Three Korean "tests" come up again and again — TOPIK, KIIP and EPS-TOPIK. They sound alike, but they are run by different agencies, for different people and different goals. Picking the wrong one can cost you months.
At a glance
| Feature | TOPIK | KIIP | EPS-TOPIK |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Korean proficiency test | Integration program for immigrants (classes + tests) | Korean test for the Employment Permit System |
| Run by | NIIED (Ministry of Education) | Ministry of Justice | HRD Korea |
| Where | Korea and 89 countries | Inside Korea only | 17 sending countries |
| Main use | Study, jobs, some visas | Citizenship, permanent residency, visa status | E-9 jobs in factories, farms and fishing |
| Result | Levels 1–6, valid for 2 years | Stages 0–5 | Score out of 100, ranked |
| Cost | Exam fee | Classes free, 38,000 won per assessment | Exam fee |
TOPIK — the general Korean certificate
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the internationally recognized Korean test. TOPIK I gives level 1 or 2 and TOPIK II gives levels 3 to 6. Results are valid for two years from the announcement date.
Who needs it:
- - students applying to Korean universities — the required level depends on the school; level 3 for a bachelor's and level 4 for graduate school are common
- - skilled workers applying for the E-7-4 visa — at least TOPIK level 2 (or KIIP stage 2) is required, and higher levels earn more points
- - the regional visa F-2-R — TOPIK level 4 (or KIIP stage 4)
- - anyone who wants an official certificate of their Korean
See the TOPIK score table for the points each level needs.
KIIP — for people who already live in Korea
KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program) is a course with tests, run by the Ministry of Justice for legal residents of Korea. It has stages 0 to 5: Korean language in stages 0–4 and "Understanding Korean Society" in stage 5. A placement test decides where you start, and the classes themselves are free.
Why people take it:
- - citizenship — since March 2018 the naturalization written test is the KIIP naturalization assessment, and completing KIIP with 60+ points on the final assessment waives the naturalization interview
- - permanent residency (F-5) — completing stage 5 or passing the permanent-residency assessment meets the "basic knowledge" requirement
- - overseas Koreans (F-4) — since 12 February 2026, proving your Korean (for example KIIP stage 1) gives you a longer stay period
More details in our KIIP guide.
EPS-TOPIK — for E-9 work visas
EPS-TOPIK is a separate test for the Employment Permit System, run by HRD Korea in 17 sending countries for people aged 18–39. It has 20 reading and 20 listening questions — 50 minutes, 100 points. There is no fixed pass mark: among people above the minimum for their industry (60 points for manufacturing, 45 for other industries), the highest scores are selected. Selected candidates go on a job-seeker list that Korean employers choose from.
A TOPIK certificate does not replace EPS-TOPIK, and EPS-TOPIK does not give you a TOPIK level.
Which one do you need?
| Your goal | Test |
|---|---|
| Study at a Korean university | TOPIK |
| Office or professional job in Korea | TOPIK |
| Factory, farm or fishing job on an E-9 visa | EPS-TOPIK |
| E-7-4 skilled worker visa | TOPIK or KIIP |
| Permanent residency (F-5) | KIIP (stage 5 or the permanent-residency assessment) |
| Citizenship | KIIP (naturalization assessment) |
⚠️ Visa rules change. Before you apply, check the latest notice from the Ministry of Justice (Hi Korea) or your university.
Practice
TOPIKly has questions for TOPIK I, TOPIK II and EPS-TOPIK, so you can prepare for whichever test fits your goal — start with a practice test.
Sources: TOPIK · KIIP assessments (kiiptest.org) · HRD Korea — EPS-TOPIK · Ministry of Justice notices (F-2-R, February 2025; F-4, February 2026; E-7-4, June 2026).