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Japanese Language Classes Overview
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) under joint organization of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (previously Association of International Education, Japan) started in 1984 as a test to measure and certify the Japanese-language proficiency of those whose native language is not Japanese. In the first year the JLPT was conducted in 15 countries, and approximately 7,000 examinees took the test. Since then, the JLPT has become the largest Japanese-language test in the world, with approximately 610,000 examinees in 62 countries and areas worldwide in 2011. This success is entirely due to the support and cooperation of all involved.
A quarter century since its inception, the JLPT has been undergoing various changes in recent years. In 2009, the JLPT started to be offered twice a year in July and December, as opposed to only once a year in December previously. The year 2010 saw the introduction of the “new” JLPT, which focuses on communication abilities to meet more diverse student needs and is designed based on analysis of data collected over the years.
Today the JLPT is actively used in every corner of the world. We continue to strive for further penetration and improvement of the JLPT in order to provide a wide range of Japanese-language students in all sorts of learning environments with more and equal opportunities to take the test in coming years.
Advantages of JLPT
Earn points for preferential treatment for immigration to Japan
Those who pass JLPT N1 receive 15 points, N2 receive 10 points under the government’s “Point-based Preferential Immigration Treatment System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals.” Individuals with a total of 70 points or higher receive preferential treatment at immigration.
For more details, please refer to the website of Immigration Bureau of Japan.
One of requirements to take Japan’s national exams for medical practitioners
A JLPT N1 certificate is required for medical practitioners licensed overseas who want to take Japan’s national exams for medical practitioners, and other professions.*
For more details on application requirements for national exams for medical practitioners, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website (Japanese).
*Other national exams that require a JLPT N1 certificate as part of application:
Dentist, nurse, pharmacist, public health nurse, midwife, radiology technologist, dental hygienist, dental technician, clinical laboratory technician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, orthoptist, clinical engineer, prosthetist, emergency medical technician, speech therapist, veterinarian, Veterinary Nurses for Companion Animals
One of requirements to take Japan’s prefectural exams for assistant nurses
A JLPT N1 certificate is required for overseas nursing school graduates who want to take Japan’s assistant nurse exams.
Exams for assistant nurses are administered by each prefecture. For more details, please contact the prefecture of interest.
A test subject is waved on accreditation exam for completion of junior high school level education in Japan
The Japanese-language test is waved for examinees of foreign citizenship who pass JLPT N1 or N2.
For more details, please refer to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology website (Japanese).
One of requirements for the nurse/caregiver candidates under the EPA
Under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, a JLPT certificate is required for Filipino (approximately Level N5 or higher), Indonesian (approximately Level N4 or higher), and Vietnamese (Level N3 or higher) nurse or caregiver candidates who visit Japan.
For more details, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website (Japanese).
Four key characteristics of JLPT exam
1. Measures communicative competence required to perform tasks
The JLPT places importance not only on (1) knowledge of Japanese-language vocabulary and grammar but also on the (2) ability to use the knowledge in actual communication. In order to perform various “everyday tasks” that require language, not only language knowledge but also the ability to actually use it are necessary. Therefore, the JLPT measures comprehensive Japanese-language communicative competence through three elements: “Language Knowledge” to measure (1), and “Reading” and “Listening” to measure (2).
Measures communicative competence required to perform tasks
Due to the large scale of testing, answers will be machine-scored. Note that the JLPT does not include sections to measure speaking or writing proficiency directly.
2. Select a suitable level from among five levels
The JLPT is offered in five levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5). In order to measure Japanese-language proficiency as thoroughly as possible, test items are designed for each level.
N4 and N5 measure understanding of basic Japanese that is mainly learned in the classroom. N1 and N2 measure understanding of Japanese used in a broad range of actual everyday scenes. N3 bridges the gap between N4/N5 and N1/N2.
3. More accurately measures Japanese-language proficiency with scaled scores
Despite the best attempts to assure consistency, it is inevitable that the level of difficulty of the test will differ slightly from session to session. Using “raw scores” (based on the number of correct answers) could result in different test scores for individuals with the same ability, depending on the difficulty of tests. Instead of raw scores, the JLPT has adopted “scaled scores.” Scaled scores are based on the equalization method and allow measurement on the same scale regardless of time the test is taken.
Scaled scores enable the JLPT to more accurately and fairly indicate Japanese-language ability at the time of testing.
4. “JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List” is offered
Test scores and pass/fail results alone do not clarify what students can do in Japanese in real life.For this reason, the JLPT offers “JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List” as a reference to interpret test results.A question survey regarding “what activities are considered possible in Japanese” was conducted with approximately 65,000 examinees of the 2010 and 2011 JLPT. The results were analyzed and the list was prepared.
Japanese Language Classes Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JLPT?
The JLPT is a standardized test to evaluate and certify non-native Japanese language proficiency.
How many levels are there in the JLPT?
*There are five levels, from N5 (easiest) to *N1 (most difficult).
When is the JLPT conducted?
The JLPT is held twice a year (July and December) in most countries.
Is the JLPT test paper-based or computer-based?
The JLPT is a paper-based test with multiple-choice questions.
Does the JLPT test speaking and writing skills?
No, the JLPT only tests listening, reading, and grammar/vocabulary.
Is there a passing score for each level?
Yes, each level has a minimum overall and sectional passing score.
How long is the JLPT certificate valid?
The JLPT certificate is valid for life and does not expire.