The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken), or JLPT, is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability. The test is held twice a year in Japan and selected countries (on the first Sunday of July and December), and once a year in other regions (on the first Sunday of December).
Overview of the Exam
The Japanese Language NAT Test is an examination that measures the Japanese language ability of students who are not native Japanese speakers. The tests are separated by difficulty (five levels) and general ability is measured in three categories: Grammar/Vocabulary, Listening and Reading Comprehension. The format of the exam and the types of questions are equivalent to those that appear on the Japanese Language Ability Test (JLPT)
Number of Times Held
NAT Test: Six times per year
Exam Pass Criteria
1) Scoring more than 25% on each individual section.
2) Achieving an overall score that exceeds the passing score for the exam (typically around 60%).
Administration of the NAT Test
The administration of the NAT Test is handled entirely by the Administration Committee of Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan). The tests are operated by the Regional Office of each country. The Committee provides Regional Offices technical assistance and support to operate the NAT-TEST correctly and ensure the integrity of testing.
Overview of the Examination Process
Here you will find an overview of all NAT Test related events, from applying for the exam, to exam day itself, all the way through to when you receive your results.
The flow of events
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Application – Available until the application deadline has passed for that particular exam
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Receiving your application ticket – 1-2 weeks before the day of the exam
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Taking the Exam – On your specified exam day
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Receiving your score report and certificate of proficiency – Approx. 3 weeks after the exam