TOPIK vs.

KLPT
8 Jan

TOPIK vs. KLPT Vs.

Overview Korea is now opening its door to more students from abroad, as well as having more people to work here. Some of you might also have started preparation to come to Korea. However, one of the requirements will be the Korean language proficiency. There are two kinds of language proficiency tests, so which one should you take? TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Official website TOPIKs purpose to asses the Korean language proficiency for Korean non-speakers and even overseas Korean. The test is hosted by National Institute for International Education under the Rep. of Koreas Ministry of Education, Science and Knowledge. Before there were two kinds of TOPIK tests: The Standard TOPIK or S-TOPIK and Business TOPIK or B-TOPIK. S-TOPIK is used for academic purposes whilst B-TOPIK is for finding employment, however, since 2011, B-TOPIK is no longer administered. Below is the general information on what you need to know about TOPIK:

Frequency: 4 times/ year for exams taken in Korea, twice a year for exams taken abroad. Test area: Vocabulary/ Grammar, Writing, Reading and Listening Exam levels: 6 (Beginner: 1-2, Intermediate: 3-4, Advanced: 5-6) Test time: 90 minutes for each level, which is divided into two halves: 1st half: Vocabulary/ Grammar and Writing; 2nd half: Reading and Listening Minimum score to pass: 50 points each for first tier level (level 1, 3, 5), 70 points each for tier 2 (level 2, 4, 6). Each category is given 100 points and from there an average is calculated. Exam place: please refer to the website. How to apply? Online application for those residing in Korea and application through exam site institutions for overseas residents. Exam fee: 40,000 won (approx. US$ 40)

KLPT (Korean Language Proficiency Test) Official website KLPTs purpose is to test the proficiency of non-Korean speakers who are looking for employment or job in Korean companies. KLPT is divided into two: KLPT and Basic KLPT which is for beginner which have studied Korean for about 200 hours.

Frequency: 4 times/ year for Basic KLPT, twice a year for KLPT (these are for paper based test)

Test area: Listening and Reading Exam levels: 6 (6 being the highest) Minimum score to pass: 200 (minimum score for Level 1) Test type: KLPT and Basic KLPT which again divided into Paper and Computer-based test. How to apply: by visiting to the nearest registration office in your area (Korea and abroad. For more details please check the website) Exam fee: 40,000 won (approx. US$40)