TOPIK Levels, Score Chart and 2-Year TOPIK Validity: PBT and IBT Scores for Levels 1–6 and What Each Level Is Used For

The level on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is determined by total score. On the paper-based test (PBT), TOPIK Ⅰ awards Level 1 from 80 points and Level 2 from 140 points. TOPIK Ⅱ awards Level 3 from 120 points, Level 4 from 150, Level 5 from 190 and Level 6 from 230. The internet-based test (IBT) has a different maximum score, so the score needed for the same level is different. TOPIK validity is 2 years from the score release date, not the test date.

This article lays out the TOPIK score chart by level, the differences between the PBT and IBT, the validity period and score reports, and test fees, based on the 2026 TOPIK annual test plan announced by the Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) (Oct. 10, 2025). Where the levels are actually used is based on the Ministry of Justice visa and stay manuals (October–November 2026 editions). Amounts are given in U.S. dollars first, with Korean won in parentheses (Hana Bank base exchange rate on Nov. 3, 2026: $1 = KRW 1,341.10).

Three tests: TOPIK Ⅰ, TOPIK Ⅱ and the TOPIK Speaking test

TOPIK is divided into three types: TOPIK Ⅰ, TOPIK Ⅱ and the TOPIK Speaking test. TOPIK Ⅰ is the beginner test and determines Levels 1 and 2. TOPIK Ⅱ is the intermediate-to-advanced test and determines Levels 3 through 6. That means anyone who needs Level 3 or higher must take TOPIK Ⅱ from the start.

The paper-based test (PBT) is structured as follows. TOPIK Ⅰ consists of 30 listening items and 40 reading items, with a test time of 100 minutes and a total score of 200 points. TOPIK Ⅱ consists of 50 listening items, 50 reading items and 4 writing items, with a test time of 180 minutes and a total score of 300 points. The writing section exists only on TOPIK Ⅱ.

The internet-based test (IBT) differs in the number of items, the test time and the maximum score. The TOPIK Ⅰ IBT has 26 listening items and 26 reading items, runs 70 minutes and has a total score of 400 points. The TOPIK Ⅱ IBT has 30 listening items, 30 reading items and 3 writing items, runs 125 minutes and has a total score of 600 points. The IBT and the Speaking test have no break in the middle of the exam.

The Speaking test consists of 6 items at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. It lasts 30 minutes, is taken in IBT format and has a total score of 200 points. The Speaking test is a separate exam from TOPIK Ⅰ and Ⅱ, and it assigns its own levels, from 1 to 6.

What score gets which level? TOPIK score chart by level

Levels are set by total score bands, not by section scores. The table below shows the level criteria in the 2026 annual test plan announcement.

On the PBT, the TOPIK Ⅰ cutoff for Level 1 is 80 points, or 40% of the maximum, and the cutoff for Level 2 is 140 points, or 70%. A score below the lowest score in the table earns no level on that test.

The Speaking test column shows levels from a separate test. Check first whether the institution you are submitting to requires TOPIK Ⅰ or Ⅱ scores, and whether it also accepts Speaking test scores.

The IBT uses the same level names but a different score scale

The PBT and IBT share the same level names (Levels 1–6), but their score scales differ. The maximum score for TOPIK Ⅰ is 200 on the PBT and 400 on the IBT; for TOPIK Ⅱ it is 300 on the PBT and 600 on the IBT. PBT scores therefore should not be applied directly to the IBT.

For example, 150 points on TOPIK Ⅱ is Level 4 on the PBT. The same 150 points on the IBT falls short of even 191, the cutoff for Level 3. Conversely, an IBT score of 300 corresponds to TOPIK Ⅱ Level 4 (291–360).

IBT item counts and level scores changed recently. The old IBT figures under the 2024 rules differ from the current criteria. When looking up an IBT score chart online, the safe course is to check that the figures match the 2026 annual test plan announcement or NIIED's guidance. All IBT scores in this article are based on the 2026 announcement. In Ministry of Justice screening for the job-seeking visa (D-10-1), an IBT score report can also be submitted as a TOPIK score.

TOPIK validity is 2 years, counted from the score release date

TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years from the score release date. The period is not counted from the day you took the test. Because there is a gap between the test date and the score release date, the actual expiry date falls later than one calculated from the test date. The most accurate way is to check the validity period printed on your score report yourself.

