Overview
The Korean History Proficiency Test (한국사능력검정시험) is run by the National Institute of Korean History. It tests knowledge of Korean history. A pass certificate is used in many public-sector recruitment exams, some company hiring and promotion, and some university and military academy admissions.
Levels or stages
There are two exam types, and a candidate's score decides the certificate grade within the type taken.
Advanced (심화): grades 1, 2 and 3. It tests a systematic understanding of Korean history, analysing historical sources and judging the issues of an era.
Basic (기본): grades 4, 5 and 6. It tests basic historical knowledge and the overall flow of Korean history.
Exam pattern
| Type | Questions | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced | 50 | Five choices per question |
| Basic | 50 | Four choices per question |
The paper is marked out of 100, with questions weighted from 1 to 3 points. Grades are set by score:
| Advanced grade | Basic grade | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 80 or more |
| 2 | 5 | 70 to 79 |
| 3 | 6 | 60 to 69 |
Important dates
The Institute holds the exam several times a year. For 2026 the schedule lists:
| Sitting | Exam date | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 77th | 7 February | 6 to 13 January |
| 78th | 23 May (Advanced only) | 21 to 28 April |
| 79th | 9 August (Sunday) | 7 to 14 July |
| 80th | 17 October (Advanced only) | 15 to 22 September |
| 81st | 28 November (Advanced only) | 3 to 10 November |
An extra sitting was added in 2026 to handle expected demand, because the history subject of the 2027 grade 9 civil service exam is due to be replaced by this test. Leftover seats are offered in a short cancellation-seat window after the main application period. Results are checked on the website, where certificates can also be printed.
How to apply
Register and apply online on the Institute's exam website, choosing the exam date, type and test centre. Photos can be changed and the test centre region changed during set periods before the exam, and admit cards are printed from the site. Cancellations get a full refund in the first period and a 50% refund in the final week; check the schedule page for each sitting's dates.
After the exam
The Institute lists these uses for the certificate. The validity period is set by each organisation that asks for it.
Grade 2 or above is required to sit the Grade 5 civil service and diplomat candidate exams, and grade 3 or above for teacher appointment exams.
The test replaces the Korean history subject in several public recruitment exams, including grade 7 civil service (from 2021), police (from 2022), fire service (from 2023), and the National Assembly grade 8 exam (from 2025).
It earns bonus points in some career-experience civil service exams, some university early admissions and military academy entrance.
Some public and private companies take it into account in hiring or promotion.
FAQs
Why do people in Korea take this test?
The certificate is required for some civil service exams and replaces the Korean history subject in several public recruitment exams. Some universities, military academies and employers also give credit for it.
How is the grade decided?
By your score out of 100: 80 or more gives the top grade of the type taken, 70 to 79 the middle grade and 60 to 69 the lowest grade.