TOPIK Study Guide 2026: PBT, IBT & Speaking Explained

The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK / 한국어능력시험) is administered by NIIED, Korea's National Institute for International Education. Universities, employers, and some administrative processes may use TOPIK results, but the requirement depends on the institution or program.

Format last checked: 2026-08-19 against NIIED's TOPIK overview. Test dates and local availability change, so confirm your registration details at topik.go.kr or with your test center.

The TOPIK family in 2026: PBT, IBT, and Speaking

NIIED currently runs three related assessments:

1. TOPIK PBT, the paper-based test:
   • TOPIK I, Levels 1-2
   • TOPIK II, Levels 3-6
2. TOPIK IBT, the computer-delivered version of TOPIK I and II. It awards the same proficiency levels but uses different question counts, timing, task formats, and score scales.
3. TOPIK Speaking, a separate speaking assessment with its own registration and score levels.

A result is awarded as a level according to the score band you reach. TOPIK certificates are valid for the period stated by NIIED; check the current official rules when you need the result for an application.

TOPIK PBT format

TOPIK I PBT

• Level 1: 80+ points total
• Level 2: 140+ points total

TOPIK I does not include a writing section.

TOPIK II PBT

• Level 3: 120+ points
• Level 4: 150+ points
• Level 5: 190+ points
• Level 6: 230+ points

TOPIK IBT format

The IBT is taken on a computer. It measures the same TOPIK levels, but do not reuse PBT timing or raw-score assumptions for it.

TOPIK I IBT

• Level 1: 121+ points total
• Level 2: 236+ points total

TOPIK II IBT

• Level 3: 191+ points
• Level 4: 291+ points
• Level 5: 361+ points
• Level 6: 431+ points

What changes on the IBT

• Answers are entered on a computer.
• Writing responses are typed.
• Question counts and score scales differ from the PBT.
• Some task interactions differ from paper questions.
• The official IBT tutorials and sample tasks are better preparation for the interface than paper-only practice.

TOPIK Speaking

TOPIK Speaking is separate from TOPIK I and II. The current test uses six speaking tasks and a 200-point scale. Because task descriptions and administrative details can change, use NIIED's current overview and official tutorials as the source of truth when you prepare.

A Speaking result does not replace a TOPIK I or II result unless the institution asking for Korean proof explicitly says that it accepts it.

Which version should you take?

Choose the format your test center offers and your target institution accepts.

• PBT: useful when it is the available local format or when you prefer paper reading and handwritten writing.
• IBT: useful when it is available and you are comfortable reading and typing Korean on a computer.
• Speaking: take it when you specifically need a speaking assessment or want that separate credential.

Whichever you choose, practise with the same interface and task structure you will face on test day.

Study strategy for TOPIK I

Focus on the skills the test actually asks you to perform:

1. Fast Hangul decoding. You should read common syllable blocks without sounding out every letter.
2. Everyday vocabulary. Build words around daily life, time, people, places, actions, descriptions, and common test contexts.
3. Core grammar. Present/past/future forms, particles, negation, connectors, numbers, counters, and question patterns.
4. Listening under test conditions. Practise extracting the answer without pausing every line.
5. Timed reading. Accuracy matters, but so does moving on when one item is taking too long.

Use the TOPIK I readiness checklist when you want a more concrete pre-registration check.

Study strategy for TOPIK II

TOPIK II adds denser reading, broader vocabulary, and writing. Treat those as separate training problems.

1. Expand vocabulary through context. Learn words from reading passages and example sentences rather than relying on a single memorized list.
2. Build grammar range. Connectors, reported speech, passive/causative forms, nominalization, contrast, conditionals, and formal written patterns matter increasingly as texts become more complex.
3. Practise writing by task. The PBT and IBT do not use identical writing task counts, so use the guide for the format you registered for.
4. Train reading speed. Practise identifying the question type, scanning for evidence, and abandoning an item temporarily when needed.
5. Train listening endurance. Use longer uninterrupted sets rather than only short clips.

Writing is easy to underprepare for because general Korean study does not automatically teach timed data description or essay structure. If you are taking TOPIK II PBT, use the focused guides for Questions 51-52, Question 53, and Question 54.

Resources

• Official overview and current format: NIIED TOPIK
• Registration, notices, and official materials: topik.go.kr
• Free Chamelingo TOPIK tools: TOPIK hub, score calculator, and mock test
• Vocabulary support: vocabulary library and TOPIK vocabulary study strategy

Be cautious with lists described as an “official complete TOPIK vocabulary syllabus.” Vocabulary expectations are better inferred from official materials, sample/past tasks where available, and repeated exposure to the language used at your target level.

How to know when you are ready

A calendar estimate is less useful than evidence from timed practice. Before registering, check whether you can:

• finish representative listening and reading sets within the time limit
• stay above your target score threshold across several attempts, not just once
• recover after a difficult item instead of losing the rest of the section
• type Korean comfortably if you are taking the IBT
• complete the required writing task types if you are taking TOPIK II

Your study history, first language, exposure to Korean, and weekly hours can change the timeline substantially. Treat “X months to TOPIK Y” claims as rough anecdotes, not promises.

Practical exam habits

1. Practise with a timer. Learn how long you can spend before moving on.
2. Know the task types. Recognition reduces wasted time on instructions.
3. Review mistakes by cause. Separate vocabulary gaps, grammar gaps, misreading, and time pressure.
4. Match your writing practice to your format. PBT handwriting and IBT typing create different practical constraints.
5. Confirm registration details early. Dates, locations, available formats, and capacity vary by test center.

How Chamelingo helps

Chamelingo can support the language foundation behind TOPIK: grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, review, and timed practice. It is not the official exam provider and should not replace NIIED's current format information or official sample materials.

For targeted preparation, use the TOPIK prep hub, TOPIK mock test, score calculator, and the complete grammar reference.