Japanese Language Tests for International Students
Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
The EJU is designed to evaluate the Japanese language skills and basic academic abilities required of students who want to study at a Japanese university. It is administered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and offered twice per year (June and November). This test is often taken by those who wish to gain admission to a Japanese university undergraduate program as an international student. Applicants who want to enroll in at Shinshu University as regular students are required to take this test.
Japanese University Admission HomepageJapanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Designed to measure and certify the Japanese language abilities of non-native speakers, the JLPT is offered twice per year (July and December) and administered by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) and the Japan Foundation. There are five levels--N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5--with N5 being the easiest and N1 the most difficult. N1 and N2 are useful as proof of Japanese language abilities when searching for a job in Japan or pursuing similar activities. International students are encouraged to take this test, whether it be to measure their own Japanese abilities or to help them find a job in the future.
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test HomepageBusiness Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT)
The BJT assesses Japanese-language business communication skills. It is administered by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Public Interest Foundation and tests are held twice per year (June and November). Individuals are assigned to one of six levels (J1+, J1, J2, J3, J4 or J5) based on their scores, which are processed statistically so that test-takers' abilities can be measured in the same way each time they take the test. Because the BJT evaluates Japanese skills used in actual business settings, studies in preparation for this test will come in useful when looking for a job later.
Business Japanese Proficiency Test HomepageJ.TEST Test of Practical Japanese
This test is administered by the privately run Japanese Language Examination Committee J.TEST Office. The test is split into different, level-based examinations: level A-D examinations for intermediate and advanced students, level E-F examinations for students who are still beginners, and the level G examination for students who are just starting out. A-D level examinations are held six times per year. The test is usually offered at schools, business offices and other such locations. It is used for many purposes, including by businesses to measure the abilities of their employees.
J.TEST Test of Practical Japanese HomepageJapanese Computerized Adaptive Test (J-CAT)
The J-CAT is an online test that automatically rates Japanese language abilities. It is free of charge, and because the computer selects test questions suitable to the test-taker's individual abilities, the test does not take much time. Although the J-CAT does not provide official certification of one's Japanese language abilities, it can be used as a tool for determining one's proficiency.
J-CAT Japanese Computerized Adaptive Test Homepage