Overview of Popular Global Japanese Language Certificates in 2024

JLPT information

2024-06-05

Overview of Popular Global Japanese Language Certificates in 2024

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<h2><span style="font-size:22px"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>What is a Japanese Language Certificate?</strong></span></span></span></h2>

<h2 style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>2. Popular Japanese Language Certificates Today</strong></span></span></span></h2>

<h3 style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"><span style="color:#000000"><strong><em>2.1. JLPT Japanese Language Certificate</em></strong></span></span></span></h3>

<h3 style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong><em>TOP J Japanese Language Certification</em></strong></span></span></span></h3>

<h3 style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong><em>NAT Test for Japanese Language Proficiency</em></strong></span></span></span></h3>

<h3 style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong><em>Other Types of Japanese Language Certifications</em></strong></span></span></span></h3>

<h2 style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:22px"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Comparison of 3 Popular Japanese Language Certifications</strong></span></span></span></h2>

Possessing Japanese language certificates can significantly enhance your language skills, open up career opportunities, and help you establish a career in Japan and worldwide. Clearly, Japanese language certificates play an essential role for Japanese language learners. In this article, let HeyJapan explore the popular types of certificates, their benefits, and the requirements needed to achieve them.

What is a Japanese Language Certificate?

What is a Japanese Language Certificate?

So, what is a Japanese language certificate? A Japanese language certificate is a document that verifies your skills and proficiency in using the Japanese language. There are various types of certificates, such as JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), J.TEST, NAT-TEST, and certificates issued by schools or specialized organizations. These certificates are often crucial when applying for jobs, especially in companies related to Japan or international firms. Universities and study abroad programs frequently require applicants to have language certificates to ensure good academic performance and communication skills in an international learning environment.

In the workplace, having a Japanese language certificate can provide opportunities for career advancement, particularly in companies that do business with Japan. Nowadays, exchange programs and internships often require applicants to have a certain level of Japanese proficiency. Additionally, possessing a Japanese language certificate boosts your confidence in communication and helps you integrate into the Japanese-speaking community.

2. Popular Japanese Language Certificates Today

2.1. JLPT Japanese Language Certificate

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is an annual exam organized by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. This test evaluates the Japanese language proficiency of candidates at various levels, from N5 (the lowest) to N1 (the highest).

JLPT is one of the most popular and widely recognized certificates globally, especially for job applications, studying abroad, and participating in activities related to the Japanese language.

JLPT Japanese Language Certificate

JLPT Exam Level Details:

Level:	N5	N4	N3	N2	N1
Proficiency:	Beginner 1	Beginner 2	Intermediate 1	Intermediate 2	Advanced
Estimated Study Hours:	150 hours	300 hours	450 hours	600 hours	900 hours
Vocabulary:	800 words	1500 words	3750 words	6000 words	10000 words
Kanji Characters:	100 characters	300 characters	650 characters	1000 characters	2000 characters
Total Score Requirements	Above 80/180 points Language Knowledge & Reading: Above 38/120 points Listening: Above 19/60 points	Above 90/180 points Language Knowledge & Reading: Above 38/120 points Listening: Above 19/60 points	Above 95/180 points Language Knowledge: Above 19/60 points Reading: Above 19/60 points Listening: Above 19/60 points	Above 90/180 points Language Knowledge: Above 19/60 points Reading: Above 19/60 points Listening: Above 19/60 points	Above 100/180 points Language Knowledge: Above 19/60 points Reading: Above 19/60 points Listening: Above 19/60 points

TOP J Japanese Language Certification

The TOP J Japanese Language Certification is used to assess the Japanese proficiency of participants and is one of the popular and widely-used Japanese language certifications worldwide.

TOP J Japanese Language Certification is Utilized Worldwide

Established by professors and experts in Japanese language education, the TOP J certification is highly regarded for its practicality and real-world applicability. This makes TOP J a preferred choice for many individuals seeking to live, study, and work in Japan.

TOP J examinations focus heavily on listening comprehension, featuring questions of higher difficulty. However, TOP J certification is also highly valued for its practicality, attention to detail, and stringent standards, making it a sought-after credential.

