Special EPS-TOPIK gives you:
- Faster re-entry and employment
- Exemption from job training before arrival
- Opportunity to return to previous workplace
What is the Special EPS-TOPIK?
Eligible Applicant : Workers (E-9) who were rehired after the initial 3-year employment term and voluntarily returned home within the re-employment period.
Required Documents : Application form and a copy of the passport used at the time of departure from Korea
Participating Country : As of March 2012, there are five (5) countries planning to hold the test; Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Pakistan (Further expansion is expected)
Test Venue : EPS-TOPIK CBT centers in the sending country
Test Period : Once every quarter
Test Announcement : Newspapers and official website of the sending country
Question 1: Who is eligible for the Special EPS-TOPIK?
EPS workers who were rehired after working in Korea for three (3) years and returned home voluntarily within the re-employment period. They should also meet the eligibility requirements for EPS-TOPIK.
Question 2: Are the applicants allowed to apply for industries that are different from the previously employed industry in Korea?
The applicants are allowed to choose any industries that are permitted under the EPS regardless of their previous employment in Korea. However, those who apply for pre-arranged job placement must apply for their previous job and industry.
Question 3: Where and how often does the Special EPS-TOPIK take place?
The Special EPS-TOPIK will be administered once every quarter at EPS-TOPIK CBT centers in the corresponding country. It will not be held in Korea.
Question 4: In which countries does the test take place?
The test will take place in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the first quarter of 2012.
Question 5: What is the difficulty level and pass rate of the test?
The difficulty of the Special EPS-TOPIK will remain at more or less the same level as the regular EPS-TOPIK but its pass rate will be relatively higher.
Question 6: How much time is saved by passing the test?
Exemptions from job training before arrival and faster CCVI issuance will enable most of the test passers to re-enter as soon as their 6-month re-entry restriction period ends.
Question 7: What will be the permitted employment term for the test passers?
They are initially given three (3) years to work upon arrival in Korea and allowed to extend it for less than two (2) years (1 year and 10 months, to be specific), if rehired.
Question 8: What should employers do to rehire their former employees who passed the Special EPS-TOPIK?
No application is required prior to the employee’s arrival in Korea. Upon the employee’s roster registration, local job center in the district notifies the corresponding employer via text message or phone call. After making efforts to hire Korean workers, the employer then applies for pre-arranged job placement and employment permit.
Question 9: What are the differences between the Special EPS-TOPIK and the re-entry system for committed workers who have successfully completed their employment term in Korea?
The candidates for the re-entry system are those who ① worked in industry or business such as agriculture & livestock, fishery or small-sized manufacturing that is determined by the Foreign Workforce Policy Committee, ② fully completed employment and re-employment terms without changing workplace, and ③ have a contract that ends after July 2, 2012.
The re-entry system allows the candidates to re-enter three (3) months after departing from Korea and gives them exemptions from job training before and after their arrival.
Question 10: Where can I find information about the Special EPS-TOPIK?
The test will be announced in the newspapers or on the official website of the corresponding sending agency and available on the EPS website at www.eps.go.kr.
