Applications to take the Test of Proficiency in Korean opened Monday.

The TOPIK covers listening, reading, grammar and writing and takes place on April 20 in Africa, Europe and the Americas and April 21 in Asia and Oceania.

The test is available in three grades. Beginner (levels 1 and 2) and advanced (levels 5 and 6) exams take place at 9:30 a.m. The intermediate exam for levels 3 and 4 starts at 2:30 p.m.

Results of the previous test were made available Feb. 4.

Each test costs 40,000 won and lasts 3 hours.

Applications close on Feb. 25. To apply, or for more information, visit www.topik.or.kr.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)