EPS-TOPIK: The Complete Korean Exam Guide for EPS (2026)
- Full name: Employment Permit System Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-TOPIK).
- Total: 200 points — Reading 100 + Listening 100.
- Purpose: a ranking test to build the jobseeker roster, not a pass/fail certificate.
- Run by: HRD Korea, together with your country’s sending agency.
- Level: around beginner (TOPIK I / A1–A2) — basic workplace and daily Korean.
What is EPS-TOPIK?
EPS-TOPIK is the Korean-language test you must take to join the Employment Permit System (EPS). Unlike a school exam, it is a ranking test: your score decides your position on the jobseeker roster that Korean employers pick from. A higher score means a better chance and often a faster placement. It tests the practical Korean you need to stay safe and understand instructions in a Korean workplace — not academic grammar.
Exam format and sections
| Section | Questions | Points | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (쥥기) | 25 | 100 | Signs, notices, short workplace texts, safety labels |
| Listening (떨기) | 25 | 100 | Instructions, short dialogues, numbers, directions |
| Total | 50 | 200 | — |
Most sittings are computer-based (CBT). Some countries and sectors add a Skills Test (a practical or physical test) after EPS-TOPIK — check your sending agency, because the exact combination depends on your country and the sector you apply for.
How is it different from regular TOPIK?
| EPS-TOPIK | Regular TOPIK (I/II) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Rank EPS jobseekers | Certify Korean level (study, immigration points) |
| Sections | Reading + Listening | Reading + Listening (+ Writing in TOPIK II) |
| Result | A score used for the roster (valid a limited time) | A level (1–6) on a certificate |
| Who runs it | HRD Korea + sending country | NIIED (Korean government) |
Passing EPS-TOPIK does not give you a TOPIK certificate, and a TOPIK certificate does not replace EPS-TOPIK. They are separate systems for separate purposes.
Scoring, cut-off and a worked example
You need to reach the announced minimum (cut-off) score for your country and sector to be eligible for the roster. There is no single fixed number for everyone — the cut-off is set per round based on the quota and how many people apply, so it can move. As a general rule the base passing line has been around 120 out of 200, but the effective cut-off for a competitive round is often higher. Reaching the minimum only makes you eligible; higher scorers are placed first.
Worked example (illustrative): imagine the cut-off for a manufacturing round is 110/200. You score 150. You clear the cut-off and sit high on the roster — but placement still depends on employers choosing you and on the quota. Someone who scored 190 is ahead of you; someone who scored 105 is not on the roster at all. Always treat your score as a ranking, not a guarantee.
Sector-specific point requirements
EPS covers several sectors, and the required score and extra tests differ by sector:
| Sector | Typical extra test? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing (제조업) | Sometimes a skills test | The largest sector; most quota |
| Agriculture / Livestock | Sometimes | Rural placement; physical work |
| Fishing | Often physical/skills test | Long hours at sea; separate rules |
| Construction | Skills/physical test common | Safety Korean matters |
| Services (limited) | Varies | Smaller quota; check availability |
Exact cut-offs, quotas and whether a skills test applies are announced each round by HRD Korea and your sending agency — do not rely on a number a broker quotes you.
How to register (step by step)
- Check eligibility — age generally 18–39 (some countries cap at 38), no disqualifying record, from one of the 17 sending countries.
- Watch the announcement from your national sending agency (they publish the schedule, sector and fee).
- Register during the official window — usually online through the agency, with your passport.
- Pay the official fee only to the agency (fees are modest and published; a broker asking for large sums is a red flag).
- Sit the exam (CBT), then any skills test for your sector.
- If you clear the cut-off, you go onto the roster and wait to be selected by an employer.
How to study: materials and plan
- Use the official question bank. HRD Korea publishes standard EPS-TOPIK study materials and sample questions — these mirror the real test better than random apps.
- Front-load listening. Numbers, times, workplace instructions and directions repeat often; drill them daily.
- Learn workplace and safety vocabulary (tools, warnings, body parts, “danger”, “stop”) — it is both tested and life-saving on site.
- Practise under time. 50 questions go quickly; timed mock tests build speed.
Suggested plan: reserve 8–12 weeks; alternate reading and listening days; take a full timed mock every week and review only your wrong answers.
Common mistakes that fail candidates
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “I studied but scored low” | Practised general Korean, not EPS-TOPIK style | Use the official EPS question bank |
| Ran out of time | No timed practice | Weekly timed mock tests |
| Missed the registration window | Relied on rumours/brokers | Follow the official agency channel only |
| Paid a broker to “guarantee” a pass | Scam — no one can guarantee it | Pay only the official published fee |
What changed in 2026?
Quotas, cut-offs and which sectors open each round are set annually, so treat any specific number as time-limited. Some sectors have expanded CBT and added or adjusted skills tests. The 2026 minimum wage relevant to your future pay is 10,320 KRW/hour. For the current round’s exact schedule and cut-offs, always read your sending agency’s latest notice.
FAQ
Is EPS-TOPIK pass/fail?
Not exactly. You must reach a cut-off to be eligible, but the score is then used to rank you on the roster.
How many points do I need?
There is no universal number — the cut-off is set per country, sector and round. Aim as high as possible.
How long is my score valid?
For a limited period (commonly a couple of years). If you are not selected in time, you may need to retake. Confirm the current validity with your agency.
Does a high score guarantee a job?
No. It improves your ranking, but a Korean employer must still choose you, and passers usually exceed the quota.
Can I take it in my own country?
Yes — it is held in the 17 sending countries through the national agency, not in Korea.
Is there a writing or speaking part?
The core test is Reading + Listening. Some sectors add a practical skills test, but there is no essay like TOPIK II writing.
Can I use a regular TOPIK certificate instead?
No. EPS-TOPIK is a separate, required test for the EPS route.
How much does it cost?
A modest official fee, published by your sending agency. Anyone demanding large “processing” sums is likely a broker scam.
What if I fail?
You can register again in a future round. Use the wait to raise your listening score.
Where do I get official study materials?
From HRD Korea / EPS official channels and your national sending agency — see the sources below.
Official sources
Related guides: E-9 / EPS hub · EPS-TOPIK · How to apply · Visa comparison · E-9 → E-7-4 · Wages & living · Find a job.
Official sources: EPS / HRD Korea, HiKorea, Ministry of Employment and Labor, National Pension, National Health Insurance. Information current as of 2026 and subject to change — verify before you act. After arriving in Korea, find jobs in English on 114114AI.