Retakes, age limits, IBT, results and more
Is there an age limit? — No. School pupils can take it.
How many times can I take it? — No limit; each round is a separate registration and fee.
Can I take TOPIK I and II on the same day? — Yes, they run at different times of day and you can register for both.
Can I skip TOPIK I and go straight to TOPIK II? — Yes, TOPIK I is not a prerequisite.
Is an IBT (computer) certificate the same as PBT (paper)? — Yes, both are official TOPIK with the same levels and the same validity.
What differs? — IBT results come out faster (usually about two weeks), there are more rounds, and Writing is typed (convenient if you dislike handwriting). It costs more and is not offered in every city.
Which to choose? — If handwriting is a struggle and you type Korean quickly, IBT. Otherwise PBT, since the study materials and past papers are in PBT format.
When are results out? — For PBT, roughly 4–5 weeks after the exam, on topik.go.kr.
How long is the certificate valid? — 2 years from the date results are announced. It must be valid at the time you submit university documents.
Is there a paper certificate? — Mostly no; the official score report is issued as a PDF from topik.go.kr and verified by QR code. Some Korean Education Centres abroad issue a paper copy.
Can I see section scores? — Yes, the report lists each section, the total and the level.
Where is it held? — Organised by the Korean Education Centre in Tashkent (tashkec.uz); test centres are in Tashkent and sometimes other regions, stated in each round's notice.
Does registration fill up quickly? — Yes, especially for TOPIK II, places often go within days. Register as soon as the notice appears.
How much does it cost? — It differs from the fee in Korea and is set in local currency; the exact amount is in each round's notice.
Are the dates the same as in Korea? — The exam day is usually the same, but registration windows differ — always check the local notice.