You've been told you need to "pass the Korean test." So you search online, find a test schedule, pay the fee, and spend six months studying... only to find out you took the wrong exam.
Let's clear this up right now. There are two completely different "TOPIK" exams. One is for employment, and one is for academics. Taking the wrong one is a waste of time, money, and effort.
The Quick Answer: Which Test Do You Need?
If you want to WORK in Korea (as a factory, construction, or agriculture worker under an E-9 visa):
You must take the EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean).
This is managed by the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) in the Philippines.
If you want to STUDY in Korea (to attend a Korean university or to prove high-level fluency):
You must take the Academic TOPIK (Levels I & II).
This is managed by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines.
At a Glance: EPS-TOPIK vs. Academic TOPIK
| Feature | EPS-TOPIK (For Work) | Academic TOPIK (For Study) |
| Main Purpose | To get an E-9 (Work) Visa & join the employment roster. | University admission, scholarships, proving fluency. |
| Who Takes It? | Aspiring Filipino workers. | Aspiring students, professionals, or visa-points seekers. |
| Governing Body (PH) | DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) | KCC (Korean Cultural Center) |
| What It Tests | Basic, practical Korean for the workplace (safety, commands). | Academic & formal Korean (reading essays, writing, grammar). |
| Difficulty | Beginner. (Approx. Level 1-2 of the academic test) | Beginner to Advanced. (TOPIK I is Level 1-2, TOPIK II is Level 3-6) |
| Schedule | Demand-based. Announced by DMW 1-3 times per year. | Fixed. Held multiple times per year on a set schedule. |
| How to Register | via the official DMW-EPS Portal eps.dmw.gov.ph | via the official KCC-TOPIK Portal topik.koreanculture.ph |
What is the EPS-TOPIK? (The "Work" Test)
The EPS-TOPIK is a practical test. The Korean government doesn't need you to write a poem or debate history. They need to know:
Can you understand a "Danger" sign?
Can you follow a spoken command like "Press the button"?
Can you understand basic instructions for your job?
This is the exam managed by the DMW. You cannot register for this test until the DMW officially announces an opening for applications. Its schedule is 100% dependent on the labor-hiring needs of South Korea.
If your goal is to work in a Korean factory, this is the only test you should be studying for.
What is the Academic TOPIK? (The "School" Test)
This is the exam for students and high-level professionals. It's designed to see if you can survive in a Korean university.
TOPIK I (Level 1-2) is for beginners.
TOPIK II (Level 3-6) is the advanced test, which includes a difficult essay-writing section.
This exam tests your ability to read newspaper articles, listen to lectures, and understand complex grammar. While passing this test is a great personal achievement, it will not get you on the DMW roster for an E-9 work visa.
The Bottom Line
Do not register for a TOPIK exam at the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) if your goal is to get a factory job through the DMW.
You must wait for the official announcement from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and take the EPS-TOPIK.
Now that you know exactly which test is for you, it's time to learn about the exam itself and the full application process.
➡️ Ready to learn more? Check our simple guide:
[What is EPS-TOPIK? A Simple Guide for Filipino Workers]
➡️ For the complete process: Read our pillar guide:
[The Ultimate 2026 Guide to EPS-TOPIK for Filipinos]
✉️ Get Future EPS-TOPIK & Job Opportunities
Join our exclusive list. We will *only* email you when we have important EPS-TOPIK announcements, new job opportunities, or services to help you work in Korea.Join the Job List
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