TOPIK Test Day: What to Bring & What to Expect
TOPIK II is a 3.5-hour exam administered in two sessions with a 30-minute break. This guide covers what to bring, how the day is structured, and common mistakes to avoid.
What to Bring
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid ID | Passport (universal) or Alien Registration Card. Must be the original, not a photocopy. |
| Registration confirmation | Print or have available for check-in. |
| Correction tape | Optional. You can bring your own or request one from the invigilator. Liquid correction fluid is not allowed. |
A double-sided felt-tip marker pen is provided at your desk. Use the thick end for multiple-choice answers and the thin end for the writing section. Do not use your own pens. Answers marked with other pens will not be scanned.
Arrival
Arrive at the test center at least 40 minutes before the exam starts. For TOPIK II, the cutoff is 12:20 PM. If you arrive after this time, you will be turned away with no exceptions. Find your assigned seat, place your ID on the desk, and wait for instructions.
Session Structure
| Session | Sections | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Listening (50 questions) + Writing (4 tasks) | 110 min (60 + 50) |
| Break | Leave the room, use the bathroom, stretch | 30 min |
| Session 2 | Reading (50 questions) | 70 min |
Electronic devices must remain off during the break. You can leave the room but cannot use your phone, check notes, or study materials.
Answer Sheet Rules (PBT)
PBT answers are recorded on an OMR (optical mark recognition) sheet that is machine-scanned. These rules prevent scoring errors:
- Use only the provided marker pen. The OMR scanner reads the specific ink. Other pens will not register.
- Use correction tape, not crossing out. If you mark two answers on one question, the scanner reads both and awards zero points. Cover the wrong mark completely with correction tape.
- No stray marks or doodles. Any extra marks on the sheet can confuse the scanner.
- Submit your answer sheet. Not submitting voids your test. Hand it to the invigilator when time is called.
What Is Not Allowed
- Cell phones, smartwatches, and all electronic devices (must be off for the entire exam, including the break)
- Food and beverages
- Liquid correction fluid
- Any materials on your desk besides your ID and exam papers
Using an electronic device at any point during the exam or break can result in disqualification.
PBT vs IBT Differences on Test Day
| PBT | IBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Listening audio | Room speakers | Personal headphones (provided) |
| Writing input | Handwritten (thin pen end) | Typed on Korean keyboard |
| Answer marking | OMR sheet with marker pen | On-screen selection |
| Break | 30-minute break between sessions | No break between sections |
| Devices | Off and in bag | Submitted to proctor |
If you are taking the IBT, practice typing Korean before test day. A minimum speed of 30–40 characters per minute is recommended for the writing section. The IBT has no break between sections. Bathroom breaks are allowed but require an administrator escort, and no extra time is given.
Common Mistakes
- Arriving late. The 12:20 PM deadline is absolute. Plan for traffic and finding the room.
- Wrong ID. A photocopy, expired passport, or name mismatch means you cannot test.
- Marking errors on OMR. Two marks on one question equals zero points. Always use correction tape.
- Poor time management. Spending too long on early questions in reading leaves insufficient time for the harder passages at the end.
Practice Before Test Day
Solvi provides free TOPIK II practice for listening and reading with 1,000+ questions from 11 official past exams. Practice TOPIK II.
To simulate real test conditions, try a timed mock exam. You can take a full exam or practice individual sections with the same time limits and audio pacing as the real test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to the TOPIK exam?
Your original valid ID (passport or Alien Registration Card) and registration confirmation. A marker pen is provided. You can optionally bring correction tape. No electronic devices, food, or beverages.
What time do I need to arrive for TOPIK II?
At least 40 minutes before the exam. The cutoff is 12:20 PM. Arriving after this time means you cannot test.
Related: 2026 Schedule · IBT vs PBT · How to Practice · Scoring & Levels
Last updated: March 23, 2026