The New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Contents What sort of test is the JLPT? 4 key points of the new JLPT New test FAQs More questions?

What sort of test is the JLPT? The test evaluates and certifies Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers. It has over 20 years of history since its establishment in 1984. The test has been jointly conducted by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).

Why has the JLPT been revised? ・　The number of Japanese-language learners has increased. ・　Their reasons for learning and using the language have become more diverse. The old JLPT until 2009 was reviewed and revised. It became the new JLPT from 2010. In the more than 20 years since its establishment, the JLPT has experienced several changes of circumstances. First, the number of Japanese-language learners has increased. Secondly, with this increase, the purposes of learning and using the language have become more diverse, expanding to include employment screening, evaluation for promotions, and use in life in Japan as a foreign resident. In response to these dramatic changes, the JLPT has been reviewed and revised. It became the new JLPT from this year, 2010.

4 key points of the new JLPT 1. Increased focus on communicative competence 2. The number of levels was increased to 5; examinees can select a more suitable level 3. The scoring method was revised to ensure more accurate measurement of Japanese- language proficiency 4. What you can do in Japanese is easily visualized

1．Increased focus on communicative competence Japanese-language proficiency that the new JLPT measures ① Knowledge of the Japanese language: How much an applicant knows about the Japanese language, including vocabulary and grammar Competence: How well an applicant makes use of language knowledge in practical communication Measured through 3 test sections Key point No. 1 is that the new JLPT has increased its focus on communicative competence. The Japanese-language proficiency that the new test measures consists of 1) knowledge of the Japanese language and 2) competence. This proficiency is measured through three test sections, Language Knowledge, Reading and Listening. Language Knowledge is to measure 1), while Reading and Listening are to measure 2), the competence side of proficiency. The test is machine-scored, same as the old test. No test section directly measures writing and speaking abilities, such as sakubun (essay writing) or kaiwa (oral skills). Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Reading Listening

Summary of Linguistic Competence Required 2．The number of levels was increased to 5; examinees can select a more suitable level Level Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level N1 The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances N2 The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree N3 The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree N4 The ability to understand basic Japanese N5 The ability to understand some basic Japanese Key point No. 2 is that the number of levels was increased to five so that examinees can select a more suitable level. The new test has five levels, from N1 to N5. N1 is the most advanced. N stands for “Nihongo” and “New.” As you are aware, the number of levels of the old test was four, from Level 1 to Level 4. Now, as the new test has more levels, applicants can select a suitable level from more options. By the way, just as in the old test, different sets of questions are provided for each level. This is because the test tries to measure each applicant’s proficiency as accurately as possible. Thus, it is important for applicants to pick a suitable level before taking the test.

Corresponding Levels of New and Old Tests Approximately the same level as the old Level 1 test, but designed to measure slightly more advanced abilities N2 Approximately the same level as the old Level 2 test N3 Positioned at a level bridging the old Level 2 and Level 3 tests N4 Approximately the same level as the old Level 3 test N5 Approximately the same level as the old Level 4 test Newly established Compared with the old JLPT levels, the new JLPT levels can be described like this. The newly established level, N3, corresponds to somewhere between Level 2 and Level 3 of the old JLPT. The words “approximately the same” mean in terms of the level of difficulty as well as the required proficiency level to pass the test. So, for example, an applicant whose proficiency level was Level 4 of the old JLPT is thought to be able to pass N5 of the new JLPT.

３． The scoring method was revised to ensure more accurate measurement of Japanese-language proficiency Old JLPT scores: Raw scores Calculated by the number of correctly answered questions New JLPT scores: Scaled scores 　 ・The same competency is given the same number of points in each test 　 ・The same scale is always used to calculate scores for the same-level test Key point No. 3 is that the scoring method was revised to ensure more accurate measurement of Japanese-language proficiency. The old JLPT scores were raw scores calculated by the number of correctly answered questions, whereas the new JLPT introduces scaled scores. With scaled scores, the same competency gets the same number of points in each test. Also, the same scale is always used to calculate scores for the same level test. So a certain standard is always maintained, with no up-and-down swings. So, scaled scores have these merits as shown in the lower box. No. 1: The highest degree of fairness can be maintained. As you are aware, test difficulty level differs from session to session, because different test items are used. But scaled scores never fluctuate even though the difficulty level of tests changes. No. 2: Scaled scores can indicate an applicant’s proficiency more accurately because a certain standard is always maintained. ＊The highest degree of fairness can be maintained, as scaled scores never fluctuate based on the difficulty level of tests ＊Scaled scores can indicate an applicant's proficiency more accurately than raw scores do

