2023.02.28
First Step to Study in Japan – Japanese Language Proficiency Certification –
The first thing that comes to mind when someone asks you to "prove your Japanese language ability" might be a certificate from the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). The JLPT was held in 87 countries and cities in 2019. (After 2020, there were many cancellations due to the Corona Pandemic.)
In order to obtain the status of residence “Student” to enter a Japanese language school, you need to prove your Japanese language proficiency at the JLPT N5 level to the Immigration Bureau. However, the JLPT is only conducted twice a year - depending on the country or city only once a year. Since some countries have not yet implemented it, certificates of the following tests are also accepted.
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test: At least 300 Points.
Test of Practical Japanese: At least Level F or at least 250 Points (F/G Level)
The Japanese Language NAT-TEST: At least Level 5
Standard Test for Business Japanese: At least 350 Points
TOP Japanese Language Test: At least Level A (Beginners Level)
J-cert (Certificate of Japanese as a Foreign Language): At least Beginners Japanese Language Capability Test: At least JCT5 Level
PJC Bridge: At least C-
Japanese Proficiency Test: At least 315 Points
Some tests are conducted once every two months, so it is recommended that students, especially those in Asia where there are many tests available, aim to pass these tests.
*For details of each test, please check the website of the administering institution.
*Please also refer to the article on the comparison of each Japanese language test.
Depending on the country you live in, none of these exams may be offered, making it difficult to apply for them. In that case, you will need to prove that you have studied Japanese for more than 150 hours. You can look for a language school in your country, or you can take TCJ's online course for 150 hours of study. If you study at TCJ, you can continue your study until you enter TCJ's study abroad class and start at a higher level. You can also keep using the material you already purchased after you enter the study abroad class. One of the advantages of coming to TCJ is that you will feel comfortable with a teacher you already know.
We sometimes receive the question, "Why do I have to study Japanese first if I am going to Japan to study the language?” This is not only for the sake of receiving status of residence as “Student”, but also for your own good. The earlier you improve your Japanese language skills, the sooner you will get used to life in Japan. If you are thinking of studying in Japan, start studying Japanese first! Check out TCJ's online courses.
In order to obtain the status of residence “Student” to enter a Japanese language school, you need to prove your Japanese language proficiency at the JLPT N5 level to the Immigration Bureau. However, the JLPT is only conducted twice a year - depending on the country or city only once a year. Since some countries have not yet implemented it, certificates of the following tests are also accepted.
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test: At least 300 Points.
Test of Practical Japanese: At least Level F or at least 250 Points (F/G Level)
The Japanese Language NAT-TEST: At least Level 5
Standard Test for Business Japanese: At least 350 Points
TOP Japanese Language Test: At least Level A (Beginners Level)
J-cert (Certificate of Japanese as a Foreign Language): At least Beginners Japanese Language Capability Test: At least JCT5 Level
PJC Bridge: At least C-
Japanese Proficiency Test: At least 315 Points
Some tests are conducted once every two months, so it is recommended that students, especially those in Asia where there are many tests available, aim to pass these tests.
*For details of each test, please check the website of the administering institution.
*Please also refer to the article on the comparison of each Japanese language test.
Depending on the country you live in, none of these exams may be offered, making it difficult to apply for them. In that case, you will need to prove that you have studied Japanese for more than 150 hours. You can look for a language school in your country, or you can take TCJ's online course for 150 hours of study. If you study at TCJ, you can continue your study until you enter TCJ's study abroad class and start at a higher level. You can also keep using the material you already purchased after you enter the study abroad class. One of the advantages of coming to TCJ is that you will feel comfortable with a teacher you already know.
We sometimes receive the question, "Why do I have to study Japanese first if I am going to Japan to study the language?” This is not only for the sake of receiving status of residence as “Student”, but also for your own good. The earlier you improve your Japanese language skills, the sooner you will get used to life in Japan. If you are thinking of studying in Japan, start studying Japanese first! Check out TCJ's online courses.
