The Complete KIIP Pre-evaluation Guide: From How to Apply to Level Placement
The first gateway most people meet when starting the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP, 사회통합프로그램) is the pre-evaluation (사전평가). Because your score on this test decides which level you begin your education at, it is an important step that sets your starting point. This article walks through what the pre-evaluation is, who should take it, how to apply, and which level you are placed into based on your score.
What is the pre-evaluation
The pre-evaluation is a placement test used to decide which level of KIIP education you begin at. It checks how well you understand the Korean language and Korean culture, and places you into the level that matches your result. A higher score starts you at a higher level, while a lower score starts you at a foundational level.
Taking the pre-evaluation is not mandatory. You can also begin at the most basic level, Level 0 (Basics of Korean Language and Culture), without any test. If you are learning Korean almost from scratch, or you want to work through the levels in order without a test, you can apply for Level 0 placement instead. If you are already somewhat comfortable with Korean and want to start at a higher level, taking the pre-evaluation works to your advantage.
Besides these, there are also placement routes linked to tests such as the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). The detailed placement methods are covered in the Level Placement Criteria and Program Structure article.
Who can take it
The pre-evaluation can be taken by people in the following situations.
- Foreign nationals residing legally with an Alien Registration Card or a Domestic Residence Report Card
- Naturalized citizens (except those for whom more than 3 years have passed since acquiring citizenship)
- Holders of an Overseas Korean Visit (C-3-8) visa with a valid period of stay
Keep in mind that naturalized citizens can only take part within 3 years from the date they acquired citizenship.
How to apply
Applications are handled online only. The flow starts at the Social Integration Information Network and continues to the dedicated evaluation website.
- Go to the Social Integration Information Network (socinet.go.kr) and apply for the evaluation, and you will be automatically connected to the evaluation website (kiiptest.org).
- Sign up on the evaluation website and log in.
- In the evaluation registration menu, select 'CBT Pre-evaluation' as the evaluation type.
- Choose the evaluation date, then select the session, time, and evaluation location in turn.
- Pay the test fee and print your registration slip.
- Bring the registration slip and take the test.
Registration is handled online on a first-come, first-served basis, so if there is a date and location you want, it is best to register quickly as soon as applications open.
The test fee is KRW 38,000 per session. The pre-evaluation, mid-level evaluation, and comprehensive evaluation all cost the same amount. For detailed cost information, see the KIIP Completion Benefits and Costs article.
How the test is structured
The pre-evaluation is divided into a written test and an oral test. Together they add up to a maximum of 100 points.
| Section | Number of questions | Time | Points | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written test | 50 questions | 60 min | 75 points | 38 Korean-language questions + 10 culture questions + 2 short-answer questions |
| Oral test | 5 questions | 10 min | 25 points | Reading, comprehension, conversation, listening and speaking |
The written test is scored at 1.5 points per question, and the oral test at 5 points per question. The actual test time is 70 minutes, but including waiting and orientation you may spend about 3–4 hours on site, so plan your schedule with some room to spare.
The pre-evaluation comes in two formats: CBT, taken on a computer, and PBT, in which you mark answers on a paper OMR card. CBT has been expanding lately, with centers running in places such as Seoul, Daejeon, and Gwangmyeong, while PBT is gradually being scaled back.
The timing of the result announcement differs by method.
| Method | Result announcement |
|---|---|
| CBT | After 4 p.m., 2 business days after the test date |
| PBT | After 4 p.m., 13 days after the test date |
You check your result on the evaluation website under My Page > Evaluation Results.
Level placement by score
Based on your total pre-evaluation score, you are placed into a level as shown below.
| Total score | Assigned level |
|---|---|
| 0–2 points | Level 0 (Basics of Korean Language and Culture) |
| 3–20 points | Level 1 (Beginner 1) |
| 21–40 points | Level 2 (Beginner 2) |
| 41–60 points | Level 3 (Intermediate 1) |
| 61–80 points | Level 4 (Intermediate 2) |
| 81–100 points | Level 5 (Understanding Korean Society) |
The assigned level is determined based on the total score combining the written and oral tests. Placement strategy — such as which level to aim for and how to prepare — is covered in detail in the Level Placement Criteria and Program Structure article.
With 85 points or more, you can go straight to the comprehensive evaluation
If you score 85 points or more on the pre-evaluation, you can take the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residency right away, even without having completed the Level 5 basic course (70 hours). However, this only applies within 2 years from the date you scored 85 points or more. Be careful, because once this validity period passes, this route is no longer available.
For those preparing for permanent residency, this can be a path to take the comprehensive evaluation without attending the education courses. For details on the comprehensive evaluation, see the Comprehensive Evaluation (Permanent Residency / Naturalization) Guide article.
Things worth knowing when you prepare
- Check the schedule: The next year's evaluation schedule is announced every December. For example, the first pre-evaluation of 2026 accepted applications from December 23 to 27, 2025, and was held on January 10, 2026. Check the notices on the evaluation website for the exact schedule.
- Use CBT centers: As the CBT method expands, it has become easier to secure a chance to take the test. Checking a CBT center near your residence in advance helps when you register.
- Register with time to spare: Because registration is first-come, first-served, if there is a date and location you want, it is best to register right at the application start date.
Key summary
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Placement into a starting level of the Social Integration Program |
| Eligibility | Foreign nationals residing legally, naturalized citizens within 3 years, C-3-8 holders |
| Application | socinet.go.kr → kiiptest.org, first-come online registration |
| Test fee | KRW 38,000 per session |
| Structure | Written 50 questions / 60 min (75 points) + Oral 5 questions / 10 min (25 points) |
| Placement | Total score 0–2 / 3–20 / 21–40 / 41–60 / 61–80 / 81–100 points |
| Special case | With 85 points or more, direct entry to the permanent-residency comprehensive evaluation within 2 years |
The pre-evaluation is just a test to set your starting point, not a pass-or-fail test. You can prepare with a relaxed mind, treating it as a simple check of where your level is right now.
If you would like to learn the vocabulary that frequently appears on KIIP tests just 5 minutes a day, take a look at 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)