
Who takes it? International students, workers in Korea, and long-term learners worldwide.
Format: multiple-choice questions (Listening & Reading for all), plus Writing for TOPIK II.

If you’re completely new to Korean levels, you might also like: Understanding Korean Proficiency Levels

TOPIK Levels & Scores — Big Picture

TOPIK is divided into two exams with a total of six levels:

TOPIK I → Levels 1–2 (beginner / basic communication)
TOPIK II → Levels 3–6 (intermediate to advanced)

How scoring works (simple version)

TOPIK I is scored out of 200 points. Your total score decides whether you get Level 1 or 2.
TOPIK II is scored out of 300 points. Higher totals correspond to Levels 3–6.
Each institution (university, employer, immigration office) sets its own minimum required level.

Many universities ask for around Level 3–4 for degree programs, while some jobs or visas may require higher levels. Always check the latest official notice for your case.

Test Structure — What Happens on Exam Day?

Here is a high-level view so you know what to expect. Exact timing and rules may change, so always confirm with the official TOPIK site or your local test center.

TOPIK I (Levels 1–2)

Listening — about 40 minutes, multiple-choice.
Reading — about 60 minutes, multiple-choice.
No separate Writing section; questions are designed for beginners.

TOPIK II (Levels 3–6)

Listening + Writing — first session (intermediate / advanced topics).
Reading — second session.
Writing includes short-answer and essay-style questions.

Recently, NIIED has also been preparing a speaking component for TOPIK. For the most up-to-date format (PBT vs IBT, speaking, etc.), use the official links in the resource section below.

Is TOPIK Right for You?

TOPIK is especially useful if you:

plan to study at a Korean university or language institute,
want to apply for jobs that use Korean at work,
need visa points or proof of language ability, or
just want a clear, measurable goal for your Korean journey.

Not a “test person”?

Even if you’re not a fan of exams, TOPIK can still be your study roadmap. You can use the past questions and level descriptions to guide your self-study, with or without registering for the official test.

How to Register (Korea & Abroad)

Registration is handled either by TOPIK’s official website or by a local Korean Education Center / Embassy, depending on where you live.

If You’re in Korea

Check the official schedule and registration period on topik.go.kr.
Create an account (if needed), choose TOPIK I or II, and select your test center.
Upload a photo (if required), pay the fee, and save/print your confirmation.

If You’re Outside Korea

Find your nearest Korean Education Center or Embassy. Many post TOPIK notices on their website or social media.
Read the local notice carefully (dates, fee, documents, payment method).
Register online or in person as instructed, and keep your confirmation safe.

Seats often sell out quickly in big cities. Mark the registration date on your calendar and prepare your ID and photo in advance.

Study Plan — Simple 90-Day Path for Your First TOPIK

🎯 Step 1) Pick Your Target Level

TOPIK I (1–2) — daily life basics

Best first goal if you’re still building core grammar and vocabulary.

TOPIK II (3–6) — university & work

Aim 3–4 for study and general work; 5–6 for advanced professional use.

🧭 Quick self-check: If you still translate most short notices, start with TOPIK I. If you can summarize main ideas and write 5–7 sentences, consider TOPIK II.

🧰 Step 2) Build a Lean Study Stack

📘 1 core text (grammar + reading) you’ll actually finish.
🗂️ 1 vocab deck (theme-based; add your own easy example sentences).
🧪 Past papers (start weekly from Week 2).
🧾 Error notebook with tags: grammar vocab inference timing careless

📅 Step 3) 90-Day Skeleton (Busy-Adult Friendly)

⏱️ Weekdays (45–60 min)

15 min listening shadowing → 20 min reading/grammar → 10–15 min vocab.

🗓️ Weekend (75–90 min)

1 full mock section + 30 min error review.

🏁 Milestones:

Day 30
first full mock

Day 60
gap-fix mock

Day 80
exam-pace mock

Day 85–89
light review only

⚡ Fast Wins (Listening / Reading / Writing)

🎧 Listening

Scan options ➝ Contrast (하지만/그래도) ➝ Numbers/Time ➝ Intent (last line)

📖 Reading

Title ➝ 1st sentence ➝ Last sentence ➝ Questions ➝ Targeted re-read

✍️ Writing (TOPIK I)

Topic ➝ Detail ➝ Wrap-up + 1 connector (그리고/하지만/그래서)

Official & Trustworthy Resources

🔗 TOPIK Official Website (NIIED) → topik.go.kr
🔗 NIIED — TOPIK Info Page → niied.go.kr / TOPIK
🔗 Study in Korea (Gov. Portal) → studyinkorea.go.kr
🔗 Embassy / Korean Education Center Notices — search “TOPIK + your city” or check your local Korean mission’s website.

Tip: Registration, local test centers, and dates are posted by your nearest Korean Education Center or Embassy.

Next good steps: Understanding Korean Proficiency Levels • Speak Like a Real Korean (6 Magic Words)

Ready for strategy? Go deeper with my TOPIK Starter Series — Part 1: Why TOPIK? (and How to Win Fast) → Open Part 1

Before you go → Lock in your next step. / 이 글을 읽은 후 다음 단계를 바로 정해보세요.

Open TOPIK Starter Series #1 now → Go to Part 1 / 지금 1편을 열어보세요.
Bookmark this blog (Ctrl/⌘+D) — Re-reading multiplies progress. / 즐겨찾기하여 반복 학습하세요.