Example: A-san’s test results in raw scores and scaled scores A-san took N2 level tests in July as well as in December. Below are his Listening test results. N2 Listening July December （More difficult than July test) The number of correctly answered questions 10 out of 20 out of 20 　Score per item　X　 Number of correctly answered questions ＝　Raw scores 2 x 10 ＝20 Scaled scores 25 Both numbers are the same, 10. Not sure if A-san’s listening ability improved. To understand scaled sores better, let’s look at an example, A-san’s test results both in raw scores and scaled scores. A-san took N2 level tests in July as well as in December. This table shows his Listening test results. His number of correctly answered questions is the same both in July and December, 10. In reality, the Listening test questions in December were more difficult than those in July. Raw scores are calculated like this. Score per item is multiplied by the number of correctly answered questions. So, in A-san’s case, that is 2 multiplied by 10 equals 20. In raw scores, his scores are 20 both for the July and December tests. In reality, since A-san had 20 on the December test, which was more difficult than the July test, we can see that he did well and his ability improved. But by raw scores, we are not sure if his listening ability improved, as his December score is the same as that of the July test. On the other hand, take a look at his scaled scores. In the July test his score was 20, and in December the score increased to 25. Scaled scores clearly show that his ability improved. In this way, even though the difficulty level fluctuates, scaled scores are never influenced. The scores can accurately indicate the applicant’s ability. Clear that A-san’s listening ability improved. ※The data shown is only an example to explain the new JLPT scoring system, not for actual score calculation.

4． What you can do in Japanese is easily visualized 　Japanese-Language Proficiency Test “Can-do” List (tentative name) will be released by March 2011. Sample Listening I can understand the general content when I hear announcements at school, work or public places. Speaking I can speak in detail of my hopes and experience at interviews such as for a job or part-time work. Reading I can understand the content of newspaper or magazine articles about topics I am interested in. Writing I can write letters or emails to express my emotions such as appreciation or apology. Key point No. 4 is that what you can do in Japanese is easily visualized using the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test “Can-do” List. This list shows Japanese-language activities which successful examinees THINK they can do in terms of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as obtained and presented through a survey. This list is only an example to explain what the list would be like, and is not for a particular new JLPT level. In the survey, successful learners are asked what activities they THINK they can do, including speaking and writing that are not included in new JLPT test sections. Therefore, even though the new test doesn’t have such test sections, this list mentions these two skills.

With the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test “Can-do” list, 　JLPT ”Can-do” List Test result Passed “N?” I see. Those who passed the “N ?” test THOUGHT they could do these activities with the Japanese language in study, work and daily life. The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test “Can-do” List is a reference to better understand the test results in terms of practical Japanese-language use. Let’s look at it in detail. For example, an applicant took NX test and successfully passed. From this result, what we can know is the scores and pass or fail. Then, by referring to the list, we can know what successful NX examinees THINK they can do, or how and what they can listen to, speak, read and write in the Japanese language. In this way we can interpret test results as this gentleman says. We can better understand the test results in terms of practical Japanese-language use. Again, this list is only a reference to interpret test results. Keep in mind how this list is made. Yes, it is based on what they THINK they can do. So the list never guarantees that “all the successful NX examinees can do such and such.” That is why it doesn't say what they can do, but what they THINK they can do. We can better understand the test results in terms of practical Japanese-language use.

Q How will the test sections and times change? New test FAQs Q　How will the test sections and times change? Level Test Sections and Test Times N1 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) ・Reading 110 min Listening 60 min N2 105 min 50 min N3 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) 30 min Language Knowledge (Grammar) ・ Reading 70 min 40 min N4 35 min N5 25 min Let’s learn more about the new JLPT through some questions, new test FAQs. This table shows test sections and times. N1 and N2 have two test sections, “Language Knowledge ・Reading” and “Listening.” N3, N4 and N5 have three test sections, “Language Knowledge,” “Language Knowledge ・Reading” and “Listening.” The test durations for each level are shown in the timetable.

(New Japanese-Language Proficiency Q　How should I decide which test level to take? A　- See the table “Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level” - See the table “Corresponding Levels of New and Old Tests” 　　 - See the book “Nihongo Nouryoku Shiken Mondairei-Shuu” (New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions) on our official website You have three ways of finding clues to selecting the level than suits you. “Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level” and “Corresponding Levels of New and Old Tests” are descriptions of each level. With the third one, “Mondairei-Shuu,” you can get more detailed images of the levels in the form of test questions.

