Topik Guide

2009. TOPIK(Test of Proficiency in Korean) Guide Korean Education Center in Washington DC

□ What is the TOPIK Test? The TOPIK, Test of Proficiency in Korean, is a written test designed to measure the ability of nonnative speakers for expression and comprehension in the Korean language.

There are two different

forms of the TOPIK test. A. Standard TOPIK The standard TOPIK test measures proficiency in reading, writing, and listening comprehension in the Korean language. The test has three different levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Further accuracy is expressed through six grades, two matched to each level to evaluate proficiency. B. The Business TOPIK The Business TOPIK test is meant for candidates who intend to work in Korea. The Business TOPIK evaluates ability in Korean language for practical communication skills, with a focus on applied business Korean. The Business TOPIK is not divided into levels or grades, nor is there a successful passing test score. Candidates are told their score out of the total score of 400 points.

□ Who administers the TOPIK Test? The Korean Ministry of Education & Science Technology is responsible for the general management of the test, such as supervising institutions administering the test in domestic and overseas locations. The Korea Institute of Curriculum & Evaluation (KICE) handles the scheduling & issuance of testing management guidance, development of the test, printing and distribution of test sheets, and the scoring of test results. The Korean Education Center administers the annual test at the request of the above institutions.

□ For Whom is the TOPIK intended? This comprehensive test is intended for non-native speakers of Korean, such as Korean language learners, international students who want to study in Korea as well as individuals who would like to work in Korean companies and public institutions. The test also serves as an excellent opportunity to receive formal certification for those who expect to use Korean in their careers. Students of Korean who take the test will also learn which aspects of the language they need to concentrate on in future study.

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Standard TOPIK (S-TOPIK)

The Standard TOPIK (S-TOPIK) is divided into four sections: Vocabulary & Grammar, Writing, Listening and Reading, Each section is graded out of 100 points with a possible total of 400 points for the total exam. The test includes composition, listening and multiple choice sections. 1

The test consists of two 90-minute sessions with a 30-minute break in between. The first session tests vocabulary & grammar, and writing, and the second session tests listening and reading. There are three different levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

Test takers who meet the

requirements will be issued a formal certificate with one of six possible grades: low beginner (level 1), high beginner (level 2), low intermediate (level 3), high intermediate (level 4), low advanced (level 5), high advanced (level 6). To qualify for a certificate, the average of the four sections must be over 50 points without any section scoring less than 40 points. The following is the brief descri0ption of the language skills demanded of each grade. [Beginner level] 1 st Grade

Use of basic commands of Korean for survival, such as greeting, purchasing, ordering, etc. Expressing and understanding oneself in simple everyday conversation by making simple sentences from 800 basic words.

2 nd Grade

Discussion of familiar topics employing a vocabulary of about 1,500∼2,000 words. Distinguishing correctly between formal and informal situations.

[Intermediate level] 3 rd Grade Carrying out transactions with people in public spaces and maintaining social relationships. Understanding the correct usage of words and speech. Command of fundamental characteristics of Korean. th

4 Grade

Comprehension of news articles, general social issues and abstract topics with accuracy and fluency. Comprehension of Korean social and cultural contents relying on essential idioms and understanding of representative aspects of Korean culture.

[Advanced] Level 5 th Grade High fluency in using the Korean language in professional research or work. Understanding and discussing less unfamiliar topics in politics, economics and other fields. Usage of appropriate expressions, distinguishing formal and informal, written and spoken, by context. th

6 Grade

Absolutely fluent in the Korean language for professional research or work Capacity to understand and express oneself without problem, although without the full fluency of a native speaker. 2

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Business TOPIK (B-TOPIK)

The Business TOPIK (B-TOPIK) is intended for candidates who desire to work in Korea. It is divided into four sections: Vocabulary & Grammar, Writing, Listening and Reading. Each section is graded out of 100 points with a possible total of 400 points for the total exam. All of the answers in the test will be given as multiple choices. The test consists of two 90-minute sessions with a 30-minute break in between. The first session tests vocabulary & grammar, and writing, and the second session tests listening and reading. Unlike Standard TOPIK test, the Business TOPIK test does not have a level or grade placement. Candidates will only receive their scores.

□ How can I register for the TOPIK Test? In the Washington DC metropolitan area, the Korean Education Center in Washington DC will host the annual TOPIK. The TOPIK for the year 2009 will be administered on Saturday, April 18th. Applicants can download the application through the English homepage of the Korean Embassy in USA: www.koreaembassyusa.org. A resident in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia can register for the TOPIK 2009 by sending an application form along with a check for $15 (made payable to Korean Education Center in Washington DC) to Korean Education center 2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Application must be received by February 23, 2009. Cash will not be accepted for payment. The above mentioned processing fee of $15 will not be refunded. The admission ticket will be mailed to you by March 20, 2009.

□ Where and what time will the TOPIK 2009 be administered? In the Washington DC metropolitan area, the TOPIK 2000 will be administered on Saturday, April 18th. The test will commence at 9:30 AM and conclude at 1:00 PM with a thirty-minute break between two 90-minute sessions. The test will be administered at the following four locations in the DC metropolitan region. Applicants can choose one of them. Applicants should take the test at the test center which they would choose and indicate on the application. 3

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The 1st Test Center

KORUS House (주미대사관 홍보원) 2370 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 

The 2nd Test Center

Open Door Korean School (열린문 한국학교) 3001 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 21071 

The 3rd Test Center

Saint Andrew Kim Korean Language School (성김안드레아 한국학교) 17615 Old Baltimore Road, Olney, MD 20832 

The 4th Test Center

Bethel Korean School (벧엘 한국학교) 3165 St. Jones Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042

□ Notice for the applicants? Applicants are requested to bring the admission ticket and a valid photo identification such as a passport, or driver’s license to the test site. The name and your birthday on your registration must match the name on the identification. All applicants should enter the test site 10 minutes before the test starting time on the test day. The pen distributed can only be used when you mark your answers from multiple choices. Answer sheets marked with other types of pen will not be valid. Lightly or partly marked answers might not be read by the scoring machine. You may use your own pen only when writing your answers in writing session. Both the test papers or answer sheets must be returned. Use of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3s, Radios, beepers, dictionaries, translators, or PDAs will not be permitted.

□ Where can I find more information on the TOPIK Test? You can download the application form at the English homepage of the Korean Embassy in the USA: www.koreaembassyusa.org. For further information, visit http://www.topik.or.kr. Previous tests are also available at http://www.topik.or.kr/. Go to the menu on the far right entitled “기출문제”. If you want to get in touch with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC, please call 202-9395680~81.

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