TOPIK Speaking Test Guide
The TOPIK Speaking test (말하기) is a standalone exam that measures spoken Korean proficiency. Launched in November 2022, it is IBT-only with no paper version. The test has 6 tasks completed in about 20 minutes at a computer with a microphone. It is separate from TOPIK I/II and has its own registration, schedule, and scoring system.
Test Format
You sit at a computer with headphones and a microphone. Each task plays an audio or visual prompt on screen. After a short preparation period, you record your spoken response. The test moves through 6 tasks of increasing difficulty.
| Task | Type | Difficulty | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read sentences aloud | Beginner | 20 sec |
| 2 | Describe a picture or situation | Beginner | 30 sec |
| 3 | Role-play a conversation | Intermediate | 30 sec |
| 4 | Explain with reasoning | Intermediate | 40 sec |
| 5 | Summarize provided information | Advanced | 50 sec |
| 6 | State and defend an opinion | Advanced | 70 sec |
Total test time is approximately 20 minutes including prompts and preparation periods. Recording times range from 30 seconds for Task 1 to about 90 seconds for Task 6.
The 6 Task Types
Task 1: Reading Aloud
Two short sentences appear on screen. You read them aloud. This tests pronunciation, intonation, and natural rhythm. Even advanced speakers lose points here for unnatural pacing or incorrect particle pronunciation.
Task 2: Describing a Picture
A picture or illustrated situation is displayed. You describe what you see: the setting, people, actions, and objects. Use present tense and location vocabulary. Aim to produce 3-4 complete sentences that cover the main elements of the image.
Task 3: Role-Play
You hear a situation description and play one role in a short conversation. Common scenarios include making a request at a store, asking for directions, or declining an invitation. Match the appropriate politeness level to the situation. Most role-plays call for standard polite speech (-아/어요).
Task 4: Explaining with Reasoning
You are given a topic and asked to explain your experience or provide reasons. For example: "Talk about a hobby you enjoy and explain why you like it." Structure your answer as: state the topic, give 1-2 reasons, and add a brief example or detail.
Task 5: Summarizing Information
You receive written or audio information (a short passage, chart, or news item) and summarize it in your own words. This tests whether you can extract key points and reorganize them clearly. Do not simply read the source material back. Paraphrase and condense.
Task 6: Expressing and Defending an Opinion
The hardest task. You receive an abstract topic (e.g., "Should schools teach financial literacy?") and must state a clear opinion, support it with reasoning, and address a potential counterargument. This is the task that separates intermediate from advanced speakers.
Scoring
Trained raters evaluate recorded responses. Each task is scored, and your combined result maps to one of 6 levels (Level 1 = lowest, Level 6 = highest), mirroring the TOPIK I/II level system. Four criteria determine your score:
| Criterion | What Raters Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Accuracy of individual sounds, natural intonation, appropriate stress and rhythm |
| Fluency | Smooth delivery without excessive pauses, self-corrections, or filler words |
| Language Use | Grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, appropriate formality for the situation |
| Content | Task completion, relevance of response, logical organization of ideas |
Fluency matters more than perfection. A response with minor grammar errors delivered smoothly scores higher than a grammatically perfect response delivered with long hesitations.
Schedule and Registration
TOPIK Speaking is offered approximately 3 times per year, on a separate schedule from TOPIK I/II. Registration is through TOPIK.go.kr (same portal, separate registration). The test is currently available at IBT test centers only. Check the TOPIK schedule guide for upcoming dates.
Because the test is IBT-only, availability depends on your country and region having an authorized IBT center. Test seats may be limited since the exam is newer and less widely offered than TOPIK I/II.
Current Status: Who Needs This Test?
As of March 2026, TOPIK Speaking is not required for:
- University admission in Korea (undergraduate or graduate)
- VISA applications or permanent residency (KIIP/immigration still uses TOPIK I/II)
- Most employment applications
Some Korean companies and institutions have begun listing TOPIK Speaking scores as "preferred" or "a plus" in job postings, particularly for customer-facing or communication-heavy roles. This trend is likely to grow, but the test is still in early adoption. If you are preparing for a specific deadline (university, visa, employment), confirm whether TOPIK Speaking is actually required before registering.
Preparation Tips
Speaking ability develops through regular spoken practice, not passive study. These strategies target the specific skills TOPIK Speaking evaluates.
- Speak Korean out loud daily. Even 10 minutes of structured speaking practice builds fluency faster than hours of silent study. Talk to yourself, describe your surroundings, or narrate your day in Korean.
- Record yourself and listen back. You will catch pronunciation errors and filler habits (음, 그, 뭐) that you do not notice while speaking. Compare your recordings week over week.
- Practice shadowing. Play Korean audio (news, podcasts, dramas) and repeat what you hear with minimal delay. This trains natural rhythm and intonation. Start with slower content like news broadcasts before moving to natural conversation speed.
- Use structured response templates. For Tasks 4-6, practice the pattern: state your point, give a reason, add an example, then conclude. Timed practice is especially helpful. Set a 60-second timer and respond to a prompt.
- Build topic vocabulary. Tasks 5 and 6 cover topics like education, technology, environment, and social issues. Study TOPIK vocabulary in these categories so you have words available when speaking under pressure.
- Practice reading Korean text aloud. Task 1 specifically tests this. Read news articles or textbook passages out loud, focusing on correct particle pronunciation and natural sentence breaks.
Practice for TOPIK II
Solvi does not currently offer TOPIK Speaking practice. For TOPIK II listening and reading, Solvi provides free practice with 1,000+ questions from 11 official past exams. Practice TOPIK II.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TOPIK Speaking test required?
No. As of 2026, no university, immigration program, or major employer requires a TOPIK Speaking score. TOPIK I/II remains the standard. Some employers list speaking scores as preferred, but it is not yet widely mandated.
Can I take TOPIK Speaking and TOPIK II on the same day?
Not typically. They have separate registration and schedules. Both are managed through TOPIK.go.kr, but you register for each independently. Dates may occasionally overlap within the same test window. Check the portal for specific scheduling.
How is TOPIK Speaking different from TOPIK I/II?
TOPIK I/II uses multiple-choice and written responses to test listening, reading, and writing. TOPIK Speaking tests only spoken Korean through recorded audio responses. It is IBT-only, scored across 6 levels by human raters, and has its own registration and schedule separate from TOPIK I/II.
Related: Test Schedule · IBT vs. PBT · Scoring & Levels · Practice Guide
Last updated: March 28, 2026