{"id":27040,"date":"2021-10-20T15:00:12","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T15:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=27040"},"modified":"2023-05-12T12:54:14","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T12:54:14","slug":"japanese-language-tests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/japanese-language-tests\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the JLPT: all about Japanese language tests for learners"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/taking-the-jlpt-in-japan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">JLPT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">) is seen as the gold standard of Japanese language tests for non-native speakers. But did you know there are actually many other tests you can take aside from the JLPT?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We take a look at these tests and why you might want to consider taking them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>About CEFR<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The CEFR, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is an international standard for describing language ability. It has a 6-point scale, ranging from A1 (beginners) up to C2, which is native level. It\u2019s an easy way to evaluate the level of different qualifications and to compare qualifications to other exams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We will reference the CEFR levels in this article where relevant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-80189\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.jpg\" alt=\"JLPT N3 exam paper\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>The JLPT<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As mentioned, the JLPT is the standard test that is used to evaluate Japanese language proficiency and it is the <\/span><b>most widely-taken Japanese language test in the world<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Most Japanese employers will use your JLPT level as an indicator of your language skill. Language schools in Japan typically prepare students for JLPT exams, which are normally held twice a year around the world (sometimes only once a year depending on your country).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are five levels, with N5 (equivalent to CEFR A1) being the easiest and N1 (CEFR C1) being the most difficult. The exam tests four things: reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and listening. As of September 2021, it does not test writing or speaking, although a speaking section may be added in future tests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read more about the JLPT in our articles dedicated to explaining the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/taking-the-jlpt-in-japan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">JLPT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/preparing-for-the-jlpt\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">how to study for it<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-69581\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Student-studying.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>University Entrance Exam (EJU)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (EJU) is the exam international students take to study at a university in Japan. It assesses your language and academic abilities. Hundreds of universities across the country require EJU scores for foreign applicants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depending on the university and the course you want to take, you will choose the tests you take from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Japanese as a foreign language (scored 0-400)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Science (scored 0-200)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Japan and the world (scored 0-200)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mathematics (scored 0-200)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All of these tests except the Japanese as a foreign language test are available in both English and Japanese. Your test results are valid for two years and usually you need a minimum of 200 for university or vocational college.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read more about the EJU in our article <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/eju\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or via the Japan Student Services Organization <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jasso.go.jp\/en\/ryugaku\/eju\/faq_eju.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The J-Test<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/j-test.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> positions itself as evaluating practical Japanese language ability in non-native Japanese speakers. It is usually held 6 times a year in Japan, some countries in Asia and Brazil.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is only one test and your level is determined based on your overall score. The levels range from A (CEFR C1\/B2) to F (CEFR A1).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is a less well-known test so it may require some explanation to potential employers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Japanese Language NAT-TEST<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nat-test.com\/en\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NAT-TEST<\/a> is similar to the JLPT in that it tests across five levels &#8211; Level 1 is equivalent to JLPT N1, or CEFR C1 and Level 5 is like JLPT N5 or CEFR A1.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The NAT-TEST tests grammar\/vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension. The format and questions are similar to the JLPT, so it\u2019s a good preparatory test for the JLPT.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While the JLPT is held just twice a year, the NAT-TEST is held 6 times a year in Japan and around Asia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The BJT is a computer test and you will receive your test results on-screen after you finish. It tests listening and reading comprehension at a level that is higher than the JLPT. The levels go from J5 (CEFR A2, or JLPT N4) to J1+ (CEFR C2)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High points scored in this test qualify for points on the Japanese government\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lb.emb-japan.go.jp\/Points-Based-Immigration-Treatment.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">point-based visa preference system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This is a system that gives preferential treatment to \u201chighly-skilled\u201d foreign professionals in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The BJT is available at most major centres in Japan, as well as in a number of countries around the world. You can apply to take the test at any time and the test dates depend on the testing centre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read more about the BJT <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanken.or.jp\/bjt\/english\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-74100 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/laptop.jpg\" alt=\"Student using a laptop\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Japanese Computerized Adaptive Test (J-CAT)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.j-cat2.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">J-CAT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is an adaptive computer-based test designed to help you evaluate your Japanese proficiency from the comfort of your own home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An adaptive test is where the level of the questions change based on your performance. It tests listening, vocabulary, grammar and reading.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s not a widely recognised test, but it is good if you want to assess your language proficiency as part of your exam preparation for the JLPT or EJU.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>TOP Japanese test (TOPJ)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.topj-test.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">TOPJ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> test assesses reading and listening comprehension, as well as everyday Japanese and knowledge of Japanese culture and news. It is also generally held more times a year than the JLPT and there are three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Japanese Proficiency Test (JPT)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This test is certified by the Immigration Bureau of Japan\u2019s Ministry of Justice and consists of 100 listening comprehension and 100 reading comprehension questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The test is the same no matter your level and you are given a score between 10 and 990. For comparison, a JPT score of 315 or more is equal to JLPT N5. JLPT N1 is equivalent to 660 or more points with the JPT.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For more details about the JPT, refer to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jptest.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">official website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-80178\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Japanese-language-tests-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Japanese language test comparison chart\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>More information on Japanese language tests<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We know this is a lot of information on a number of different tests and it can be hard to distinguish them! Most of the schools we work with offer support in preparing for JLPT exams, while some also help with EJU preparation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re interested in taking one of the other tests, don\u2019t hesitate to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/#apply\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">reach out<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to our team with any questions. You can also read more about these tests <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.shinshu-u.ac.jp\/institution\/gec\/globaleducation\/english\/language-tests\/proficiency-test.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is seen as the gold standard of Japanese language tests for non-native speakers. But did you know there are actually many other tests you can take aside from the JLPT?\u00a0 We take a look at these tests and why you might want to consider taking them. About CEFR The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":26426,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[404],"tags":[666,680],"class_list":["post-27040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn-japanese","tag-language","tag-study-in-japan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27040","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27040"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27040\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}