Debunking the JLPT and Other Japanese Language Tests

It's no secret that speaking Japanese is a requirement if you are looking to work in Japan. There are certainly attempts to promote the use of English, but Japanese is still the main language for conducting business in the country. This is due to the fact that the majority of the market in Japan is made up of Japanese consumers, and there isn't a pressing need for companies to embrace internationalization.

Are you wondering if your Japanese is up to par? Although conversing with your peers is a great way to practice and develop your language skills, you may still require a more precise assessment if you are living abroad and don't have many outlets to use your Japanese, fret not! There are numerous tests available both within and outside of Japan that can accurately measure your competency in the language. Several of these assessments are even accepted internationally and provide certificates to verify your proficiency.

This article will discuss various Japanese language tests and how you can use them to give you an advantage in your job search.

JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the world's most well-known test for measuring and certifying Japanese language comprehension. It's conducted on a global scale and comprises five levels - N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1. N5 is the least difficult, and N1 is the most challenging and highest level of certification. Despite popular belief, passing the N1 exam does not imply fluency in Japanese, as the level of language comprehension is comparable to that of a first-year high school student.

No writing is presented on the test, so candidates are only evaluated on their reading and listening skills. The quiz has queries regarding kanji replacement, sentence arrangement, grammar structures, and comprehensive understanding. In order to be successful, a total of 180 points must be acquired, with a minimum passing grade for each section. This assessment is only administered twice yearly in Japan, one in July and the other in December, and the fee is ￥5,000. Studying for the JLPT N1 level is estimated to take approximately 4,000 hours.

The test is a widely known assessment of Japanese ability. However, it has been subject to criticism from some quarters. This is due to its lack of a speaking or writing element which is essential for measuring a person’s capability for meaningful communication. Additionally, it is possible to pass the test with a basic understanding of the language due to the multiple-choice format. Furthermore, the complex grammar and vocabulary tested in the N2, and N1 levels are rarely employed in day-to-day life.

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J.Test for Practical Japanese

The J.Test is starting to gain popularity within the international community because of the frequency it’s offered. You can take the tests six times a year, and it costs ￥3,600 yen to register. There are seven levels from level "A" to level "G". G is the lowest level, and A is the highest. Unlike the JLPT, which has different tests for each level, the J-test administers one test in three groups of F/G, D/E, or A/C, and your ability to answer the questions on the test determines your level.

J-Test is a bit harder than the JLPT because it has sections for writing along with reading, listening, and vocabulary. It is considered a much more accurate test of a person's communicative proficiency than the JLPT.

While this might be a better test for those interested in testing their writing ability, it isn’t administered outside of Asia except for Brazil.

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Kanji Kentei

The Kanji Kentei is actually a kanji aptitude test and focuses on your reading and writing ability rather than your communicative ability. There are 12 different levels. 10 is the easiest level and 1 is the hardest level (there are pre-1 and pre-2 levels). The test is made specifically for native Japanese speakers so it will likely be tough for non-native speakers. The test lasts from 40-60 minutes, depending on the level. It tests the ability to not only read kanji but also write, on′yomi and kun′yomi, stroke order, and the ability to use them in sentences. Tests are administered at schools all throughout Japan, so there is ample opportunity to take the test.

You should check EJable.com's section about "How to remember Kanji fast" for some very effective ways to learn kanji. 

Remembering the common Kanji radicals is also a very important initial step for learning Kanji.

From our analysis, it appears that the J.Test is not usually accepted as a valid certification by Japanese businesses. Passing the test demonstrates proficiency in a certain area, but it is unlikely to be required unless there is a specific need for someone to translate Japanese historical texts.

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BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test)

The J-Test and the BJT are both becoming commonplace among the global population. In contrast to the JLPT, which only assesses understanding, the BJT evaluates your ability to answer questions and communicate your ideas. As opposed to a pass or fail, you will obtain a numerical score to determine your Japanese business proficiency. The fee is ￥7,000 and the examination dates vary depending on the examination center. That being said, you can only take the exam every 3 months.

If you're looking to study for an MBA in Japan or work as a consultant in the country, the BJT test is the perfect demonstration of your Japanese language skills and business acumen. You don't need to have any prerequisites to take it, but the test itself is quite demanding. So be sure to do your research and prepare accordingly

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Why Japanese Certification?

You don't need to have Japanese language certification to work or even go to school in Japan. However, it doesn't hurt to have certification to show for your studies. The testing culture is very important in Japan, and many companies which require a high level of proficiency won't consider applicants who don't have any Japanese certification, even if they are fluent in Japanese.

In general, the JLPT N3 is the minimum level of Japanese that hiring managers will consider depending on the position and the company. For example, teaching often doesn't require any certification in Japanese, but if you want to teach at the university level, you'll need to at least be conversational. For more communicative positions like marketing, sales, and translations, JLPT N2 is the minimum requirement.

If you're looking for higher education in Japan, it's essential to demonstrate your proficiency in the language. For programs that require a specific level of fluency, you'll need to provide some sort of proof. While taking a test may not be the most enjoyable experience, it's a great way to demonstrate your dedication to learning Japanese. Obtaining certification from one of the available tests can help you show that you are serious about the language and committed to working in Japan for the long term.