In as little as a 6 hours, Japanese language proficiency test takers from around the globe will find out how they fared on the December 2022 exam. As one of the most well-known Japanese language tests, half a million Japanese language students, from all walks of life, sit the nearly 3 hour exam each year.
I also joined the December 2022 cohort of test takers in Kawasaki, Japan. You can read about my experience here if you're interested! Since then, I've been trying in vain to distract myself. So, in another attempt to keep myself busy, I've compiled what I think are the top five most useful and well-known Japanese language tests. If you're interested in assessing your Japanese language skills or obtaining a certificate for work, school, or to add another keepsake to your collection, keep reading!
JLPT | Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Areas: Listening, Reading, and Writing
Levels: N1 (Hardest) - N5 (Easiest)
Purpose: Employment, Immigration, Education, Personal/Academic Achievement
The JLPT stands for "Japanese Language Proficiency Test." It is arguably the most widely recognized and popular test to measure one's Japanese language ability. Test takers often use this certificate to appeal to potential employers, as a way to qualify for a visa, or as a personal keepsake to commemorate their hard work. The JLPT is administered annually, and sometimes biannually, at test sites in countries around the world. A few of the countries that offer the JLPT are Japan, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Columbia, France, the UK, Russia, India, China, Egypt, Australia, and many more!
EJU | Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students
Areas: Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Japan and the World, and Mathematics
Levels: N/A
Purpose: Higher Education in Japan
If you'd like to apply for higher education in Japan, the EJU is the way to go! The EJU stands for "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students." This standardized test assess whether students possess the Japanese language skills and academic abilities needed to study at higher institutions in Japan. The exam is held twice a year, in June and November, in Japan as well as in 14 countries, such as India, Vietnam, Korea, and Russia. Scores are valid for one year, so make sure you apply to a school before it expires!
J.TEST | Test of Practical Japanese
Areas: Reading, Writing, Listening
Levels: A (Hardest) - G (Easiest)
Purpose: Employment, Personal/Academic Achievement
Although the JLPT is the most widely known Japanese proficiency test, you'll sometimes find people complaining about some of its limitations, such as the N1 level not being "that difficult" or the test containing rarely used grammar points. Therefore, if you want to test your practical Japanese skills, opt for J.Test. J.Test is an exam that's more detailed, with it's highest level surpassing the JLPT N1 level, and also emphasizes practical Japanese. You're also able to download the listening portion and the correct answers after the exam! You'll have to check the website to know when each level is offered and where.
BJT | Business Japanese Proficiency Test
Areas: Reading, Listening
Level: J5 (Easiest) - J1+ (Hardest)
Purpose: Employment, Immigration, Personal/Academic Achievement
Once you've reached an intermediate level of Japanese, your language studies might become a bit more specialized, such as focusing on business Japanese if you're going into the workforce, or academic if you're hoping to study in a Japanese educational institute. I talked briefly about the EJU for academics, so now let me talk about the BJT for all of you business professionals. The BJT is a standardized test to show your proficiency in business Japanese. What's neat is that you can apply any time and take this test any day. The test is offered in several countries outside of Japan, such as China, America, India, Brazil, Italy, France, and more!
If you choose to take on any of these test to assess your Japanese language abilities, good luck and I'm rooting for you! If you have any experience taking these exams or any additional information that you'd like to add onto the conversation, please feel free to leave a comment below!
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