JLPT and the Comparison of Old & New
JLPT is the acronym for Japanese Language Proficiency Test（日本語能力試験）. JLPT started in 1984 and its purpose is to certify and identify non-native speakers’ level of Japanese.
What’s the Merit of Having a JLPT Certificate?
The certificate is issued by the joint organization of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services（国際交流基金と日本国際教育協会）.
It is pretty reliable and well recognised by academic schools and companies. The certificate justifies your language level as non-native speakers when applying Japanese schools or jobs in the Japanese companies.
Test Components
1. Vocabulary/ Grammar
2. Reading
3. Listening
For Further Details:
http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/points.html
Comparison of Old (1~4 till 2009) and New Levels (N1~N5 from 2010) of JLPT:
(N1 is the hardest and N5 is the easiest)
Please see the pdf files from the official website:
http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/comparison.html
Basically the new additional level, N3, bridges the gaps between the level 2 and level 4 (previously known as level 3). Other original levels were still similar.
If you are looking for jobs in Japanese company, generally N1 or N2 certificate is required unless you are applying for working holidays or English teaching positions.
Test in Japan and Issue of Certificate (Online Application)
Test usually takes place twice every year on the first Sunday of July and December. You will receive the results and certificate (if passed) in early September the same year.
Test Outside of Japan and Issue of Certificate
Test usually takes place once every year on the first Sunday of December.
You will receive the results and certificate (if passed) in early February the following year.
List of Countries JLPT Offered Outside of Japan: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/application/overseas_list.html
Note:
- For those who wish to apply, please check the application deadline and plan your preparation ahead. Overseas Test Schedule and application deadline: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/application/overseas_list.html
- Online application is available only to applicants in Japan via http://www.jlpt.jp/e/application/domestic_index.html
Official JPLT Website in Other Language Interfaces:
日本語/ Japanese: http://www.jlpt.jp/index.html
簡体字/ Simplified Chinese: http://www.jlpt.jp/cn/index.html
繁體字/ Traditional Chinese: http://www.jlpt.jp/tw/index.html
Source: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/, Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, last accessed 17/9/2013
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