The New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test 新しい日本語能力試験

The JLPT has been revised and from this year candidates will sit a new format of test. The number of levels, balance between sections, and scoring system have all been revised.

There are now FIVE levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5); “N” stands for both“ Nihongo” and“ New”. Test Content Specifications (the lists of vocabulary, kanji, and grammar for each level) are not being released for the new levels.

However the new test levels correspond to the old test levels, so past test items of the current test and past “Test Content Specifications” will be helpful.

★Scoring

The requirements for passing have changed so that examinees must now exceed the minimum acceptable score for both the total as well as each scoring section. Failure to exceed the minimum
acceptable score in any scoring sections will result in a fail for the entire test, even if your total score is above the minimum acceptable score. The minimum acceptable score for passing both the total score and each scoring section will be announced later this year.
- Score reports will show scores for each section, total score, and for your own reference gave you a grade (A , B, or C) for each section.
- Content and scoring methods (the old test was marked out of 400) are different from the old test so scores from the new test cannot be compared to those of the current test.

★Sample Questions: (answers are below)

Level N5:
新しい　くるま ですね。
1 あたらしい     2 あだらしい     3 あらたしい     4 あらだしい


Level N4:
あには　バスで　会社に　通って　います。
1  むかって      2 かよって      3 わたって      4 もどって


Level N3:
山本さんはクラスの代表に選べた。
1 たいひょう      2 だいひょ      3 だいひょう      4 たいひょ


Level N2:
戦後、日本は貧しい時代を経験した。
1 まずしい      2 きびしい      3 けわしい      4 はげしい


Level N1:
彼は今、新薬の研究開発に挑んでいる。
1 はげんで      2 のぞんで      3 からんで      4 いどんで

★How to Apply

The 2010 JLPT is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 5 (for all 5 levels - worldwide).
The application period for the test starts on Friday, August 27 and ends on Friday, October 1, 2010.
Application booklets are on sale from mid-March at major bookstores in Japan. In Nagoya, Maruzen (丸善) in Sakae, and Sanseido (三省堂) on the 11th Floor of the JR Central Towers sell the applications. The application form costs 500 Yen, and the actual test application costs 5,500 Yen.
For more information about domestic applications see the JEES website at www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/en. For overseas applications see the JLPT Communication Square website at http://momo.jpf.go.jp/jlpt

★Guidelines and Sample Questions

An online guide as well as sample questions, listening scripts, and answers to sample questions are available online in a printer-friendly PDF format. Audio samples of listening questions are also available in a downloadable iPod-friendly MP3 format.
Website: www.jlpt.jp/e/about/new-jlpt.html 

Two guidebooks to the new test format are also available at all good foreign book shops. In Nagoya, Maruzen in Sakae and Shinseido in JR Towers stock the title.

The “New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guidebook: An Executive Summary, and Sample Questions for N1, N2 and N3” book is priced at 945 Yen, and the N4 and N5 edition is priced at 840 Yen.

Answers: N5 (1), N4 (2), N3 (3), N2 (1), N1 (4)

The BJT ビジネス日本語能力テスト

The BJT is a proficiency test measuring the examinee’s current communicative proficiency in business Japanese. The results are processed statistically based on item response theory (IRT) to produce a score from 0 - 800, and evaluated on a scale of six levels from J5 to J1+.
Website: www.kanken.or.jp/bjt/english　
Fee:7000 Yen
Tests: June & November
How to Apply: Apply on-line and pay with a credit card or at a convenience store

J-Test of Practical Japanese 実用日本語検定

A frequent, low-cost exam to help gauge and improve your Japanese ability. Along with the test results, J-Test sends back the question booklet and a chart showing your scores and answers for each question. The test also features a short writing section to test your kanji knowledge.
Website: http://j-test.jp/xp/  
Fee: 3200 Yen.
Tests: 6 test dates a year in major cities (including Nagoya)
How to Apply: Applications & instructions can be downloaded in a printer-friendly PDF format from the test website.
J-test can also send you an application form for free, just send your name, address, and phone number by fax or text message; title the message "Personal Application Form" - Fax: 03-3865-5762 e-mail: info@j-test.jp  

■Get Studying! - The Nagoya International Center Library has a large collection of various JLPT related text books, practice texts, dictionaries, and past papers from previous Japanese Language Proficiency Test years available for borrowing. Past test papers come with a CD/ tape. Alternatively, why not come down to the library and get in a few hours of quiet, private study time.