TOPIK vs EPS-TOPIK vs KIIP

Q: What is the difference between TOPIK and EPS-TOPIK?

TOPIK is a general Korean proficiency test covering Levels 1-6, used for university admission, professional work, and immigration. EPS-TOPIK is a separate, narrower test for migrant workers applying for E-9 work visas. They are not interchangeable.

Q: Do I need TOPIK or KIIP for Korean permanent residency (F-5)?

For F-5 permanent residency, you need to complete KIIP Level 5 and pass the KIPRAT exam. TOPIK alone is not sufficient. However, TOPIK Level 5 or higher allows you to skip KIIP classes entirely and go directly to the KIPRAT exam.

Q: Can a TOPIK score substitute for KIIP?

A TOPIK score can exempt you from KIIP coursework but cannot replace KIPRAT. TOPIK Level 5 or higher lets you skip all KIIP classes and take KIPRAT directly. Lower TOPIK levels let you skip earlier KIIP levels.

Last updated March 20265 min read

TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK, and KIIP are three separate Korean proficiency pathways. They are administered by different agencies, serve different purposes, and are not interchangeable. Which one you need depends on why you are in Korea.

Quick Comparison

	TOPIK	EPS-TOPIK	KIIP
What	Proficiency test	Proficiency test	Integration program + exam
Who needs it	Students, professionals	E-9 migrant workers	Long-term/permanent residents
Administered by	NIIED (Education)	HRD Korea (Labor)	Ministry of Justice
Format	Listening + Writing + Reading	Listening + Reading only	Classes + KIPRAT exam
Duration	180 min	70 min	400+ hours of classes
Levels	1–6	Beginner–intermediate	0–5
Cost	40,000–95,000 KRW	Varies by country	Free
Frequency	12 times/year	Once/year	Ongoing enrollment

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

TOPIK is the general Korean proficiency certification. TOPIK I covers Levels 1–2 (beginner). TOPIK II covers Levels 3–6 (intermediate to advanced). It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and offered 12 times per year (6 PBT + 6 IBT).

TOPIK is required for university admission, graduate programs, professional work visas (E-7), and immigration points. It is the most widely recognized Korean proficiency certification.

EPS-TOPIK

EPS-TOPIK is a separate test for foreign workers applying for E-9 non-professional employment visas under South Korea's Employment Permit System. It is administered by HRD Korea (Human Resources Development Service of Korea) under the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

The test has 50 multiple-choice questions (25 listening + 25 reading) in 70 minutes, scored out of 200 points. There is no writing section. The passing score is 80 points. Content is based on the EPS-TOPIK Standard Textbook and focuses on workplace communication, safety procedures, and daily life situations.

EPS-TOPIK is not interchangeable with TOPIK. A regular TOPIK certificate cannot be used for E-9 visa applications, and an EPS-TOPIK certificate cannot be used for university admission or immigration points.

EPS-TOPIK is administered once per year at test centers in approximately 16 countries, primarily in East and South Asia. It is only relevant if you are applying for E-9 employment in Korea.

KIIP (Korea Immigration & Integration Program)

KIIP (사회통합프로그램) is not a test. It is a free government-sponsored program run by the Ministry of Justice that combines Korean language classes with civic education about Korean society, history, and institutions.

The program has 5 levels, each consisting of approximately 100 hours of instruction. Level 5 includes a 70-hour course on understanding Korean society. After completing Level 5, participants take the KIPRAT (Korea Immigration and Permanent Residence Aptitude Test), a exam covering both language skills and civic knowledge. The passing score is 60 out of 100.

KIIP and Permanent Residency (F-5)

Completing KIIP Level 5 and passing KIPRAT is required for most F-5 permanent residency applications. TOPIK alone is generally not sufficient for F-5. However, TOPIK scores can reduce or eliminate the KIIP coursework required:

TOPIK Level	KIIP Placement
Level 1	Start at KIIP Level 2
Level 2	Start at KIIP Level 3
Level 3	Start at KIIP Level 4
Level 4	Start at KIIP Level 5
Level 5 or higher	Skip all classes, go directly to KIPRAT

TOPIK Level 5 or higher lets you bypass all KIIP coursework and take KIPRAT directly. This saves hundreds of hours of classes. You still need to pass KIPRAT.

Which Do You Need?

Studying in Korea (university or language school): TOPIK. Level 3–4 for undergraduate, Level 4 for graduate.
Working in Korea on a professional visa (E-7): TOPIK. Level 4 is the common requirement.
Working in Korea on a non-professional visa (E-9): EPS-TOPIK. Regular TOPIK is not accepted.
Applying for permanent residency (F-5): KIIP + KIPRAT. A high TOPIK score (Level 5+) can exempt you from KIIP classes but not from KIPRAT itself.
F-2-7 points-based residency: TOPIK Level 5+ earns 20 immigration points. KIIP completion earns additional points.
General certification for career or personal goals: TOPIK.

Practice TOPIK II

Practice for TOPIK II

Solvi provides free TOPIK II practice for listening and reading with 1,000+ questions from 11 official past exams. Practice TOPIK II.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TOPIK and EPS-TOPIK?

TOPIK is a general proficiency test covering Levels 1–6, used for university, work, and immigration. EPS-TOPIK is a separate test for E-9 migrant workers. They are administered by different agencies and are not interchangeable.

Do I need TOPIK or KIIP for Korean permanent residency?

For F-5 permanent residency, you need KIIP Level 5 completion + KIPRAT. TOPIK alone is not sufficient. However, TOPIK Level 5+ lets you skip all KIIP classes and take KIPRAT directly.

Can a TOPIK score substitute for KIIP?

TOPIK can exempt you from KIIP coursework but not from KIPRAT. TOPIK Level 5+ skips all classes. Lower levels skip proportionally fewer.

Last updated: March 23, 2026