To be put on the official roster for employers, you must also pass the second round, which is officially known as the Skills Test and Job Capacity Assessment.
Many applicants are so focused on the written test that they are unprepared for this second phase. Here is a simple guide to what it is and how to prepare.
The Two-Round "Point-Based System"
The DMW and HRD Korea now use a "Point-Based System" to find the most qualified candidates. Your final score is a combination of two separate rounds.
Round 1: The CBT (Written Test): This is the EPS-TOPIK exam (Reading and Listening). Passing this (and the color-blindness check) makes you eligible for Round 2.
Round 2: The Skills Test: This is a physical and practical test to see if you are fit for the job.
Your final selection is based on your total combined points from both rounds. A high score on the CBT is great, but a strong performance on the Skills Test can give you the edge.
What is the EPS-TOPIK Skills Test?
This test is designed to check your physical fitness, basic technical skills, and verbal comprehension. It is typically broken down into three main parts, worth a total of 100 points (for the manufacturing sector).
1. Physical Fitness Test
This is a straightforward test of your physical ability to perform manual labor. It often includes:
Hand Strength Test: You will be asked to squeeze a grip strength-measuring tool.
Back Strength Test: You may be asked to perform a simple lift to measure your back strength.
Color Vision: Although you are tested in Round 1, your ability to distinguish colors will be re-verified. Color blindness or weakness is an automatic disqualifier.
2. Basic Skills Test
This part checks your basic, hands-on abilities related to the industry you applied for (e.g., manufacturing). You may be asked to perform simple tasks like:
Assembly: Putting pegs into a board.
Measurement: Using a ruler or caliper to measure an object.
Joining: Connecting simple parts like nuts and bolts.
You are not expected to be a master-level technician. They are looking for basic competency, dexterity, and the ability to follow instructions.
3. Interview
This is a short, in-person interview with a Korean assessor. The goal is not to have a deep, philosophical conversation. The goal is to check:
Basic Comprehension: Can you understand simple spoken commands and questions?
Attitude: Are you polite, respectful, and do you show a good attitude for work?
Verification: They will ask basic questions to confirm your identity and information (e.g., "What is your name?" "How old are you?").
What is the "Job Capacity Assessment"? (Bonus Points)
This is not a "test" but a document review. During the registration process, you can submit documents to prove your experience. If you do, you can earn additional bonus points on top of your test scores.
You can get extra points for:
Work Experience: A Certificate of Employment from a relevant industry.
Training Certificate: A TESDA National Certificate (NC) or other relevant training.
Academic Diploma: A diploma from a junior college, college, or university.
This is a huge advantage. An applicant with a high CBT score, a good Skills Test, and bonus points from an NCII certificate will be at the very top of the list for employers.
In summary, do not ignore the Skills Test. Practice your grip strength, learn the basic Korean for greetings and self-introductions, and get your bonus point documents in order.
➡️ Ready to learn how to pass? Get our top study tips:
[How to Pass the EPS-TOPIK: 10 Study Tips from Pinoy Passers]
➡️ Want the full picture? See our main guide:
[The Ultimate 2026 Guide to EPS-TOPIK for Filipinos]
Next Steps: Sharpen Your Ears for the Interview
While you can practice your grip strength at the gym and your assembly skills at home, the Interview portion of the Skills Test requires a different kind of preparation. You need to be comfortable hearing Korean commands and questions spoken naturally, not just reading them from a book.
Make Pinoy Seoul Radio your daily immersive partner. By listening to our stream of K-Pop and cultural updates, you train your ears to the rhythm and sound of the language. This constant exposure helps build the listening confidence you need to answer the interviewer's questions calmly and correctly.
Download the app and start training your ears today:
✉️ 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
COMMENTS