The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test will be held both in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify the proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers.
2. Administrative Organizations
The Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ) administers the Test in Japan. The Japan Foundation (Interchange Association in Taiwan) will work with local host institutions to administer overseas.
3. Test Date
First Sunday in December
4. Test Sites (Planned)
Hokkaido (Sapporo), Miyagi (Sendai), Tochigi (Oyama), Saitama (Saitama), Chiba (Chiba), Tokyo, Kanagawa (Yokohama), Toyama (Toyama), Nagano(Matsumoto), Shizuoka (Shizuoka), Aichi (Nagoya), Kyoto (Kyoto), Osaka (Toyonaka), Hyogo (Kobe), Hiroshima (Higashi hiroshima), Kagawa (Takamatsu), Fukuoka (Fukuoka), Oita (Beppu), Okinawa (Naha)
5. Contents of the Test
The test has four different levels. Each test is comprised of three sections: writing and vocabulary; listening; reading and grammar. The contents and criteria of the test are as follows:
Level Sections Minutes Points Criteria
1 Writing-Vocabulary 45 100 The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and
Listening 45 100 has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society. This level is normally
Reading-Grammar 90 200 reached after studying Japanese for around 900 hours.
Total 180 400
2 Writing-Vocabulary 35 100 The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows around 1,000 Kanji and 6,000
Listening 40 100 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of ageneral nature. This level is
Reading-Grammar 70 200 normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate
Total 145 400 course.
3 Writing-Vocabulary 35 100 The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows around 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, and
Listening 35 100 has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level
Reading-Grammar 70 200 is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of
Total 140 400 an elementary course.
4 Writing-Vocabulary 25 100 The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows around 100 Kanji and 800 words,
Listening 25 100 and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences.
Reading-Grammar 50 200 This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 150 hours and after completion of the
Total 100 400 first half of an elementary course
6. Methods of Application
(1) Application Form: The booklet will be on sale on and after July 7 (Mon), 2003 at major bookstores in Japan for 500 yen per copy. For the store list, please see the AIEJ website.
(2) Test Fee:5,300yen (Postage and consumption tax included)
(3) Application Period: July 7 (Mon) to September 19 (Fri), 2003
(Applications postmarked after September 19, 2003 will not be accepted).
(4) Sending off the Test Voucher: Scheduled for October 31 (Fri), 2003
7. Scoring Standard
For the fiscal year 2002, the passing score was 70% or higher for level 1, and 60% or higher for levels 2,3, and 4. About the same passing scores are scheduled for fiscal 2003. If any adjustments are made, they will not be to the disadvantage of examinees.
8. Announcement of Test Results
(1) All examinees will receive their score reports of the test by level.
(2) Successful examinees will also receive their certificates of proficiency.
(3) Certificates of Proficiency and official test results will be sent in middle of February, 2004 .
(4) Reports to universities and junior colleges:
The Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ) will send the examinee's score to the universities and junior colleges upon their request for examinees who took the Test at cities abroad where the AIEJ does not administer "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students".
Inquiries (Test in Japan)
JLPT Section, Testing Division, AIEJ
Tel. 03-5454-5577
http://www.aiej.or.jp/examination/jlpt.html