【Work in Japan】What Japanese language tests are important for working in Japan?

Summary

This video explores various Japanese language proficiency tests, comparing the JLPT with other exams like the N Test, J Test, and BJT. The speaker emphasizes that while the JLPT is widely recognized, other tests may offer faster results or better demonstrate practical skills. The J Test is recommended for those wanting to prove conversational ability, while the BJT is ideal for business professionals. The N Test, with its monthly availability, is a great alternative for those needing quick results. Ultimately, the speaker advises tailoring your choice of test to career goals and personal needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most widely recognized test for Japanese language proficiency, but it focuses primarily on reading and listening, not speaking or writing.
• 😀 JLPT has five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced), with each level catering to different skill levels and real-world situations.
• 😀 Many companies use JLPT Level 2 or above as a standard for hiring, especially for technical and engineering roles, but it doesn’t evaluate speaking ability.
• 😀 The JLPT is only offered twice a year, and results take about a month to process, making it less suitable for those needing quick certification.
• 😀 The N Test is similar to the JLPT but is held monthly, offering quicker results, making it ideal for those needing fast language certification for visas or admissions.
• 😀 The J Test focuses on practical Japanese skills, including conversation and expression speed, and provides a speaking test, making it more suited for real-world communication assessments.
• 😀 The J Test has six levels (A to F), where higher levels correspond to business proficiency, and it is especially useful for those aiming to prove conversational skills.
• 😀 The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) is specialized in workplace Japanese, assessing skills like email writing, phone calls, and negotiations in business settings.
• 😀 The BJT has score ranges that indicate your level in business Japanese, with 530+ considered advanced. It is ideal for office or managerial roles in Japan.
• 😀 If your goal is to work in Japan, combining JLPT Level 1 with the BJT can be a powerful way to showcase both your language proficiency and business communication skills.

Q & A

What is the JLPT, and what are its levels?

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most famous Japanese language test, with five levels. N5 is the easiest level, suitable for beginners, and N1 is the most difficult, suitable for professional-level language skills. N5 and N4 focus on basic everyday conversation, N3 is for business or university settings, N2 is for smooth business conversation, and N1 is for reading newspapers and specialized books.

Why is the JLPT not always sufficient for proving speaking and writing ability?

The JLPT primarily focuses on listening and reading comprehension, with no speaking or writing sections. As a result, even if someone has a high level of JLPT certification, it doesn’t guarantee fluency in speaking or writing Japanese, which are crucial skills in real-world communication.

What are some alternatives to the JLPT for measuring Japanese proficiency?

There are several alternatives to the JLPT, including the NAT Test, J Test, and BJT. Each test has a different focus: the NAT Test can be taken monthly and is useful for quickly obtaining results, the J Test assesses conversational and practical Japanese, and the BJT focuses on business Japanese.

What makes the NAT Test an appealing option for learners of Japanese?

The NAT Test is held almost every month, which makes it a convenient option for those who want quick results. It is especially useful for people applying for student visas or other admissions that require proof of Japanese proficiency. The results are available within a month, unlike the JLPT, which is only held twice a year.

What is the main focus of the J Test, and how does it differ from the JLPT?

The J Test is designed to measure practical, usable Japanese skills, including reading, listening, and conversational ability. Unlike the JLPT, which focuses on grammar and reading comprehension, the J Test also tests expression speed and phrasing in more real-life, conversational contexts.

How does the BJT test differ from other Japanese language exams?

The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) focuses on Japanese language used in business settings, such as emails, meetings, phone calls, and negotiations. It is specifically aimed at those working in Japan or those who want to demonstrate their business-level Japanese skills. The BJT does not have levels like the JLPT; instead, it uses a score-based system to categorize proficiency.

Which Japanese language test is recommended for those aiming for business jobs?

For business jobs, the JLPT Level 1 combined with the BJT is the strongest combination. JLPT Level 1 proves a deep understanding of the language, while the BJT demonstrates the ability to use Japanese effectively in a business context.

What are the advantages of the J Test for those who want to prove their speaking ability?

The J Test offers an additional speaking test to evaluate conversational skills, which is not included in the JLPT. This makes it a good option for those who want to demonstrate their speaking proficiency in addition to their reading and listening abilities.

Why is the JLPT still a good choice for job seekers, despite its limitations?

Many Japanese companies still use the JLPT, particularly Level 2 and above, as a hiring standard. Although it doesn’t test speaking and writing, the JLPT is a globally recognized and respected certification that can enhance a resume, especially for technical, engineering, or factory jobs in Japan.

What is the best strategy for improving Japanese proficiency for work and study in Japan?

The best strategy is to first aim for JLPT Level 2, then consider additional tests like the NAT Test for quick results, the J Test for conversational ability, or the BJT for business Japanese. Tailoring your choice of exam to your career or study goals will help you make the most of your language proficiency.