- TOPIK is the official certification of the Korean government divided into two levels: TOPIK I (basic) and TOPIK II (intermediate/advanced).
- It can be done in Spain at centers such as the UAB, the EOIBD in Barcelona or the Korean School of Las Palmas.
- The results are managed online and the diploma has an official validity of two years.
If you've set out to master the Korean language, you've probably already come across the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) . This exam isn't just any test; it's the global standard for certifying your actual Korean language skills, making it a key tool for those seeking professional or academic advancement in Korea.
The best part is that, whether you want to study at a Korean university or look to change your career path by working for a company there, having this qualification on your resume opens countless doors. It's the most reliable way to demonstrate your language proficiency, regardless of where you studied.
What exactly is the TOPIK exam?
The TOPIK is an official certification administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) , which reports directly to the Korean Ministry of Education. Essentially, it's a certificate that validates your language proficiency level according to strict guidelines, making it valid worldwide.
This exam assesses the four fundamental skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking . Although it has traditionally focused more on the first three, pilot tests have been conducted to integrate the speaking component more robustly in more recent exam sessions.
Certification Structure and Levels
To avoid any surprises, you should know that the TOPIK is not a single exam, but is divided into two main sections depending on your level:
- TOPIK I (Beginner Level): This includes grades 1 and 2. The test is simpler, consisting of a single session with exercises of Listening comprehension and reading through multiple-choice questions. The maximum score is 200 points.
- TOPIK II (Intermediate and Advanced Level): This block is more demanding and covers levels 3, 4, 5, and 6. It is divided into two sessions: the first combines hearing and written expression (where you will have to write texts and give your opinion), and the second focuses exclusively on reading. Here the maximum score increases to 300 points.
It is important to note that the final grade you obtain will depend strictly on the total score achieved in the exam, in accordance with international language proficiency frameworks.
Calendar and Venues in Spain
If you're in Spain, you don't need to travel to Seoul to get certified. The exam is usually held twice a year outside of Korea (generally in April and October), although there are up to five sessions annually within the country itself.
In Spain, there are several registration centers. For example, in Barcelona you can register through the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) or the Barcelona Drassanes Official Language School (EOIBD). If you are in the Canary Islands, the Korean School of Las Palmas is the designated testing center.
Costs and Registration
The price varies depending on the center and the level you choose. Generally, fees for TOPIK I are around €25 or €40 , while TOPIK II, being more complex, can cost between €30 and €50. To register, it is essential to respect the official deadlines , as once the dates have closed, they do not usually accept late applications.
To complete the registration, you will usually be asked for passport-sized photos , payment of the fee, and to fill out a specific form that will be provided at the examination center.
Results and Validity of the Degree
Once the exam is over, the results are published on the official website www.topik.go.kr . To access them, you will need your 13-digit registration number, the exam date, and your date of birth. The certificate can be downloaded and printed for free, but be aware that it is only valid for two years . After that time, the certificate expires and you will no longer be able to download it, so save the PDF as soon as you have it.
If you don't want to take the official exam blindly, there are options such as taking free online level tests or signing up for specific preparation courses to be on the safe side and not waste your time on the official exam without being ready.
Having the TOPIK certificate is the best strategy to validate your Korean skills, as it covers from basic to advanced levels and is recognized by educational institutions and companies globally, maintaining a validity of two years from its issuance.
