How to become an EPS worker in Korea: Philippine Edition

Who can apply

• Aged between 18 and 38
• Deemed medically Fit according to the standards set by the Korean government
• No Criminal Record or commited serious offence punishable by imprisonment
• No previous record of deportation/eviction order from Korea
• Medically fit to work 
• Educational Attainment not necessary
• No height requirements 

Benefits of being an EPS/Factory Worker in Korea

•  Free housing is usually provided by the company

•  Free meals are usually provided during working days

•  Higher salary compared to the Philippines

•  More paid working hours (overtime, weekend work, night work)

•  Can work in Korea for 3 years (can extend to 4 years 10 months)

Schedule of Exams and Selection

•The EPS-TOPIK is conducted 2-3 times in a year. The exam registration date is usually announced by the DMW on their facebook page 2-3 weeks in advance.

•Company Selection is conducted 4 times a year:

   • March  • July • October • December

Step 1: Learn Korean

Foreigners who wish to work in Korea are required to know a certain level of Korean. It is necessary as they have to communicate with Korean colleagues and live in society. The applicant's korean language ability will be tested through the EPS TOPIK (see step 2).

You can choose to study on your own, or go to a language center and learn from certified teachers.

• Self Study: Low cost, but takes more time. There are several free resources online which could help you learn korean

• Korean Language Center: Going to a learning center is not a requirement, but it would still be a good option as there would be people who can guide you through the process and make it easier for the applicant. 

Step 2: Registration

1. E-Reg: Visit the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) website to register for an account online (e-registration). This account hopes to streamline and simplify the registration process for OFWs.

2. Exam: Register for the EPS TOPIK Exam. Passing the EPS TOPIK (Test Of Proficiency In Korean) is one version of TOPIK, and a necessary job requirement for EPS aspirants. It is designed to assess the language proficiency of foreign workers who wish to work in Korea and ensure that they can communicate effectively with their Korean colleagues. The date of the exams will be announced by the DMW or HRD Korea.

Requirements:

• Passport size picture (scanned copy 15kb)

• Passport (scanned copy 1mb)

• Exam fee: $24 

Tips:

• You can resize your pictures and passport for free using sites like img2go.com or adobe. Make sure that the photo is the right size and is not blurry

• Make sure that you are using a PC or a laptop with strong internet connection during the registration to avoid problems. 

• Also be ready when the application for EPS TOPIK opens, as the slots are limited.

Step 3: Take the Exams

The exam is conducted in selected testing centers (such as POEA or DMW) and the exam is made up of 2 parts, Writen and Skills test.

• The written exam is made up of Listening (20 questions) and Reading Comprehension (20 questions). Total time for the exam is 50 minutes.

Tips: 

    •  Here's an sample of the EPS TOPIK exam format

    •  Free EPS-TOPIK Exam Sample

• The Skills test is made up of series of commands where the applicant would be asked to perform tasks.

Tips:

    • Here's a list of the common commands for the skills test

TEST RESULTS

The results shall be announced through the designated EPS websites:

• http://eps.hrdkorea.or.kr

• http://epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr

• http://eps.hrdkorea.or.kr

• http://epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr

 • If you have passed the exam, the EPS-TOPIK certificate is valid for 2 years.

 • If you failed the exam, you can apply for the next EPS-TOPIK exam and try again.

Step 4: Pre-Medical

Visit the nearest Department of Health or DMW accredited clinic for Overseas Filipino Workers

The applicants have to be deemed fit to work overseas and pass the medical exams. This would cost around 1,000 PHP (price may vary). The most important tests are the ones for the Blood, Lungs, and Eyes. If you are deemed NOT fit during the medical exam, you can go for a re-examination.

• The applicant must have no amputations (complete fingers and limbs) 

• Not be color blind (must pass Ishihara test)

• No Hepatitis

• No active lung scars

• No AIDS/HIV

• No Syphillis.

Step 5: Roster

Once the applicant has passed the EPS TOPIK exam, Skills test, and the Medical checkup, they should create an EPS account then would then be included in the Roster of qualified applicants. All you have to do is wait for futher instructions from DMW. They will contact you via email or by phone when a Korean company has selected you and the contract is ready.

• Approval - The application is ongoing

• Returned - Something is wrong with the applicant's documents and has to be corrected. This could be due to discrepancies in the information, missing results, blurry photos, etc.

• Re-sent - The corrected documents are sent again for approval. The applicant must wait if there are further corrections necessary. 

• The roster is valid for 1 year. Upon expiration, the applicant shall coordinate with DMW for the renewal for another year.

Selection

The owner of the Korean company will select passers who will work in their company. The applicant will just have to wait for the results

Step 6: Hired Status

Once your status in the EPS website has changed to "Hired", it means that you are selected to go to Korea. A representative from DMW will then contact you via email, by phone, or even through facebook announcements and send you the contract for signing within 14 days. Once the contract has been accepted, the employer will apply for other documents necessary for your visa.

Job Search Process details

Step 7: Pre-departure Training/Briefing

You will be contacted by DMW or POEA. The training will last around 5 days. They will brief you on what to do in Korea and the next steps you have to take. The training will consist of the following:

• Korean Language Education

• Understanding Korean Culture

• Understanding EPS

• Basic Training (Industrial Safety)

• Education by Industry

Step 8: Visa Processing

DMW/POEA will be the ones to handle the visa application on behalf of the applicant. Once the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) has been issued, DMW shall then inform the applicants, and the applicants shall submit requested documents to the POEA or DMW:

• Valid Passport

• Valid NBI clearance

• Valid Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) from any DOH accredited medical clinic for overseas employment

• Valid PSA issued Birth Certificate

• Tuberculosis (TB) Medical Certificate

• Vaccine Certificate

• Visa fee

Successful applicants will be given an E-9 visa.

Step 9: Set Entry date

Those who have been issued a visa shall now prepare to enter Korea on the scheduled date set by HRD Korea. DMW will also be the ones to handle the ticket booking on behalf of the applicants.

Step 10: Departure for Korea

This is when you will finally fly to Korea. The sucessfull applicants will be given the designated EPS uniforms and name tags, and be guided with the arrival process at the airport. Foreign workers shall complete a 20-hour Employent training after entering Korea.

Cost for the application

• Korean Language Study: Free ~ 10,000 PHP

• Transportation to take exams at DMW: Cost may vary

• EPS TOPIK: $24

• Training Cost: 729 PHP

• Processing Fee: $50

• Pre-Medical Checkup: 1,000 ~ 3,000 PHP

• Visa fee: 3,000 PHP

• Flight ticket to Korea: 10,000 ~ 30,000 PHP