The 2-year standard is also used in Ministry of Justice screening. The points table for the points-based job-seeking visa (D-10-1) recognizes TOPIK up to the validity period stated on the certificate (2 years). Under the criteria for documents proving Korean proficiency for overseas Koreans (F-4), TOPIK scores are treated as valid within 2 years from the score release date. However, the required wording differs by status of stay, so you should also review the guidance for the status you plan to apply for.

How validity is treated at university admission or graduation may differ from university to university. Calculating in advance whether your score will still be valid on the application deadline or the graduation review date helps you avoid missing a retake.

Score reports are issued by test takers themselves on the TOPIK website. They are not sent by mail, fax or email. Overseas test takers can receive one copy per person in bulk if the local test administrator requests it.

Test fees and number of tests

Domestic test fees for 2026 tests are as follows.

• TOPIK Ⅰ PBT: about $30 (KRW 40,000)
• TOPIK Ⅱ PBT: about $41 (KRW 55,000)
• TOPIK Ⅰ IBT: about $52 (KRW 70,000)
• TOPIK Ⅱ IBT: about $71 (KRW 95,000)
• Speaking test: about $60 (KRW 80,000)

Overseas test fees vary by country. You must check with the test administrator in the country where you plan to take the test.

For 2026, 6 PBT sessions (104th–109th), 6 IBT sessions (11th–16th) and 3 Speaking test sessions (10th–12th) were planned. The Speaking test wrapped up this year's schedule with the 12th session on Oct. 24. The tests remaining in Korea are the 109th PBT (Nov. 15) and the 16th IBT (Nov. 28). The 2027 test fees have not yet been officially confirmed.

What each level is used for: where TOPIK is used in Ministry of Justice rules

A TOPIK level alone does not get you a visa. In Ministry of Justice manuals, levels serve as one of the requirements in individual programs such as part-time work, school transfers and job-seeking visa points. By level, they are as follows.

Admission to universities under enhanced visa screening. Among international students (D-2-1 to D-2-8) scheduled to enter or advance to a university under enhanced visa screening (formerly called “low-ranked universities”), nationals of countries designated by notice of the Minister of Justice and of countries under focused management must meet Korean-language requirements. This covers not only students already in Korea but also newly admitted students. TOPIK scores are not among the common required documents for the student visa (D-2), but those who fall into this group need the levels below. Associate degree programs and root industry training departments require Level 2, bachelor's (advanced major) programs or higher require Level 4, arts and physical education departments require Level 3, and non-degree exchange students require Level 2 or higher. For students advancing to a higher program at the same university, the requirement is lowered by one level. However, junior colleges, root industry training departments and arts and physical education departments, which already use relaxed criteria, are not lowered again. These criteria do not apply as-is to students entering IEQAS-certified universities or general universities. They should also be distinguished from admission requirements that universities set on their own.

Part-time work. Since July 2023, the hours international students may work part-time have depended on their Korean proficiency. The cutoff is TOPIK Level 3 for associate degree students and bachelor's students in years 1–2, and TOPIK Level 4 for bachelor's students in years 3–4 and master's and doctoral students. Those who meet the cutoff can work up to 25 hours a week on weekdays (30 hours for master's and doctoral students). Among those who meet the cutoff, students at IEQAS-certified universities, high academic achievers and students with excellent Korean can work up to 30 hours a week on weekdays (35 hours for master's and doctoral students). Those who do not meet the cutoff are allowed only up to 10 hours a week on weekdays (15 hours for master's and doctoral students), even if they attend an IEQAS-certified university or are high achievers. In manufacturing, work is allowed as an exception for those with Korean proficiency equivalent to Level 4 or higher.

School transfers. Transferring to another school in a degree program at the same level in Korea requires TOPIK Level 3 or higher in principle. Exceptions are transfers to an IEQAS-certified university, unavoidable transfers due to school closure or merger, and transfers between English-track programs. Level 3 or higher is also a condition when a move to a lower degree program is allowed as an exception.

