Japanese Tests

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT - 日本語能力試験）

This is an official test recognised by virtually everyone, everywhere.

  • Content: Writing-Vocabulary (20 min.), Reading-Grammar (30 min.), and Listening (70 min.)
  • Levels: 1 – 4 (1 being the most difficult, 4 being the easiest)
  • When: December 3, 2006 (Sun)
  • Application period: July 3, 2006 (Mon) – September 5, 2006 (Tuesday)
  • Applications: Purchase an application booklet at a major bookstore in Japan for 500yen starting July 4th. A list of bookstores is available at www.jees.or.jp If there are no bookstores near you, call 03-3263-3959.
  • Test fee: around 5,500 yen, it varies on level.
  • Test site: Toyama City
  • Inquiries: Testing Division, AIEJ, 4-5-29 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8503 TEL: 03-5454-5577 (24-hours Answering Service) or 03-5454-5215
  • Website:http://momo.jpf.go.jp/jlpt/e/test_info_e.html


JETRO Business Japanese Proficiency Test　（JETROビジネス日本語能力テスト）

  • Test fee: 7,000 yen
  • When: about 3 times a year. The next one is November 19, 2006 (Sun).

Website: http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/jetrotest/


J TEST

7 levels from A-F with F having completion of first term elementary studies level and A having interpretation capability. Ranges in between carry legends such as “able to cope with living and working in Japan for extended periods of time”.

  • When: Every February, April, June, September and November (only Feb, June and November in Toyama).
  • Cost: between 2,300yen and 2,800yen
  • Application Period: Ongoing. Request a form from info@jtest.org
  • Website: http://www.jtest.org/jtest/


Kanji Kentei (Kanji Proficiency Test)

11 Levels – Level 1 being the hardest A test designed for Japanese people, many schools make their students take this test. Employers of many companies look favourably upon candidates with higher levels. The JLPT (for foreigners) level 1 is about level 5-6 on this test.

  • Location: Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, pretty much anywhere.
  • Test Date: 3 times per year.
  • Cost: Depends on level taken. From 1,500 yen (level 8) to 6,000 yen (level 1).
  • Application: Get application forms at bookstores, Lawson & 7-11 convenience stores. Test takes about 1 hour and your time will depend on the level you are taking. To pass, you need 80% (of 200 points) on the levels 1, 1 prep, and 2 tests and 70% on the level 2 prep through 7 test. Level 8 to 10 tests have 150 points, pass at 80%.
  • More Info: http://faq.yamasa.org/faq244.html　The official site is at　www.kanken.or.jp (Japanese only)

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