Levels of TOP J Certification:

Level		Requirement
Beginner Level:	Level A	Ability to read and write around 300 Kanji characters; proficiency in listening and communication regarding basic reasoning, conditions, and usage of basic honorifics.
	Level B	Ability to read and write around 200 Kanji characters; proficiency in listening and speaking about basic wishes and intentions.
	Level C	Ability to comprehend about 100 Kanji characters; proficiency in using simple greeting sentences and expressing opinions about objects and phenomena.
Intermediate Level:	Intermediate Level A:	Ability to read and write around 1000 Kanji characters; capability to write essays of 800 characters, with basic understanding of Japanese customs and traditions.
	Intermediate Level B	Ability to read and write around 700 Kanji characters; capability to write essays of 400 characters, with basic understanding of knowledge.
	Intermediate Level C	Ability to comprehend within a range of about 500 Kanji characters; capability to write simple letters and documents.
Advanced Level:	Advanced Level A	Ability to read and write around 2000 Kanji characters; capability to write research essays, engage in debates, and read extensively.
	Advanced Level B	Ability to read and write around 1800 Kanji characters; capability to write reports, express opinions, and make presentations.
	Advanced Level C	Ability to comprehend around 1500 Kanji characters; capability to write reports, understand and proficiently use idioms in communication.

NAT Test for Japanese Language Proficiency

The NAT Test certification is one of the popular credentials used to assess the Japanese language proficiency of participants. It garners attention from many learners, held annually in 13 countries worldwide, including Vietnam.

NAT Test certification is conducted in 13 countries worldwide.

The NAT Test is organized by the Japanese NAT Test Management Committee. The test focuses on three main parts: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.

It is the top choice for many foreigners wishing to study, work, and live in Japan. This examination helps them accumulate knowledge and understanding of the Japanese language, as well as its culture and society.

The test levels for NAT Test:

Level 5Q is the basic level and the lowest tier in the NAT Test system. At this level, candidates need to know about 700 vocabulary words and 100 Kanji characters.
Level 4Q is the elementary level, assessing the Japanese language proficiency of candidates at a basic level. Candidates need to know about 1700 vocabulary words and 300 Kanji characters.
Level 3Q is the intermediate level, evaluating Japanese language ability at an average level. Candidates need to know about 3350 vocabulary words and 650 Kanji characters in various topics.
Level 2Q is the intermediate to advanced level, assessing Japanese language proficiency from intermediate to advanced levels. Candidates need to know about 5900 vocabulary words and 1100 Kanji characters in various topics.
Level 1Q is the advanced level, evaluating Japanese language proficiency at a mastery level. Candidates need to know about 10000 vocabulary words and 1850 Kanji characters in various topics.

Other Types of Japanese Language Certifications

In addition to the three popular certifications, JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), NAT Test (Nihongo Kentei), and TOP J (Test of Proficiency in Practical Japanese), there are other Japanese language certifications such as: EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission), J.TEST - Assessing Japanese language skills through short tests, BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test), J-Check - Assessing and certifying Japanese communication skills, and certifications provided by universities, educational organizations, or training institutions separately.

Comparison of 3 Popular Japanese Language Certifications

	JLPT	NAT TEST	TOP J
Purpose	To assess and evaluate the Japanese language proficiency of learners.	To assess and evaluate the Japanese language proficiency of learners.	To evaluate and certify the practical Japanese language proficiency of participants from basic to advanced levels.
Advantages	Established and reputable, conducted in over 50 countries worldwide. Suitable for learners who want to assess their proficiency.	Multiple exam sessions are held each year. Short waiting time (exam can be taken within 5 weeks of registration). Provides quick results (within 3 weeks after the exam).	Focuses on real-world Japanese language proficiency, suitable for all ages. Rigorous examination process, highly regarded for quality. Utilizes a grading system (A, B, C) instead of pass/fail, with exams held every three weeks after registration.
Disadvantages	Lack of specific feedback on results may hinder improvement. Questions' difficulty levels may vary, challenging for candidates aiming for high scores. Primarily focuses on basic language skills, potentially limiting comprehensive assessment of candidates' proficiency.	Limited feedback on specific results may hinder improvement. Questions' difficulty levels may vary, affecting candidates' performance. Focuses mainly on basic language skills, potentially limiting comprehensive assessment.
Exams	Offered twice a year in July and December.	Conducted six times a year (February, April, June, August, October, December).	Offered four times a year (March, May, September, November).
Organizing Body	Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.	NAT Test Management Committee.	Asia International Exchange Foundation.
Scoring	Divided into 5 levels (N1 to N5), with N1 being the highest level. Maximum score for each section is 180 points.	Divided into 4 levels (1 to 4), with Level 1 being the highest. Maximum score is 180 points.	Divided into 3 levels (Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced), evaluated based on grades A, B, C. Maximum score for this exam is 500 points.

HeyJapan hopes that this article has helped you understand more about the current popular Japanese language certifications. To achieve high scores in Japanese language certifications, start studying early and establish a clear study plan from the beginning. Follow and download the HeyJapan app today to start learning Japanese!

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