To all of the Korean learners
Has anyone attempted any of the proficiency tests? Whether you take them officially, or just download the past tests and grade them yourself, they are a good way to check your progress in Korean. And of course if you ever want to study in Korea or work there they are good for your application/resume. (TOPIK Level 4 is the minimum necessary to enter a Korean university as a regular student, obviously special international programs and language programs require way less, or none at all).
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
http://www.topik.go.kr/
It's held in Korea four times a year, and worldwide twice a year. The next worldwide test is October 28 (my birthday...)
Test Sites:
http://www.topik.go.kr/jsp/hp/sub/subLocation.do?MENU_SEQ=20102060102&UP_MENU_SEQ=2010206
There are 3 tests (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), and based on your score on each test you can pass one of two levels. (Beginner = 1 or 2, Intermediate = 3 or 4, Advanced = 5 or 6)
Also, all of the past tests (or many of them, I haven't looked back that far) are available on their website with answer keys and listening files, so if you want to test yourself you can (except you can't grade your own writing very well... the rest is multiple choice)
http://www.topik.go.kr/jsp/hp/sub/subLocation.do?MENU_SEQ=2010602&UP_MENU_SEQ=20106
The test is divided into 4 sections: Vocab & Grammar, Writing, Listening and Reading, and takes 3 hours.
To pass the lower level (1, 3, 5) you need at least 40/100 on each section, and a total score of at least 200/400. To pass the higher level (2, 4, 6), you need at least 50/100 on each section, and a total score of at least 281/400.
KLAT (Korean Language Ability Test) <- used be called KLPT Korean Language Proficiency Test
http://www.kets.or.kr/klpt/klpt.asp
It's held 6 times a year, worldwide (though I'm not sure if it is held in all locations each time)
Test Sites:
http://www.kets.or.kr/test/pbt_place.asp
There are two tests, the B-KLAT for very beginners, and the regular KLAT. For the regular KLAT, the level you attain is based on your score (At least 200 for level 1, 250 for level 2, 300 for level 3, 350 for level 4, 400 for level 5, 450 for level 6... of a possible 500)
The test is divided into Listening (40 min/40 questions) and Vocab, Grammar, Reading, and Conversation (70 min/60 questions (15 for each section))
I've never thought about taking the KLAT, so I know way less about it, but it is offered more often and in different places than the TOPIK exam so it might be a good option for some people...
I did take the Beginner TOPIK in April, and passed (level 2, yay!)... but unfortunately, it gets way harder from here... :(
In any case, I'm the type of person who needs a concrete goal for motivation. If anyone else is like me, I recommend the tests.
And if anyone knows of good study guides, or can talk about their experience taking them, or wants to ask questions please post here!
