There are a number of proficiency tests for Japanese. The most well-known is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験 nihongo noryoku shiken), called the JLPT for short. There is also the Business Japanese Proficiency Test.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
The JLPT is held twice a year, in summer and winter. You can take the test within Hyogo. The JLPT has five levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. To find out more about the tests, check out the following URL: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/index.html
You can apply online or buy an application form for ¥500 at most major bookstores. The application is pretty painstaking. You may need help to fill in the form, so ask your go-between or a senpai for help.
JLPT Grant
“From the CLAIR website: “Aiming to encourage JET Programme
participants to improve their Japanese communication abilities, CLAIR
now offers a grant for those who pass N3,N2 and N1 of the Japanese-Language
Proficiency Test (JLPT) in their first three years on the programme. If you
would like to receive this grant, please read over the documents on the
site thoroughly and then send your grant application directly to CLAIR
via post. JLPT results are generally released 2-3 months after the test.
Grant documents are generally due at the end of the following month.
Take care to read the guidelines and due dates on CLAIR’s website.”
[source AJET professional development]
Participants on the JET Program are entitled to a grant which would pay for the application fee of JLPT N3, N2 and N1.
(1) Application via the Internet
①Application period: March 26 (Mon) – April 25 (Wed) (17:00) (for the July Test)
②Application procedure:
Please apply from the MyJLPT “JLPT Application” screen after registering with MyJLPT on the JLPT website of “JEES”).
③Test Fee: 5,500 yen (consumption tax included)
④Test fee payment methods:
Credit card, Bank wire transfer (Pay-easy), Payment at a convenience store.
JPLT Study Sites
Note: the following resources may be outdated, as they were created when the JLPT only had 4 levels. Currently updating.
The Kanji Site
www.kanjisite.com
Lists all of the kanji included on each level of the JLPT, including readings and meanings. A very useful study tool.
JLPT Kanji Project
www.jlpt-kanji.com
A resource to aid the learning of Japanese Kanji. Included in this site is a listing of the full Jouyou Kanji, classified into JLPT levels, with a lookup of vocabulary for each JLPT level. Including printable kanji lists
JLPT Vocabulary Lists
www.thbz.org/kanjimots/jlpt.php3
Complete JLPT vocabulary lists in UTF-8 format, as printed in the official specification book (Japanese Language Proficiency Test: Test Content Specification, The Japan Foundation and Association of International Eduation, 1994-1997), including levels 4, 3, 2 and 1.
The Japanese Page
www.thejapanesepage2.com/kanji/jlpt.htm
General info on the test and recommended books.
The Japan Guide
www.japan-guide.com/e/e2054.html
General info on the test as well as advice on studying Japanese.
Business Japanese Test
This test is geared towards those who are intent on entering the Japanese commercial sector, and is a higher level than other tests. It’s held every autumn in Osaka and Kyoto. The application deadline is in early autumn, and cost is about ¥7000.
For info call or check out their website:
URL: Business Japanese Test
