Here’s a post for those ambitious Korean learners among you, who want to get TOPIK certified.

What is TOPIK exactly?

TOPIK’s full name is hangugeo neungnyeok siheom (“Korean Language Proficiency Test”) and is administered by the Korean Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation. You can take the test in Singapore.

No matter what your level is, you will take the same test, and depending on your score, you will achieve a grade of 1-6, where 6 is the highest.

Why take the TOPIK test?

You can take the TOPIK test for 2 reasons: (1) to give yourself a goal for improving your Korean or (2) for University admission and get residence in Korea.

Korea’s immigration is based on a point system. A higher TOPIK score means better chances to secure a long term visa for living and working in Korea.

People sometimes ask me whether schools provide certificates after attending a course. Many schools do, but the truth is that only the TOPIK certificate (and to lesser extent KLPT) is recognised internationally.

How to sign up?

In Singapore, the TOPIK test is organised by the Singapore Korean International School (SKIS). Test fee is S$ 80.00.

You can refer to this web page from SKIS for registration details and dates.

The test takes place at SKIS’ Campus at Bukit Timah (there are shuttle buses from Newton and Clementi). The next TOPIK test is scheduled for 20 October 2013 (Sunday) but beware that the registration deadline is probably going to be in August already!

Need preparation?

The best path to certification is to first take a general Korean course, and when you have progressed enough, sign up for the TOPIK exam.

In the months ahead of your exam, you can take a Korean course to freshen up your knowledge of the language.