I. Level setting
According to the CEFR standard, Korean language proficiency is divided into six levels from A1 to C2. The ability description and vocabulary requirements of each level are as follows:
grade | Corresponding to CEFR level | Vocabulary requirements | Ability description |
A1 | beginner | About 1,500 words | Be able to understand and use basic greetings, self-introduction and other simple sentences, complete daily tasks such as shopping and filling in forms. |
A2 | The basic level | About 2,500 words | It can describe personal experiences, express needs, understand simple notifications, and deal with travel planning, medical treatment and other scenarios. |
B1 | middle rank | About 3,000 words | Be able to express opinions independently, participate in work meetings or academic discussions, handle letters and reports, and complete business email writing. |
B2 | middle and high ranking | About 4,000 to 5,000 words | Understand complex texts, conduct business negotiations or academic papers, and deal with professional scenarios such as policy document interpretation. |
C1 | senior | About 5,500-6,000 words | Be able to handle legal documents, conduct academic research, master professional terms, and fluently deal with complex situations. |
C2 | Master level | Native language level | He can write literature, interpret simultaneously, understand the implicit meaning and use the language freely. |
2. Examination content
(1) Listening comprehension
1. A1-A2: slow speaking speed, content is daily conversation (such as shopping, greeting), short notice, questions include multiple choice, matching questions, focus on the understanding of basic vocabulary and simple sentence structure.
2. B1-B2: Add news, stories, lectures and other content. The speaking speed is moderate. The questions include fill-in-the-blank questions and short answer questions to test the ability of detail retrieval and induction.
3. C1-C2: Academic lectures, original sound of films and TV shows are used. The speaking rate is fast, involving professional terms and complex sentences. Logical relationships and deep meanings are examined through multiple choice questions and listening review questions.
(2) Oral expression
1. A1-A2: Human-computer dialogue form, reading words and short sentences, and answering simple questions (such as introducing the family), focusing on accurate pronunciation and basic vocabulary use.
2. B1-B2: Video recording or real-time dialogue, describing a given topic (such as "travel experience"), participating in situational dialogue, and examining grammatical correctness and fluency of expression.
3. C1-C2: In-depth discussion with the examiner on a professional topic (such as "the impact of artificial intelligence on society"), give a speech, and assess the naturalness of language organization, logical thinking, and voice tone.
(3) Reading comprehension
1. A1-A2: simple passages with pictures, in the form of multiple choice and matching questions, to test basic comprehension ability.
2. B1-B2: It covers narrative and expository texts, increases in length, and sets fill-in-the-blank questions and short-answer questions to test the understanding of the main idea and details.
3. C1-C2: It involves academic papers, literary works and so on. The questions include multiple choice questions and article summary questions, which examine the ability of analysis, generalization and critical thinking.
(4) Writing ability
1. A1-A2: Write simple words and sentences, describe a scene according to the picture (such as "describe a family photo"), examine the use of basic grammar.
2. B1-B2: Write short articles (such as "My Day"), letters and other applied texts, requiring coherent language and complete content.
3. C1-C2: Writing of argumentative essays and academic reports, with clear viewpoints, sufficient evidence and clear logic (such as "The Influence of Korean Culture on the World"), which examines advanced language skills and depth of thought.
(5) Grammar and vocabulary
Independent modules: multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions and other forms are used to test Korean grammar rules (such as particles, suffixes, phonetic rules) and vocabulary application ability, covering the grammar priorities of each level (such as noun conjugation in A1, complex clauses in B2).
3. Examination form
1. Listening, written test and grammar vocabulary: online computer test, time-limited completion, automatic timing and paper collection by the system, support for special Korean character input (such as "ㅎ", "ㅠ", "ㅜ"), virtual keyboard or shortcut key switch (such as Microsoft IME input method in Windows).
2. Oral test: real-time video call, scored by Korean native examiner, or assisted by intelligent oral assessment system, focusing on pronunciation accuracy, fluency and grammatical correctness.
Iv. Scoring criteria
1. Listening, reading and grammar vocabulary: objective questions are graded according to the correct or incorrect answers, and subjective questions are graded according to the completeness of key points, language accuracy and other dimensions, and are evaluated by teachers manually.
2. Speaking: quantified scores are given in terms of pronunciation (30%), fluency (30%), grammar (20%), vocabulary (10%), and content (10%), based on the TOPIK speaking test criteria.
3. Writing: the score is 100 points in three aspects: content (clear point of view, sufficient evidence), structure (clear logic) and language (rich vocabulary, correct grammar). Each module should reach more than 60 points to pass.
4. Total score: 100 points for each subject, and 55 points or above for the average score. Students with weak subjects but qualified for the total score are allowed to pass.
V. Examination schedule
1. Regular exams: All levels of exams will be organized at fixed times every quarter (such as April, July and October), and the plan will be announced two months in advance to facilitate candidates' preparation.
2. Test on the go: For A1-A2 level, candidates will be arranged to take the test within 7 days after successful registration, with flexible options.
Certification and Cooperation
1. Official cooperation: In cooperation with the National Institute of International Education (KIIE) in South Korea and the Examination Center of the Ministry of Education in China, we will issue internationally recognized TOPIK certificates to enhance the authority of the examination.
2. Validity of the result: The certificate is valid for life. Those who fail in a single subject can take a make-up exam within 1 year, and the result will be retained until the next test.
Vii. Technical support
1. Anti-cheating measures: Camera monitoring, screen recording, browser locking and other technologies are used to identify abnormal behaviors (such as screen cutting and voice interference) with AI algorithm to ensure the fairness of the exam.
2. Special character support: The test system is compatible with Korean input, providing virtual keyboard or shortcut key switch (such as "Alt+Shift" to switch input method), ensuring that candidates can answer questions smoothly.
8. Exam preparation resources
1. Official test: TOPIK past test questions and simulated test questions are provided, covering all types of listening, reading, writing and speaking questions. You can download or access the link through the platform.
2. Learning tools: It is recommended to use textbooks such as "New Standard Korean" and "Korean Grammar", and combine TalkToMeInKorean, Memrise and other APPs for fragmented learning.
3. Oral training: Improve practical ability through role-playing, simulated oral test by foreign teachers, and correct pronunciation by referring to Forvo pronunciation dictionary.
Variation processing
1. Accent coverage: The listening material is mixed with Seoul standard pronunciation and other Korean accents (such as North Korea, Yanbian), and the writing part accepts standard Korean spelling habits.
2. Cultural neutrality: Avoid regional bias in reading and writing topics, take into account the cultural background of Korea and other Korean-speaking countries, and ensure that the content of the test is neutral.
This program integrates the practical needs of Korean language exams with international standards, balancing usability and authority. It effectively assesses learners' language proficiency and provides a clear learning path. By collaborating officially with TOPIK, it ensures the international recognition of the certification. Meanwhile, advanced technology is utilized to guarantee exam fairness, offering comprehensive Korean language proficiency test solutions for online education platforms.