How TOPIK I is scored: Level 1 vs Level 2

What is on the test

TOPIK I is a single session of 100 minutes with two sections. Every question is multiple choice with four options. There is no writing section in TOPIK I.

Section	Questions	Points
Listening (듣기)	30	100
Reading (읽기)	40	100
Total	70	200

Source: the test structure and timetable pages on topik.go.kr. Listening is played first, then you move on to reading in the same session.

Your level comes from the total only

The official guide says the level is decided by the combined score (종합점수). It lists no separate pass mark for listening or reading. So a weaker section can be balanced by a stronger one.

Worked examples

In the third example, listening alone would not be enough for Level 2. A strong reading score carries the total past 140.

How many correct answers is that?

Each section is worth 100 points. Spread over the questions, that is about 2.5 points per reading question (100 ÷ 40) and about 3.3 per listening question (100 ÷ 30) on average. Individual questions can carry different points, so treat these as rough numbers.

Goal	Total needed	Share of 200
Level 1	80	40%
Level 2	140	70%

A simple plan: if you aim for Level 2, try to get about 7 in 10 right in each section. If listening is your weak side, push reading higher to make up the gap.

A few more facts

• A TOPIK score is valid for 2 years from the results announcement date.
• TOPIK I and TOPIK II are different tests. You cannot get Level 3 from TOPIK I.
• Dates and fees differ by country. Check topik.go.kr or your local test center for the next session near you.

Check your reading score

Our free practice test has 60 original reading questions in the style of TOPIK I. Exam mode gives you 40 questions in 60 minutes and shows a reading score out of 100, plus a rough level estimate that assumes your listening is at a similar level. It is unofficial practice, not a real TOPIK result.

Want to see what the questions look like first? Read TOPIK I reading question types, with original examples.