Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) under joint organization of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (previously Association of International Education, Japan) started in 1984 as a test to measure and certify the Japanese-language proficiency of those whose native language is not Japanese. A JLPT N1 certificate is required for medical practitioners licensed overseas who want to take Japan's national exams for medical practitioners, and other professions.

Subjects and duration of the exam	Language Knowledge(Vocabulary/Grammar)・Reading 〈110min〉Listening〈55min〉
Scoring sections and range of scores for each level	Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)：0〜60 (Sectional pass marks 19) Reading：0〜60 (Sectional pass marks 19) Listening：0〜60 (Sectional pass marks 19) Range of scores：0〜180 （Overall pass marks 100）
Certification Guidelines	《Reading》You can read logically complex or highly abstract texts such as newspaper editorials and reviews on a wide range of topics, and understand the structure and content of the text. You can read in-depth readings on a variety of topics and understand the flow of the story and the detailed intent of the expression. 《Listening》You will be able to listen to coherent conversations, news, and lectures at natural speeds in a wide range of situations, and understand the flow of the story, the content, the relationships between the characters, the logical structure of the content, etc. in detail, as well as grasp the gist of the story.

Test Registraton Process

Test preparation

For exam preparation, please refer to the official website of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, where you can find sample questions and various other materials and information. You can also study online, for example on Youtube, so find a study style that suits you and aim to pass the N1. It is also very important to acquire the language by making friends who speak Japanese as their native language through SNS and other means before coming to Japan, and increasing the opportunities to speak and listen to the language. Japanese is said to be the most difficult language in the world to learn. Even if you pass the N1, there are still many Japanese phrases, Japanese-English words, and industry-specific terms (so-called industry jargon) that will make you struggle in real-life situations. However, I think there are many things you can overcome by sharing your thoughts with friends who have studied Japanese with you.