Language training (D-4). University language institute training (D-4-1) has no TOPIK level requirement at the visa issuance stage. Vocational technical training at excellent private educational institutions (D-4-6) requires TOPIK Level 2 or higher from Jan. 1, 2026. The requirement can also be met by completing Stage 2 of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), scoring 41 or higher on the KIIP pre-assessment, or completing the King Sejong Institute Beginner 2 course. For D-4-6 trainees to do field training, they must have 6 months of stay, TOPIK Level 2 or higher, an attendance rate of 90% or higher and a recommendation from the head of the institution.

Job seeking (D-10-1). The Korean proficiency item in the points system is worth up to 20 points: 20 points for TOPIK Level 5 or higher, 15 for Level 4, 10 for Level 3 and 5 for Level 2. When a student visa (D-2) holder who has earned an associate degree or higher from a Korean university first changes to D-10-1 after graduation, the points system does not apply, regardless of TOPIK. In that case the period of stay is 1 year, and the points system applies at extension. Under a separate special rule, the points system is waived for those who earned an associate degree or higher from a Korean university less than 3 years ago and hold a valid TOPIK score report at Level 4 or higher.

Residence (F-2-7) and skilled workers (E-7-4). The points-based skilled talent visa (F-2-7) requires a combined 80 points or more from age, education, income and other factors, with Korean (basic competency) worth up to 20 points. In the points system for skilled workers (E-7-4), TOPIK Level 2 is worth 50 points, Level 3 80 points and Level 4 or higher 120 points. E-7-4 is a program for changing from non-professional employment (E-9) and other statuses, so it differs from international students' general employment route.

Several Ministry of Justice screenings also recognize Korean proficiency through KIIP stages or pre-assessment scores instead of TOPIK levels. For example, TOPIK Level 3 is treated as equivalent to completing KIIP Stage 3 or scoring 61 on the pre-assessment, and Level 4 as equivalent to completing Stage 4 or scoring 81. The criteria for admission to universities under enhanced visa screening and for part-time work can also be met by completing King Sejong Institute courses.

University admission and graduation levels vary by school

International students must submit proof of language proficiency at university admission and graduation. The required level varies by university and department. One university's standard does not necessarily carry over to other universities. English-track programs sometimes use English test scores instead of TOPIK. Check both the required level and when scores must be submitted in the admission guidelines and graduation rules of the university you are applying to.

15 tests in 2027, AI- and digital-based overhaul in 2029

The Ministry of Education and NIIED announced the direction of the TOPIK test overhaul on Sept. 29, 2026, together with the 2027 test plan. A total of 15 tests are scheduled for 2027: 6 PBT, 6 IBT and 3 Speaking test sessions. The first test is the 110th PBT on Jan. 10, and the IBT starts with the 17th session on Feb. 20. These two sessions are held only in Korea. The first session that can be taken overseas is the 18th IBT (Mar. 20 in Korea). Overseas test dates and registration periods are set by each country's test administrator.

The Ministry of Education will prepare an overhaul plan by June 2027 and, after a pilot run in 2028, apply the new assessment system from 2029. It will build an automated item-writing and scoring system using artificial intelligence, but experts will always review AI-generated output.

The at-home “TOPIK Home Test” is planned to be introduced in stages, starting with lower levels unrelated to study or stay in Korea. It is not a test you can take at home right now. For cheating such as proxy test-taking, authorities are pursuing a suspension of eligibility to take the test for up to 5 years. TOPIK applicants numbered 566,665 in 2025 and 564,606 in 2026 as of September.

The announcement contained nothing about changing the Levels 1–6 system or the score criteria. However, how levels and score criteria will be set under the new assessment system in 2029 has not yet been announced. Those preparing for 2027 tests should use the score chart in this article as a baseline, then check the level criteria again once the 2027 annual test plan is announced.

Dates for each 2027 session are in 2027 TOPIK schedule of 15 tests and cheating sanctions. If you are aiming for the January test in Korea, see the 110th TOPIK registration guide. Part-time work hours by level are covered in the winter break part-time work hours and permit guide, and job-seeking visa points after graduation in the post-graduation job-seeking D-10-1 guide.

--- Level criteria, validity and test fees are based on Ministry of Education Notice No. 2025-317 (Oct. 10, 2025); uses by level on the Ministry of Justice status-specific guidance manuals for visa services (Oct. 19, 2026 edition) and stay services (Nov. 2, 2026 edition); and the 2027 plan on the Ministry of Education announcement (Sept. 29, 2026).