If you’re preparing for TOPIK, you may know that it doesn’t have a speaking test. But the good news is that NIIED is introducing a TOPIK speaking section. Let’s find out more.
There are many reasons for learning Korean.
For example, to study, live, or work in Korea. Some jobs demand Korean. Many are also interested in cultural aspects, like K-pop, K-dramas, K-movies, and K-beauty.
Whatever source of motivation you may have. The Korean language is helpful for your academic, personal, and professional life.
If you are studying Korean and want to know your exact level, you can take TOPIK, the most popular Korean test worldwide.
It serves various purposes and certifies Korean ability for foreigners whose native tongue is not Korean.
Table of Contents
- The current form of TOPIK
- What is the purpose of this test?
- All About TOPIK Speaking
- Conclusion: Should you take this test?
The current form of TOPIK
NIIED (National Institute for International Education) offers the standard test in 314 centers. Of all, 54 are in South Korea, and the rest are in 87 other countries.
Anyone can take the exam regardless of age. Once you pass, you earn an internationally recognized certificate. TOPIK is organized six times yearly in South Korea and twice yearly in other nations.
TOPIK I (levels 1 and 2) has two sections: reading and listening. In contrast, TOPIK II (levels 3 to 6) comprises three parts: writing, reading, and listening.
To sum up, TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) measures 3 abilities (writing, listening, and reading) but doesn’t check speaking skills.
What is the purpose of this test?
Popular European language tests like DELF, DELE, CAPLE, and CILS follow the guidelines of the CEFR.
This means that these exams assess the candidates’ four abilities: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
TOPIK, in its current form, does not have a speaking test. Thus, it is not like the CEFR, the most widely accepted standard for defining language ability globally.
Many companies, educational institutions, and experts have been asking for speaking exams for a long time.
The reasons are simple.
It helps learners prove they know enough Korean to speak, have conversations, read, listen, and write in specific contexts. So, you will know your speaking talents and vital language skills.
This will be useful when you apply for university courses. You can also use the certificate to apply for work or studies visas and even immigration.
It will be valuable if you want to study at a Korean college and receive a scholarship, such as the Global Korea Scholarship undergraduate and postgraduate.
Do you wish to work for a Korean company in Korea or any part of the world?
This is another benefit of TOPIK speaking. It can add significant value to your C.V., especially when the job requires you to speak Korean.
In short, the exam can check the candidates for all competencies, and the test will be complete in the true sense.
All About TOPIK Speaking
NIIED launched an IBT (internet-based testing) for the speaking part. The Korean government bodies have already started setting up a system and picking a company to conduct this test.
They plan to hold the speaking test thrice in 2025.
The number of examinees will grow in the following years, with 10,000 expected in 2024, 20,000 expected in 2025, and up to 50,000 by 2027. This is their initial 4-year plan.
Check out the details of TOPIK speaking.
1. What are the eligibility criteria?
There is no particular rule or condition.
- Foreigners or overseas Koreans whose mother tongue or first language is not Korean.
- Korean national who is currently studying or has graduated from a school abroad.
2. What is the validity?
Like the standard test, this is also valid for two years from the announcement of the examination score.
3. Question format
| Question | Type | Preparation Time | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Listen to the simple question and answer it. | 20 seconds | 30 seconds |
| 2. | Use familiar social situations to ask and answer. | 20 seconds | 40 seconds |
| 3. | Create a story using different scenes. | 40 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 4. | Listen to a dialogue and respond to the question. | 40 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 5. | Provide an explanation and critical analysis of the content. | 70 seconds | 80 seconds |
| 6. | Share your opinions on the topic. | 70 seconds | 80 seconds |
4. Evaluation and grading factor
| Evaluation factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Content and task performance | Does the candidate express themselves appropriately about the topic? Has the performance and flow been organized and coherent? |
| Command of the language | Is the language appropriately used in the dialogue’s context? Have they used a variety of vocabulary and expressions? And how correct was it? |
| Pronunciation and delivery | Is their speech easy to understand (good pronunciation and intonation)? Did they speak at a natural pace? |
5. Speaking Levels
They based the TOPIK speaking exam on a modern scoring system that uses item response theory to evaluate candidates’ scores.
