One certificate can change your salary
Korean certifications available to foreigners — organized by field
EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System Korean Test)
Required for E-9 visa (non-professional employment). You cannot work in Korea without passing this test.
Salary boost
Required for employment (24M–32M KRW/year)
TOPIK Level 4+
Needed for F-2 (resident) visa conversion, F-5 (permanent residency), and university admission. Higher scores mean more visa points.
Salary boost
+200,000–500,000 KRW/mo (interpretation/office)
Class 2 Driver's License
Drive passenger cars and small trucks. Essential for delivery, logistics, and driving jobs. Written test available in multiple languages including English.
Salary boost
+300,000–800,000 KRW/mo
Class 1 Large Vehicle License
Drive buses and large trucks. Opens doors to high-paying transportation jobs.
Salary boost
+1,000,000–2,000,000 KRW/mo
Welding Technician
The most in-demand certification in manufacturing and shipbuilding. Guaranteed pay raise with this certificate.
Salary boost
+500,000–1,000,000 KRW/mo
Forklift Operator
Required at logistics centers and factories. Operating without a license is illegal. Mostly practical — low language barrier.
Salary boost
+300,000–600,000 KRW/mo
Excavator Operator
Essential heavy equipment for construction sites. High demand and shortage of operators means easy employment.
Salary boost
+800,000–1,500,000 KRW/mo
Tower Crane Operator
Essential for high-rise construction. Severe shortage of licensed operators guarantees high pay.
Salary boost
+1,500,000–3,000,000 KRW/mo
Korean Cuisine Chef
Preferred for Korean restaurant jobs. F-2/F-5 visa holders can even open their own restaurant.
Salary boost
+200,000–500,000 KRW/mo
Western Cuisine Chef
Great for restaurant and hotel jobs. Foreigners can leverage their home cooking experience with this Korean certification.
Salary boost
+200,000–500,000 KRW/mo
ITQ (IT Qualification)
Proves your Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills. A basic requirement for office jobs.
Salary boost
+100,000–300,000 KRW/mo
Electrician
Install and maintain electrical systems. Steady demand in factories, buildings, and more.
Salary boost
+500,000–1,000,000 KRW/mo
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