Take Japanese-Language Test
The Japan Foundation implements Japanese-language tests that measure and provide certification of the Japanese-language proficiency of non-native Japanese-language learners. The tests are widely taken among Japanese-language learners all over the world.
There are two Japanese-language tests that differ according to the target and objective of the test takers.
Please visit the official test websites for more information.
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
- Target
- Non-native speakers of Japanese
- Feature
- The JLPT measures comprehensive Japanese-language communicative competence through three elements: "Language Knowledge", "Reading", and "Listening".
- Level
- The JLPT has five levels, with N5 being for beginners and increasing in difficulty towards N1.
- Test Site/Months
-
- The JLPT is held twice a year, in July and December (There are countries where test is only held once, either in July or December)
※In Japan, the JLPT is run by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
- Past Test Data
- The JLPT is held twice a year, in July and December (There are countries where test is only held once, either in July or December)
- Utilization of Test Results
- The JLPT is used in the following situations; application for status of residence, employment, salary and promotion, entrance examinations, recognition of various qualifications etc.
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)
- Target
- Foreign nationals who are not native speakers of Japanese (Foreign nationals about to reside in Japan mainly for work)
- Feature
- Measures the level of Japanese language proficiency needed by foreign nationals about to reside in Japan mainly for work, to communicate in everyday life situations. It is conducted through computer-based testing (CBT).
- Level
- Assesses whether test-takers have the "Japanese-language proficiency to be able to engage in everyday conversation to a certain extent and handle daily life without difficulties" (CEFR A2 level). There is only one level.
- Test Site/Months
- Japan and several countries in Asia/Basically held every month (There are countries in which it is not held every month).
- Utilization of Test Results
- Test results are available immediately. It is used as a test to measure the level of Japanese-language proficiency needed to obtain the residency status of “Specified Skilled Worker (i)”.
What We Do
- What We Do Top
- Arts and Cultural Exchange [Culture]
- Japanese-Language Education Overseas [Language]
- Japanese-Language Education Overseas [Language] Top
- Learn Japanese-language
- Teach Japanese-language
- Take Japanese-Language Test
- Know about Japanese-language education abroad
- The Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa
- The Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai
- Japanese-Language Programs for Foreign Specified Skilled Worker Candidates
- Japanese Language Education for Japanese Children Resident Overseas and for the Descendants of Migrants
- Archives
- Japanese Studies and Global Partnerships [Dialogue]
- JF digital collection
- Other Programs / Programs to Commemorate Exchange Year
- Awards and Prizes
- Publications