| There are three proficiency tests for Japanese. The most well known is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験 nihongo noryoku shiken), called the JLPT for short. There is also the JETRO Business Japanese Proficiency Test and the JTOC Japanese Test of Communication. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) The venue and exact date of this test changes each year. You'll need to apply by the early-September deadline, and sit the exam in early December. The Level 1 and 2 test will be offered in July as well starting in 2009. In 2010 the current four levels will be changed into five. To find out more about the tests, check out the following URL: www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/en
You can buy an application form for ¥500 at Kinokuniya or Junkudo in Niigata City. The application is pretty painstaking. You may need help to fill in the form, so ask your go-between or a senpai for help. JPLT Study Sites: The Kanji Site | Lists all of the kanji included on each level of the JLPT, including readings and meanings. A very useful study tool. | JLPT Vocabulary Lists | Complete JLPT vocabulary lists in UTF-8 format, as printed in the official specification book (Japanese Language Proficiency Test: Test Content Specification, The Japan Foundation and Association of International Eduation, 1994-1997), including levels 4, 3, 2 and 1. | JLPT Kanji Project | A resource to aid the learning of Japanese Kanji. Included in this site is a listing of the full Jouyou Kanji, classified into JLPT levels, with a lookup of vocabulary for each JLPT level. Including printable kanji lists. | The Japan Guide | General info on the test as well as advice on studying Japanese. |
JETRO This test is geared towards those who are intent on entering the Japanese commercial sector, and is a higher level than other tests. It’s held twice a year in Niigata City, usually in June and November. The application deadline is in April/September, and cost is about ¥6000.
For info call or check out their website:
URL: www.jetro.go.jp JTOC The Japanese Test of Communication is held 4 times a year during June, September, November, and February. A maximum score of 1000 is split evenly between listening/speaking and reading/writing. You are given grades based on your score. There are two tests: Level A-D for Advanced to Intermediate, and Level E-F for Elementary. Tests are of the same difficulty each time, with a variety of difficult and easier questions, so it is a very good way to measure your progress. Comprehension is the focus of the tests.
The closest test locations are Saitama, Sendai, and Toyama. The application deadlines are about 2 weeks before the exam day, so it’s not as hard-line as the JLPT. You can also register online.
URL: www.jtest.org/jtest/englishhome.htm
E-mail: info@jtest.org
Phone: 03-3368-8106
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