KIIP Mid-level Evaluation (KIIP-KLCT) Guide: From Eligibility to Passing Criteria
Once you finish the Korean-language course of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP, 사회통합프로그램) up to Level 4, you must take the mid-level evaluation (중간평가) to move up to Level 5. This article organizes, in order, what the mid-level evaluation is, who can take it, and how to pass it.
What is the mid-level evaluation
The mid-level evaluation is the evaluation taken by those who have finished the Level 4 Korean-language course of the Social Integration Program in order to move on to Level 5. Its official name is KIIP-KLCT.
If you pass, Level 4 is processed as completed and you are promoted to Level 5 (the Understanding Korean Society course). In other words, the mid-level evaluation is the gateway that connects the Korean-language course and the Understanding Korean Society course.
Eligibility requirements
The mid-level evaluation can be taken in the following two cases.
- Those who are within 2 years from the date they completed Level 4 education of the Social Integration Program
- Those who have been approved for the Korean-language education intermediate linked course
There is one point to watch out for here. If you take the test through the second route, the Korean-language education intermediate linked course, passing does not count as Level 4 completion. Recognition of Level 4 completion applies only to the first route (those who completed Level 4 education).
You can check the detailed conditions in the Korea Immigration Foundation Mid-level Evaluation Guide.
Test structure
The mid-level evaluation is divided into a written part and an oral part. The overall structure is as follows.
| Section | Number of questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 28 questions | 40 min | 70 points |
| Essay | 2 questions | 10 min | 5 points |
| Oral | 5 questions | 10 min | 25 points |
| Total | 35 questions | 60 min | 100 points |
For the written test (multiple choice + essay), you solve 30 questions over 50 minutes, and then take the oral test of 5 questions over 10 minutes.
Passing criteria
You pass with 60 points or more out of 100. Scores are rounded down at the decimal point. For example, 59.9 points does not become 60 points, so it is a fail.
One more thing to remember is that if you apply but do not take the test (a no-show), it is processed as a fail. If you have applied, be sure to take the test.
Always-available CBT and PBT
The mid-level evaluation can be taken in two formats: CBT (computer-based test) and PBT (paper-based test).
Based on the kiiptest.org notice, from July 2025 the mid-level evaluation can also be taken any time via CBT. The CBT centers are the following three locations.
- Jongno, Seoul
- Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi
- Jung-gu, Daejeon
PBT is held several times a year at designated centers nationwide. You just choose and apply for the method that suits your region and schedule.
When you fail
If you do not pass the mid-level evaluation, the way forward is to re-complete Level 4 and then retake the test. The minimum-score-system operating guidelines also note a case where promotion is recognized once you clear a certain score after re-completion (promotion when you exceed 40 points after re-completion), but the exact criteria can vary by period and operating institution, so it is safest to check the evaluation website before you register.
If you took the test through the Korean-language education intermediate linked course and failed, you cannot participate directly in Level 5; you must re-enter through a formal route such as the pre-evaluation.
Test fee and how to apply
- Test fee: KRW 38,000 per evaluation session
- Where to apply: The Korea Immigration Foundation evaluation website, kiiptest.org
Evaluation applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis during the registration period. Course applications are made on the Social Integration Information Network (socinet.go.kr), and evaluation applications are made on kiiptest.org. The next year's evaluation schedule is announced every December, so if you plan to take the test, check the schedule in advance.
What comes after passing
If you pass the mid-level evaluation, you move up to the Level 5 (Understanding Korean Society) course. After finishing Level 5, you go on to prepare for the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residency or naturalization.
- KIIP Comprehensive Evaluation (Permanent Residency / Naturalization) Guide
- KIIP Level Placement Criteria and Program Structure
Key summary
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Within 2 years of completing Level 4 (or approved for the Korean-language education intermediate linked course) |
| Structure | Multiple choice 28 + Essay 2 + Oral 5 = 35 questions / 60 min / 100 points |
| Pass | 60 points or more (rounded down at decimals); a no-show is a fail |
| Test method | Always-available CBT (Jongno, Seoul / Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi / Jung-gu, Daejeon) and PBT |
| Test fee | KRW 38,000 |
| After passing | Level 4 processed as completed + promotion to Level 5 |
If you would like to learn the vocabulary that frequently appears on KIIP tests a few minutes a day, try using the KIIP Study app.
This article is a guide meant to aid understanding and is not official information. Regulations may change, so check the latest details on the Social Integration Information Network (socinet.go.kr) and the evaluation website (kiiptest.org). (Written as of July 2026)