When Is the EPS-TOPIK Exam Held? Exam Schedule, Frequency, and Scoring Guide

This guide explains the EPS-TOPIK exam system in a simple way, especially for beginners preparing for the exam

1. What Is EPS-TOPIK?

EPS-TOPIK is the Korean language proficiency test used in the Employment Permit System (EPS) for foreign workers who want to work in South Korea. Unlike the regular TOPIK exam, EPS-TOPIK is designed specifically for people preparing to work in Korea. The test focuses on practical Korean language skills that are useful in everyday life and the workplace. The official EPS-TOPIK materials are based on the Standard Textbook for EPS-TOPIK, and HRD Korea provides self-study materials for different countries, including Vietnamese learners.

2. When Is the EPS-TOPIK Exam Held?

There is no single fixed date every year for EPS-TOPIK. The exam schedule depends on: • The country • The recruitment plan • The industry • The number of workers required • The annual EPS recruitment schedule Therefore, you should always check the latest announcement from the official EPS-TOPIK website and the relevant authority in your country. For Vietnam, the Center of Overseas Labor (COLAB) announces the recruitment plan and examination schedule for Vietnamese workers.

• Example: EPS-TOPIK in Vietnam in 2026

In 2026, different industries had different examination periods. For example, the 2026 recruitment plan included:

The exact schedule can change, so candidates should check official announcements rather than relying on a fixed annual timetable

3. Is EPS-TOPIK Held Twice a Year?

Not necessarily. It is better to think of EPS-TOPIK as an examination that is organized according to the EPS recruitment plan, rather than as an exam that always takes place exactly two times per year. Some countries may have different schedules, while one country can have several examination periods for different recruitment groups. For example, HRD Korea's official schedule for Vietnam in 2026 included different EPS-TOPIK examinations, including general CBT examinations and a Special EPS-TOPIK. Important: Do not assume: "EPS-TOPIK is always held twice a year." Instead, check the announcement for the specific year, country, and industry you are applying for.

4. How Is the EPS-TOPIK Exam Structured?

For the 2026 EPS recruitment examination in Vietnam, the first round was a computer-based test (CBT). The Korean language test includes two sections: Reading • 20 questions • 25 minutes Listening • 20 questions • 25 minutes Total • 40 questions • 50 minutes • Maximum score: 200 points The reading and listening sections are taken continuously without a break. So, the basic structure is:

5. How Is EPS-TOPIK Scored?

The EPS-TOPIK language test has a maximum score of 200 points in the 2026 Vietnam recruitment examination. However, there is an important difference between: maximum score and minimum qualifying score. You do not simply need to get 100/200 points in every situation. The required score can depend on the industry and recruitment plan. For example, in Vietnam's 2026 EPS recruitment plan, the minimum score required to submit documents for the optional competency assessment was different by industry: • Manufacturing: 120 points or higher • Forestry and services: 90 points or higher • Fisheries: 60 points or higher These thresholds relate to eligibility for the competency assessment and should not be confused with a universal "passing score" for every EPS-TOPIK candidate. This is why candidates should always check the official announcement for their specific recruitment category.

6. Is Getting a High EPS-TOPIK Score Enough to Go to Korea?

No. Passing the Korean language test is an important step, but it does not automatically mean that you will be sent to South Korea. In the 2026 Vietnam recruitment process, candidates went through two main stages: Round 1: Korean Language Test Candidates take the EPS-TOPIK CBT. Round 2: Skills Test and Competency Assessment Candidates who meet the requirements of Round 1 can proceed to the next stage. The skills test is mandatory for candidates who pass Round 1. The competency assessment is optional for eligible candidates who want to receive additional points. Only candidates who satisfy the requirements of the selection process can proceed to submit their application for recruitment under the EPS system. Therefore: EPS-TOPIK pass → Skills test → Selection process → Employer selection → Employment process Passing EPS-TOPIK alone does not guarantee employment in Korea.

7. What Should Beginners Study for EPS-TOPIK?

If you are starting from zero, don't focus only on memorizing vocabulary. A better approach is to build your Korean step by step.

• Step 1: Learn Hangul

Start with: • Korean consonants • Korean vowels • Syllable blocks • Basic pronunciation • 받침 (final consonants) Your first goal should be to read Korean words comfortably

• Step 2: Build Basic Vocabulary

Learn vocabulary related to: • Numbers • Time and dates • Places • Transportation • Food • Daily activities • Workplace situations • Safety • Tools and equipment • Instructions

• Step 3: Study Basic Grammar

Focus on practical grammar patterns that appear frequently in EPS-TOPIK materials For example: • 이에요/예요 • 은/는 • 이/가 • 을/를 • 에/에서 • -아요/어요 • -고 • -지만 • -(으)세요 • -(으)ㄹ 거예요

👉 Learn Korean →

• Step 4: Practice Listening Every Day

Listening is especially important because you have limited time during the test. Try to: 1. Listen to the question. 2. Identify important keywords. 3. Understand the situation. 4. Eliminate incorrect answers. 5. Choose the answer quickly.

• Step 5: Practice Reading Under Time Pressure

👉 Take the EPS-TOPIK Mock Test →

8. How Long Does It Take to Prepare for EPS-TOPIK?

Do not wait until you finish the entire textbook before doing practice questions. Start practicing short questions early. Your goal is not only to understand Korean but also to answer accurately within the limited time.

There is no fixed preparation time for everyone. Your study time depends on your starting level, available time, and target score. A beginner could organize their preparation into three stages: Stage 1 — Korean Foundation Learn Hangul, pronunciation, basic vocabulary, and basic grammar. Stage 2 — EPS-TOPIK Preparation Study the official EPS-TOPIK textbook and practice reading and listening questions. Stage 3 — Mock Test Practice Practice full-length tests under exam conditions. For example: Learn → Practice → Review mistakes → Take mock tests → Improve weak areas This approach is more useful than simply memorizing a large vocabulary list.

9. Where Can You Find Official EPS-TOPIK Materials?

HRD Korea provides official EPS-TOPIK information, examination schedules, textbooks, e-books, and self-study materials. Vietnamese learners can access Vietnamese versions of the EPS-TOPIK self-study materials through the official EPS-TOPIK website. When preparing for the exam, it is a good idea to use official materials as your main study foundation and then supplement them with practice tests and additional learning resources

10. Final Tips for EPS-TOPIK Beginners

👉 Practice for the EPS-TOPIK Exam →

Conclusion

If you are preparing for EPS-TOPIK for the first time, remember these five points: 1. Don't assume the exam has a fixed number of sessions every year. The schedule depends on the recruitment plan. 2. Check the official announcement. Exam dates, industries, registration periods, and selection requirements can change. 3. Study both Reading and Listening. The EPS-TOPIK language test tests both skills. 4. Practice with a timer. You have limited time to answer 40 questions. 5. Remember that EPS-TOPIK is only one part of the EPS selection process. Passing the Korean test does not automatically guarantee employment in Korea

the EPS program. The exam schedule is not simply a fixed "two exams every year" system. It depends on the country, recruitment plan, industry, and annual schedule. For candidates in Vietnam, the safest way to prepare is to follow official announcements from COLAB and HRD Korea, study the official EPS-TOPIK textbook, and regularly practice reading, listening, and mock tests. If you are a beginner, start with Korean fundamentals and gradually move toward EPS-TOPIK-specific practice. Start learning Korean today, build your foundation, and prepare step by step for your EPS-TOPIK goal.