The placement test (사전평가) decides your starting level. Here's what it actually looks like, how it's scored, and how to prepare so you don't start lower than you need to.
Before you take a single KIIP class, you'll sit a placement test called the 사전평가 (sa-jeon-pyeong-ga). It's a one-time test that determines which KIIP level you're assigned to. Score well, and you can skip months of classes. Score poorly, and you start from the beginning.
The test is free. You can take it as many times as you like, but most testing centers only offer it once every one to two months, so you don't want to waste an attempt by going in unprepared.
It is not a pass/fail test. There's no "failing." Every score maps to a level. The question is whether you land at the level that matches what you actually know.
The level test has two parts: a written test and a speaking test.
50 minutes. 48 multiple-choice questions plus 2 short writing prompts. Covers vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. Questions start easy and get progressively harder.
After the written portion. An evaluator asks you to read a short passage aloud and then asks follow-up questions. If your speaking score is 3 or below, you'll be placed in Level 0 regardless of your written score.
Important: The speaking test can override your written score. Even if you ace the written section, a very low speaking score means you start at Level 0. Don't ignore speaking practice.
Your written test gives you a raw score. That score is combined with your speaking evaluation to determine your placement level.
| Written score | Speaking level | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 | Any | Level 0 or 1 |
| 31 – 50 | 4+ | Level 2 |
| 51 – 70 | 4+ | Level 3 |
| 71 – 85 | 4+ | Level 4 |
| 86 – 100 | 5+ | Level 5 |
Note: Exact score cutoffs can shift slightly between test rounds. These ranges are based on publicly shared information from KIIP community groups and test-takers. The Ministry of Justice does not publish an official scoring table, so treat these as close approximations.
The written test covers material across all KIIP levels, roughly in order of difficulty. The first 15 to 20 questions cover Level 1 and 2 content. The middle section covers Level 3. The final questions cover Levels 4 and 5.
Focus on basic sentence structure: the polite ending -아요/어요, particles like 은/는, 이/가, and 을/를, basic past tense -았/었어요, and everyday vocabulary like numbers, days, family terms, and common verbs.
Everything above, plus: connective grammar like -(으)면 (if), -(으)니까 (because), -는데 (background/contrast). You'll need modifier forms like -는, -(으)ㄴ, and -(으)ㄹ. Vocabulary should include topics like health, transportation, shopping, phone calls, and workplace basics.
Add reported speech (-다고 하다 and its variations), passive and causative forms, complex connectors like -어 가지고, -는 대신에, -기 위해서. Reading passages get longer and include topics like Korean society, news, and culture.
Levly covers this. Levels 1 through 3 in the app include all the grammar and vocabulary listed above. If you work through the lessons before your test, you'll have a solid foundation for at least a Level 3 placement.
These come from KIIP community forums and from talking to people who've taken the test. Avoiding these can save you a full level.
The most common regret. People study grammar and vocab but never practice speaking out loud. If you freeze during the speaking test, your placement drops.
The 2 writing prompts are at the end. Some people spend too long on multiple-choice and rush the writing section. Budget at least 10 minutes for writing.
If you're aiming for Level 3, focus on getting those questions right rather than guessing on Level 5 material. Getting lower-level questions wrong hurts more.
The reading comprehension section has passages of 3 to 5 sentences. The answers are in the text. Read the whole passage before answering.
Be honest about your current Korean. Can you hold a 5-minute conversation? Can you read a paragraph and understand most of it? Your honest self-assessment tells you which grammar and vocab to focus on.
Work through grammar patterns starting from Level 1 basics and moving up. Don't jump to advanced patterns before you've locked in the fundamentals. Particles, tenses, and connectors are the backbone of every question on the test.
The test uses vocabulary related to daily life, public services, health, transportation, work, and Korean culture. Flashcards help. So does studying vocabulary in context.
Even if you know all the words individually, reading comprehension requires practice putting it together. Read short Korean texts about everyday topics.
Read Korean sentences aloud every day, even for 10 minutes. Practice answering simple questions about yourself: where you're from, what you do, what you did yesterday.
You'll take the test at a designated testing center. Both CBT (computer-based) and PBT (paper-based) formats are available. CBT is offered on weekdays at select locations. PBT is available on weekends in most regions.
Registration tip: Test slots fill up fast, especially for CBT. Registration opens at 9:00 AM on the posted date through socinet.go.kr. Have your login ready and don't refresh the page mid-registration.
What to bring: Your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) and a pen. For CBT, you'll use a computer provided at the center. For PBT, you'll use a paper answer sheet.
Results: Scores are typically available on Socinet within 1 to 2 weeks. You'll see your assigned level and can then register for classes at that level.
Levly's structured KIIP lessons cover Levels 1 through 3. Vocabulary flashcards, grammar explanations, and practice quizzes. Level 1 is free.
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