In the infographic, you can find material where we explain in detail about the preliminary assessment for the social integration program in Korea.

To complete the program itself, first, you need to determine your level of Korean language knowledge and understanding of Korean culture. This is what the preliminary assessment is for. However, if you have TOPIK, want to start from level 0, or have an F6 visa, you can register for courses without a preliminary assessment.

Important rules for the KIIP exam: PBT and CBT

(how to prepare, what to bring, what can get you disqualified, and who cannot take the CBT)

KIIP exams are held in two formats: PBT (Paper Based Test) - a paper-based exam with an OMR card CBT (Computer Based Test) - a computer-based exam at a CBT center

Below are the key rules that are important to know in advance so you don't lose your attempt and money.

1) The main rule for PBT and CBT: you can only take the exam where you registered

You can only take the exam on the day and at the location (exam site or CBT center) for which you registered. You cannot take it in another city, another center, or just "go to a different place."

2) What time to arrive and when the entrance closes PBT (paper-based exam)

• Entry to the examination site is possible from 12:00 PM

• By 12:30 PM, you must have taken your seat in the written exam hall and follow the proctor's instructions

• Entry is closed after 12:30 PM; latecomers will not be admitted

CBT (computer-based exam)

• You must enter no later than 20 minutes before the exam starts

• Admission ends after the entry period closes

Important: The exam completion time may take up to 3-4 hours due to queues and waiting. Plan your day so that you do not have other appointments immediately after the exam.

3) Documents: without an original document, you will not be admitted, and your money will not be refunded

If you do not bring the required document, you cannot take the exam, and the fee will not be refunded.

Only originals are accepted:

• foreigner registration card

• Korean ID (for citizens)

• passport

• Korean driver's license

• proof of residence permit with a photo (original)

Not accepted:

• copies of documents

• photo on phone

• student ID

• resident registration copy (주민등록등본)

• any other identification/certificates

• mobile ID

Why "mobile ID" is not accepted: electronic devices are usually confiscated before entry, and identity verification may be needed again during the exam.

4) Using the restroom during the exam is prohibited

In both PBT and CBT, you cannot use the restroom during the exam. Please keep this in mind beforehand.

5) How to answer: PBT and CBT differ

PBT

• All marks on the answer sheet must be made only with the writing instrument provided by the proctor on the day of the exam (usually a black computer marker/pen)

• You must correctly fill out the OMR card

• Errors due to incorrect filling or using the wrong pen are considered the participant's fault

CBT

• Answers to multiple-choice questions are selected on the screen: you click the question number on the screen or in the list of questions on the right

• For questions requiring a written answer (including essays), type your answers using the keyboard

• If you skip a question or fail to save an answer due to inattention, the responsibility lies with the participant

Tip: If you have never taken a CBT before, familiarize yourself with the format in advance to avoid wasting time figuring out the interface during the exam.

6) You cannot leave immediately after the exam ends

In both PBT and CBT, you cannot leave the examination hall until the proctor permits it. In PBT, all distributed materials (question papers and answer sheets) must be returned. In CBT, answers cannot be changed after final submission.

7) If the system crashes during CBT

If the exam cannot continue on the day of the CBT due to technical problems, it may be converted to PBT (paper-based format). If you do not wish to take the PBT instead of CBT, a full refund of the exam fee is possible.

8) What is considered a violation (cheating) and the consequences

Any actions that interfere with fair examination are considered violations. Examples:

• taking the exam for someone else or asking someone to take it for you

• keeping your phone and personal belongings in a place other than the one designated by the proctor

• having prohibited items:

  1. phone, radio, smartwatch, tablet, and any communication devices

  2. camera, voice recorder, and any recording devices

  3. electronic dictionary, electronic calculator, etc.

  4. any items not permitted by the proctor

• attempting to peek at answers or ask someone to show theirs

• writing down questions on your body/paper, copying questions/answers

• photographing or recording questions/answer sheets, printing and distributing them to others

• sharing oral questions or answers with others after the oral part

• continuing to solve problems after the time limit

• ignoring the proctor's instructions

• any other action that the proctor deems a violation

Consequences:

• removal from the exam and a score of 0 for the attempt

• annulment of KIIP academic history and a one-year ban from participation

• potential legal liability

9) Special conditions (특별배려 대상자): how to take the exam and why CBT is not allowed

Individuals who require special accommodations (e.g., severe disability or a condition that makes the standard exam impossible) cannot take the CBT. They must apply for the PBT through a special procedure.

Who falls into this category

• legally registered disabled individuals, including those with severe impairments (by type: vision, hearing, mobility, autism, intellectual/mental/brain disorders, speech, etc.)

• as well as individuals without registered disability but who are recognized as unable to take the exam by standard methods

How to apply

• submit supporting documents to the Immigration Integration Support Center (이민통합지원센터) at your immigration office (출입국관서), obtain approval, and then register for the exam

Documents

• disability certificate or medical certificate/diagnosis

• in some cases, documents from a designated type of hospital are required

How the exam is conducted

• the time and method for filling out answers may vary depending on the type and degree of the limitation

• if necessary, a separate proctor will be assigned to the participant

10) Where to check results

Results are available on the social integration portal or the exam website after 4:00 PM on the results release date. Individual notifications are not sent.