You can score between 0 and 200 points. The passing and grading vary depending on your total score.
TOPIK sublevel 1 requires between 20 and 49, whereas sublevel 6 requires between 160 and 200. Test takers who score below 20 fail.
See the image below for the sublevel and the required score.
| Fail | Sublevel 1 | Sublevel 2 | Sublevel 3 | Sublevel 4 | Sublevel 5 | Sublevel 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 0 – 19 | 20 – 49 | 50- 89 | 90 – 109 | 110 – 129 | 130 – 159 | 160 – 200 |
6. Question composition
- Individuals can speak with the proper logic and construction about social issues and abstract topics.
- They rarely make mistakes and can change their vocabulary and sentence structures. This is in response to the context of the dialog.
- The individual has a natural delivery in terms of pronunciation, intonation, and speed.
| Level and Score | Level Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 (20 – 49) | a) Capable of providing simple answers to questions about familiar everyday topics. b) Language use is very limited and mostly incorrect. c) Pronunciation, intonation, and pace are unnatural, and they struggle to express themselves. |
| Level 2 (50 – 89) | a) Capable of asking and answering questions about everyday activities in familiar settings. b) Language use is limited, often out of context, and frequently incorrect. c) Pronunciation, intonation, and pacing are unnatural, and there is difficulty in expressing themselves clearly. |
| Level 3 (90 – 109) | a) They can share their thoughts on familiar social issues in a pretty detailed way. b) While they sometimes make mistakes, they can use some vocabulary and phrases that generally match the conversation. c) Their pronunciation, intonation, and pace might sound a bit off at times, but they express themselves comfortably! |
| Level 4 (110 – 129) | a) The individual demonstrates the ability to articulate their views on various social issues in a detailed and coherent manner. b) While they occasionally make errors, they possess a diverse vocabulary and utilize expressions that are generally appropriate for the discourse context. c) Although their pronunciation, intonation, and pacing may exhibit some unnaturalness, they are generally able to convey their thoughts effectively. |
| Level 5 (130 – 159) | a) Individuals are able to articulate their thoughts on social issues and abstract concepts in a logical and consistent manner. b) While they may make some mistakes, they demonstrate the ability to use a diverse vocabulary and expressions that suit the context of the discussion. c) Their pronunciation, intonation, and pacing are generally natural, and their overall delivery is effective. |
| Level 6 (160 – 200) | a) Able to logically and persuasively express their thoughts on social issues or abstract concepts. b) Makes almost no mistakes and can use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar in various discourse contexts. c) Pronunciation, intonation, and pace are natural, and their delivery is excellent. |
7. TOPIK Speaking Schedule
The TOPIK Speaking test will occur three times in 2025: March, June, and October, for those prepared to showcase their Korean language speaking skills.
| Exam | Registration Period | Test Dates | Result Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th TOPIK Speaking | Jan 14 – Jan 20, 2025 | March 22, 2025 | April 14, 2025 | Korea only |
| 8th TOPIK Speaking | Apr 15 – Apr 21, 2025 | June 14, 2025 | July 17, 2025 | Korea only |
| 9th TOPIK Speaking | Aug 26 – Sep 1, 2025 | Oct 25, 2025 | Nov 17, 2025 | Korea only |
8. Test Timing
The duration of the exam is 30 minutes.
Candidates must reach the class at 11 am. After that, there is a 20-minute identity card check and other information updates. Finally, the test starts at 11:20 am and ends at 11:50 am.
You can find complete details about the TOPIK speaking test in 2025 on the official website.
9. TOPIK Speaking Fees
The registration fee for the 2025 TOPIK speaking exam is 80,000 KRW.
Readers outside Korea need to know that the TOPIK Speaking exam is currently available only in Korea.
Conclusion: Should you take this test?
Speaking ability is an essential aspect of any language. Without it, one cannot fully use the language or become fluent.
You can consider taking the test to verify your verbal mastery, which can add incredible value to your profile. You can also start the preparation as it takes time to learn and improve the speaking part of Korean.
Do you want to take the TOPIK speaking test when it starts?
If you want to share your thoughts or ask questions, write in the comment below!