Q How can I receive test results? Level Scoring Sections Range of Scores N1 N2 N3 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Reading Listening ０～60 Total Score ０～180 N4 N5 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)・Reading ０～120 Test results are announced according to these scoring sections. N1,N2 and N3 have three scoring sections each: “Language Knowledge,” “Reading” and “Listening.” N4 and N5 have two scoring sections each: “Language Knowledge ・Reading” and “Listening.” The range of scores for each scoring section is shown in the table. Please remember, as we saw in the previous section, scores of the new test are scaled rather than raw scores. And please also note that the Listening proportion increased in comparison to the proportion in the old test. The proportion is now one to three, whereas in the old test it was one to four. ・Scores are indicated by scaled scores. ・Listening section proportion increased from 1:4 to 1:3.

Corresponding Sections N1 N2 In test In test results　　　　　　　 Level Test Sections Scoring Sections Range of scores N1 N2 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) ・Reading Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) 0~60 Reading Listening N3 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Language Knowledge (Grammar) ・Reading N4 N5 0~120 So far, we have looked at test sections for taking the test and scoring sections for receiving results. Let’s see how these sections correspond. The sections are different depending on the level. This is because the new test is designed to measure proficiency at each level as accurately as possible. In other words, sections are designed while considering developmental learning stage at each level. N1 and N2 have two test sections each. When you receive your results, the test section “Language Knowledge ・Reading” is divided into two scoring sections, “Language Knowledge” and “Reading.” The “Listening” section is independent and corresponds on a one-to-one basis. N3 has three test sections. When you receive N3 results, the test sections “Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)” and “Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading” are rearranged into two scoring sections, “Language Knowledge” and “Reading.” The “Listening” section is again independent and corresponds on a one-to-one basis. N4 and N5 have three test sections each. When you receive N4 and N5 results, the two test sections “Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)” and “Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading” are combined, becoming one scoring section, “Language Knowledge・Reading.” As before, the “Listening” section is independent and corresponds on a one-to-one basis.

Q How is pass or fail determined? 　A　・ You need to take all test sections. 　　　・ You need to fulfill both ① and ② below. Old JLPT New JLPT Total Score Level 1: more than 70％ Level 2-4: more than 60％ ①total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing ② score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing ・Failure to exceed the minimum point for any scoring section will result in a determination of fail for the entire test, even if your total score is above the minimum acceptable total score. ・Minimum acceptable scores for the total and for each scoring section will be announced in September 2010 for N1, N2 and N3. For N4 and N5, they will be announced in March 2011. This is how pass or fail is determined for the new JLPT. First, you need to take all the sections and to meet both conditions ① and ② in the table. The old JLPT decided pass or fail according to the correct answer percentage in the total score. For Level 1, it was more than 70%; for Levels 2, 3 and 4, it was 60%. In the new JLPT, both the total score and score in each scoring section will be considered. You need to exceed the minimum acceptable total score as well as the minimum acceptable score in each scoring section. This means that failure to exceed the minimum acceptable score for any scoring section will result in a fail for the entire test, even if your total score is above the minimum acceptable total score. The reason why the new test requires you to meet these two conditions is that we would like applicants to develop their Japanese-language proficiency in a balanced manner. If the test considered only your total score, you could pass even though you may have received mark of zero in one section but got high marks in others. These results cannot be called “well-balanced.” The announcement of minimum acceptable scores will be in September 2010 for N1 through N3, and in March 2011 for N4 and N5.

Q Can I pass by studying the way I have been doing? Should I change the way I study? A ・ The way you have been studying will still work. 　　　・ Please note that the new JLPT places importance 　　　　not only on knowledge of the Japanese language 　　　　but also on competence in using the knowledge in practical communication. 　　　・ Make use of “Mondairei-Shuu.” These sample questions cover all question styles at all levels, and they will help you prepare for the test.

A ・Twice a year, in July and December. Q　When will the new test be held? 　A　・Twice a year, in July and December. 　　　　 *Certain countries/areas will only offer the test in December and not in July. 　　　・In 2010, the test dates are July 4th and December 5th. 　　　　　*The July 2010 test includes N1, N2 and N3 only. *From the December 2010 test onwards, all five levels will be included.

Q Where is the test administered outside Japan ? A　See “List of Overseas Test Site Cities and Local Host Institutions” on our official website. ・ You can find cities and countries/areas offering the test. ・ You can also see if local host institutions offer the test in July and/or December.

More Questions? ・ JLPT official website welcomes you!　　 http://www.jlpt.jp/e/　 Lots of information, such as the JLPT Guidebook, sample questions, Listening audio samples, FAQs and more are waiting for you. ・　Send your inquiries in Japanese or English from the inquiry page of the official website. 　　　　*Inquiries regarding the JLPT outside Japan only. For inquiries on JLPT administration in Japan, please call JEES, the JLPT administrator in Japan. If you have more questions, please visit our official website first, as lots of information is waiting for you there. If you are still unclear about a particular point, send an inquiry email in English or Japanese.