Are you stuck in your Japanese studies with no motivation? Are you overwhelmed with the amount of material don’t know what to focus on? The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) could be what you need to give you a clear goal. It’s not as scary as it sounds, so let’s talk about it.
What is the JLPT?
The JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test. There is a total of five different levels. The easiest level is N5 while the most difficult level is N1. No matter where you are in your Japanese studies, there is a level that you can aim for.
When is the test held?
In Japan, the test is held twice a year in July and December at various universities and centers. Meanwhile, in North America and Europe, the test is usually held once a year in December.
Here is an outline of the ability of the N levels. You can read in more detail about the differences between levels on the JLPT website.
N1 (Advanced): The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
N2 (Upper-intermediate): The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
N3 (Intermediate): The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.
N4 (Elementary): The ability to understand basic Japanese.
N5 (Basic): The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
Can you guess what level you would consider your ability?
Why should I take the JLPT?
After arriving in Japan, it took me a while until I was able to concentrate on studying Japanese. Having a realistic goal, such as passing one of the levels of the JLPT is a good way to keep you focused. I think some people create very broad goals such as “I want to read Japanese comics” or “I want to understand anime with no subtitles”. These goals lack specific steps and many people burn themselves out quickly because they can’t pace themselves and measure their progress.
By making your goal the JLPT, you have different levels you can aim for, improving your Japanese knowledge in the process!
What can I do with JLPT certification?
Having a JLPT certification can help you with getting a job in Japan, a job that involves Japanese, or look mighty fine on your resume even if doesn’t apply to your future work. The fact that you took the time to study, apply for the test, and successfully pass means something about you. Hopefully, employers see it as a sign that you are hard working and trying to improve yourself.
Having at least N2 is highly recommended for people wanting to apply for jobs in Japan that are not language teaching jobs. Generally, you need N2 or above for it to benefit you when applying somewhere.
People earning N5-N3 certifications should not worry, though. Putting these on a resume can help you as well, especially if you’re applying for work outside of Japan or in your home country. Any sort of certification in Japanese is probably impressive to people that are not very familiar with Japanese or Japan itself. However, you’re going to want N2 or above if you want to go beyond jobs such as English Conversation classes.
How do I study for the JLPT?
If you’re wondering how to prepare for the JLPT, fear not. There are so many resources out there that can help you. I’ll write more in depth about some of my recommended JLPT books in a later post.
For now, these series of books should be enough for anyone wanting to get started studying.
Nihongo-So Matome Series (N5-N1) (White Rabbit Press)
The Nihongo-So Matome series is one that anyone looking through Japanese study books will recognize. Each book has a white cover with a black and white drawing of an animal on it. If you’re aiming for JLPT N4-3, these can be very useful for you. However, I don’t recommend them for higher levels N2-N1.
JLPT Official Practice WorkBook (N5-N1) (White Rabbit Press)
These series of books are mock tests you can take and get a feel for what taking the JLPT is like.
Do you have any questions or comments about the JLPT? Let me know in the comments!