Introduction:
Japanese is spoken by about 125 million people primarily in Japan and also in large Japanese migrant communities such as the US and Brazil. Japan is a popular tourist destination and a very important country in global trade and commerce.
The course diploma in Japanese language skills will be of great interest to students of the Japanese language, people traveling to Japan for business or on vacation, or even someone who is simply interested in Japanese culture.
The most popular certification in the Japanese language is JLPT certification. Let’s discuss more this:
Things to keep in mind
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JLPT certification
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, or JLPT, is a certification examination that verifies the Japanese ability of people whose native language is not Japanese. The JLPT was started in 1984 by the Japan Foundation and the Association of International Education, Japan (currently the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services). A total of approximately 7,000 people from throughout the world took the first-ever JLPT. However, the number of worldwide examinations increased to about 770,000 for the 2009 examination, making the JLPT the largest Japanese language examination in the world.
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Levels of JLPT
The JLPT has 5 levels ranging from N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest). Most universities and workplaces require you to own at least JLPT N2 certification.
Apart from JLPT, there are many exams recognized in Japan to get the certification done. Below are the other options for you to get the certificate in the Japanese language:
- Japanese Proficiency Test (JPT)
This exam is available 12 times a year and recognized by The Japan Ministry of Justice. The major difference compared to JLPT is that there is only one exam for all levels. The questions will go from easy to hardest. The exam is divided into two types, listening and reading. Based on your exam results, your level will be determined.
Please note that JPT is not only available in Japan but in some parts of Asia like China, Korea, and Thailand.
- NAT TEST or Senmon Kyouiku
Next to JLPT, the NAT test is the second famous Japanese certification exam. NAT test is available 6 times a year conducted in 15 other countries in Asia. Application is similar to JLPT. You submit the online application, pay the fee and the exam pass will be mailed to your address. However, you don’t need to wait 2 months to know the result. Results will be available in two weeks so if you are in a hurry to get a certificate, it is best to take this exam.
Once you pass the exam, the certificate will be mailed to your home address at no additional cost. You can also use the NAT Test as a preparation for the JLPT exam. NAT Test certificate is honored in Japanese Immigration for visa purposes.
- Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT)
The BJT is a test to measure your proficiency in communicating the Japanese language required in business settings. The exam is divided into 3 parts, listening, listening and reading, and reading comprehension.
The test fee is 7,000 yen with testing locations around Japan such as Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Oita, and Naha. This test is also available outside Japan such as China, Hongkong, Taiwan, Korea, and even in France, England, Mexico, and America.
Please note that the exam is computer-based. You will be assigned to your computer booth and use the headphones provided. One of the best things about this exam is since it is done through a computer, you will know the result on the same day as the exam. No longer stressful waiting time.
This test is supported by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Association of Corporate Executives, The Society for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education, JAFSA (Japan Network for International Education) Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO, ASEAN-Japan Centre.
