Through my constant learning of the Japanese Language I happened to stumble across a great site that gives us an insight to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, or more commonly referred to as the JLPT. The site is called Kanji-A-Day and contains some great resources for beginning to learn the Japanese Language.
About the JLPT
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)is held the first Sunday of December in several locations throughout the world. the Japanese foundation of LA’s site explains how to apply (which they simply say “contact the host institution”). If you apply in Japan there is an application that needs to be sent in with a passport photo. The cost is around $50-$60(US).
There are 4 levels of the JLPT test. Level 4 being the easiest and Level 1 being the most difficult. In Japan to be considered for a business job, you usually have to have level 2 or higher. Though, occasionally there are some Level 3 jobs. For Teaching English, you don’t usually need any Japanese language Skills.
The breakdown of the test goes like this:
To pass the tests you need a score of 60% or better on Level 2-4, and a score of 70% or better on Level 1.
How Many Kanji is that again?
Level 1 2,000 kanji
Level 2 1,000 kanji
Level 3 300 kanji
Level 4 100 kanji
Yes, that is a lot……. but a lot of the Kanji are combinations of 2 or more core Kanji so you can guess a few you struggle with.
Credits
Thanks to Rob and Ted for creating and maintaining such a great site, simple but very effective
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This post is tagged hirigana, Kanji, Katakana, Learn Japanese
5 Comments
I feel that learning a foreign language is a forever process, like it never really stops. You are very lucky to be practicing your second language on a daily basis. I think that lessons are guidelines, but experience and actual talking is the key to being proficient.
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Just curious, what level(s) have you passed?
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Hi Tom, I haven’t actually taken the test, not sure that I will either unless there is a business reason.
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Hello Paul!
From what I heard from friends living in Japan, it’s a very good idea to take the JLPT as soon as you can – it increases your employability exponentially, and as it only rolls around once a year nothing sucks more than wanting a new job but having to wait 10 months to take an exam you are sure you’ll pass!
Sadly I won’t be in Japan when the JLPT happens (in Nov/Dec) but I reckon I could pass level 3 without too much worry and have a good go at level 2. Oh well
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Hey Mike, your absolutely correct, I am also sure you can take the test in most countries, you don’t need to be in Japan.
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