KSIF Administers the 9th Sejong
Korean Language Assessment (SKA)

> Assessment conducted for 2,080 learners at 23 KSIs in 11 countries worldwide

> First-ever introduction of a speaking assessment method using a mobile app

The King Sejong Institute Foundation (Acting President and Secretary General Choi Hyun-Seung, hereafter referred to as KSIF) administered the 9th Sejong Korean Language Assessment (hereafter referred to as SKA) on June 28 at 23 KSIs in 11 countries around the world. The SKA is a Korean language proficiency test designed to comprehensively measure the Korean communication skills of KSI graduates as well as current and prospective learners. It consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

This year’s test was conducted for a total of 2,080 current or prospective KSI learners who registered online through the SKA official website (ska.ksif.or.kr). The listening, reading, and writing sections were administered in paper-based test (PBT) format on June 28, while the speaking section was administered in internet-based test (iBT) format on June 29 and July 5.

Notably, the speaking section introduced for the first time a method allowing test-takers to take the assessment using a mobile device and app. At KSI Hue, Vietnam, which was the first to adopt this method, candidates installed the “SKA Speaking Assessment” app on their smartphones or tablets, then logged in with their SKA official website (ska.ksif.or.kr) account to take the test. Before the assessment, candidates could check their test environment—such as headset and microphone settings—and try practice questions.

In a survey on satisfaction with the mobile app–based speaking assessment, approximately 90% of respondents said they would like to take the speaking test in the same way in the future. Many gave positive feedback, noting that using their own device was convenient and that it reduced psychological pressure compared to other methods.
 
 

The “SKA Speaking Assessment” app supports a total of 11 languages, including Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Uzbek. The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store and the iOS App Store, and applicants who have registered for the SKA at an administering institution using the app can take the test through the app on the test date. The app also allows users to check the assessment guide and schedule.

The score reports for the 9th Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA) will be announced on August 27 via the official SKA website (ska.ksif.or.kr). KSIF plans to administer the 10th SKA in September and the 2nd Incremental Computerized Adaptive Sejong Korean Language Assessment in November this year.

KSIF Secretary General Choi Hyun-Seung stated, “Starting with the 9th SKA, we plan to gradually expand the number of overseas administering institutions using the mobile app–based speaking assessment.”