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The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is held both in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify the proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers. It is an internationally recognised standard in testing Japanese proficiency and well respected by employers and companies. The Association of International Education, Japan administers the Test in Japan. Overseas, the Japan Foundation (Interchange Association in Taiwan) works with local host institutions to administer it. |
Applicants should be non-native speakers of Japanese. You must apply using the prescribed form, which ironically takes a degree in Japanese to fill out so enlist the help of a native speaker. The brochure, which includes the application form, is on the sale around August every year at major bookstores in Japan for around 500 yen per copy. The test fee is 5,200 (consumption tax included) and must be paid using the provided postal transfer order form.
You may apply from start August to mid-September, late applications will not be accepted so make sure you meet the deadline. Applications are mailed to:
Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Testing Division Association of International Education
Japan POSTE RESTANTE
Meguro Post Office
Tokyo 152-8799 |
You will receive an examination voucher at the beginning of November stating where you will be taking the test. Your test centre will be selected according to what level you have applied for and proximity to your location. A list of national test centers can be found at the AIE website.
Scoring standards are as follows: For Level 1, 70% of the maximum score, or higher, was considered a passing score for 1999. For Levels 2, 3, and 4, 60% of the maximum score, or higher, was considered a passing score for 1999, which will be approximately the same as the year 2000.
Test results are announced level by level. Successful examinees will also receive their certificates of proficiency which are usually sent out by mid-February, following the test.
THE FOUR LEVELS
Level |
Contents |
Criteria |
Sections |
Hours |
Points |
1 |
Writing-Vocabulary
Listening
Reading-Grammar
Total |
45 minutes
45 minutes
90 minutes
180 minutes |
100 points
100 points
200 points
400 points |
The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society, providing an useful base for study at a Japanese university. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 900 hours. |
2 |
Writing-Vocabulary
Listening
Reading-Grammar
Total |
35 minutes
40 minutes
70 minutes
145 minutes |
100 points
100 points
200 points
400 points |
The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows around 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course. |
3 |
Writing-Vocabulary
Listening
Reading-Grammar
Total |
35 minutes
35 minutes
70 minutes
140 minutes |
100 points
100 points
200 points
400 points |
The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows around 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, and has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course. |
4 |
Writing-Vocabulary
Listening
Reading-Grammar
Total |
25 minutes
25 minutes
50 minutes
100 minutes |
100 points
100 points
200 points
400 points |
The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows around 100 Kanji and 800 words, and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 150 hours and after completion of the first half of an elementary course. |
Further enquiries should be made to:
Testing Division
The Association of International Education, Japan
4-5-29 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8503, Japan
Tel. (03) 5454-5577 (24-hours Answering Service) Fax. (03) 5454-5215
They also have a website with further details on the test
