JLPT - Japanese Language Proficiency Test! 日本語能力試験 !

Hi Folks! Its been an interesting and wearying week for me!

Just 2 days ago, I had taken my JLPT N3 @ Singapore exam centre hosted at Singapore Management University (SMU).

So what is JLPT and what does its certification means? 
JLPT means Japanese Language Proficiency Test or 日本語能力試験(にほんごのうりょくしけん). It is to assess non Japanese native speakers on their level of proficiency in Japanese.

How hard is JLPT?
Currently, there's 5 levels as compared to 4 levels in 2010. Beginners will take N5 and slowly progress to N1. Which is considered harder than native level. An extra level N3 was inserted in 2010 ( the level that I took 2 days ago) to form the bridge between N4 and N2. JLPT2 (N2) also had the highest failure rates.

As for me, to pass JLPT N1 has been my personal goal. So far, I can say learning Japanese isn't easy as it takes tonnes of practice along with appreciation of Japanese culture to understand the beauty of the language.

How many papers are there in JLPT?
Generally, all JLPTs have 1 listening paper. Lower levels JLPT N5-N3 have 1 vocabulary  and 1 grammar paper while higher level JLPT N2-N1 have only 1 paper which combines both vocabulary and grammar together.

How frequent is JLPT examinations conducted?
Generally, it is conducted twice a year - early July and early Dec. However, some overseas exam centres might only conduct it annually.

So it is compulsory to take JLPT?
Nope, it is purely optional but one can take the test at a nominal fees (around SGD50 per level in Singapore but I heard that it is around SGD200 in Japan!). It is highly encouraged for one to take up at least JLPT if they are enrolled in Japanese language school so as to assess their language proficiency.

Is JLPT qualification recognisable?
Yes! Most Japanese companies and some universities accept JLPT certifications. However, some stricter Japanese universities require students to pass EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) which are written based tests which is much harder as compared to JLPT (multiple choice questions test)

Beside JLPT and EJU, is there other test that assess Japanese language ability?
Yes, there's another Japanese test which is recognised by Japanese companies and universities known as BJT (Business Japanese Test) or BJTビジネス日本語能力テスト(BJTびじねすにほんごのうりょくてすと). However, it is a pity that Singapore does not conduct this test.

Hope that this mini explanation of JLPT helps in clarifying your doubts on Japanese language international test. I also enclosed links for JLPT, EJU and BJT for anyone who is interested in reading for more information ie exams structures, fees and application procedures.

For more information on JLPT:
JLPT Official Site
JLPT - Singapore based centre for registration
Wikipedia - JLPT
Other site on JLPT and information
EJU Official Site
BJT Official Site