The Japanese Language Proficiency Test

What is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?

The JLPT is an official test which gauges a non-native speaker's comprehension of the Japanese language. This test is often used by companies that need to know if said individual is fluent enough for their standards. As such it is widely regarded as the "go to" solution for testing. The JLPT is offered in Edmonton through the University of Alberta twice a year.

Objectives and History

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been offered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (formerly Association of International Education, Japan) since 1984 as a reliable means of evaluating and certifying the Japanese proficiency of non-native speakers. At the beginning, there were approximately 7,000 examinees worldwide. In 2011, there were as many as 610,000 examinees around the globe, making JLPT the largest-scale Japanese-language test in the world.

Over time, test applicants have become more diverse, and use of JLPT results has expanded from skill measurement to include employment screening and evaluation for promotions and pay raises as well as a form of qualification.

To ensure the continuing relevancy and accuracy of the JLPT, the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services introduced a revised version of the test in 2010. This new test takes full advantage of the most advanced research in Japanese pedagogy and testing theory, and reflects the vast wealth of data accumulated since the original JLPT was launched over 25 years ago.

Advantages of the JLPT

There are five levels in the JLPT. N1 is the highest language level and N5 is the beginning level. 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.

To learn more, visit their website here.