JLPT

JLPT stands for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It is standardized tests designed to measure and certify non-native speakers' proficiency in the Japanese language. The test assesses the test taker's knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening skills. it is an internationally recognized test administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (formerly Association of International Education, Japan) since 1984, and it is held twice a year in July and December, at various locations around the world. The JLPT has five levels, with N5 being the easiest and NI being the most difficult. it is the largest-scale Japanese language test in the world widely recognized proof of Japanese language proficiency for academic, employment & personal purposes.

To prepare for the JLPT, test-takers can use various study materials, such os textbooks, online resources, and practice tests. Passing the JLPT can be a significant achievement for those who wish to study or work in Japan and it con open up opportunities for scholarships, internships, and employment.

Why JLPT?

In most of the Japanese universities and institution that international students apply, they compulsorily require a Japanese proficiency test to be shown in order to determine whether the student is capable to communicating, studying in Japanese. Also, in order to be able to work in Japan basic level of Japanese understanding is required so without a N5 in JLPT result foreigners cannot even work in Japan. JLPT helps the Japanese University to know that the international students studying there is capable of understanding Japanese and can study the subject matters taught in Japanese in ease. As most of the universities in Japan teach in Japanese, learning Japanese is a must not only to study but also to be able to communicate in Japanese, work there be familiar with the surrounding and culture there. Some universities which provide courses in English do not require any high-level Japanese proficiency so they can get admitted with a N4 or N5 level Japanese proficiency. But these kinds of universities are expensive and is difficult to fund without any scholarship. So, taking JLPT opens a door to studying and making a carrier in Japan.

Different tests in JLPT

The tests in JLPT are based on the language knowledge rather than the ability to have conversation or present your views in Japanese. It is a Multiple Choice based exam. This makes it easier for the participants because they don’t need to deal with writing complex Japanese alphabets which can be pretty difficult even for the native speakers to use. The different sections in which JLPT test results are based on are:

Vocabulary: In this section there are 103 Kanji characters and 821 vocabulary words in N 5 test. These questions are MCQ based so having a surface knowledge in these words can help the examinee to score a decent score. It is the most important component of JLPT exam because it will help you to understand Japanese more and be able to get a decent score in other portions too.

Grammar: This portion analyzes the candidate’s ability to use various Japanese words and phrases in a proper order in order to make it make sense. This determines the candidate’s ability to properly use Japanese language which is really important for anyone learning a new language.

Reading: JLPT reading is taken to make sure that the examinee can read the contents written in Japanese so that it’ll be easier for them to get used to living in Japan. Also, being able to read in Japanese is important for academic and business purposes.

Listening: In listening portion of JLPT examinee are shown a recorded conversation between people and are told to find out the meaning of their conversation or evaluate what they’re trying to say.

It is also an important part because in order to live in Japan without facing problems regularly, one should be able to understand people speaking in Japanese. These sections are same for all 5 levels of JLPT but the difficulty of questions increases on increase in levels.

Different Levels of JLPT

JLPT consists of five levels with N1 being the most difficult and N5 being the easiest for which only the basics of language are to be known. In all the levels, the questions are MCQ based for making it easier for the examinee. There are five levels of JLPT test. They’re:

N5 level: this is the most basic level of JLPT test and in order to pass this test the basic knowledge of Japanese language is enough. Getting a N5 level JLPT certificate can help you get benefit over other candidates in job application because it would mean you would be able to have basic conversation in Japanese which might be beneficial.

N4 level: it is pretty similar to N5 level as both these levels are basics which can be achieved by a little practice and study. It is required for the ones seeking to get some basic level jobs in Japan because it would mean you wouldn’t kind the language as barrier while working.

N3 level: It shows that the candidate can Japanese language in everyday situation to a certain extent. Some universities accept the students with N3 level Japanese whereas some need N2 to N1 level. But having a N3 level Japanese means you’ll basically not face any problems doing your everyday tasks in Japan.

N2 level: it verifies the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. This is a top tier Japanese for any non-native Japanese speaker because it basically means you’re capable of understanding and using Japanese like a native speaker. Almost all the Japanese universities accept students with N2 level Japanese proficiency in any level of education.

N1 level: it is the most difficult level of Japanese proficiency. The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.

Even some Japanese natives might not be able to get N1 level Japanese proficiency because it required spending hours of time for a year or more in order to get to this level. N1 level Japanese is mostly taken by individuals working in a top tier Japanese company in top levels and for those willing to learn Japanese culture and about the country in a professional level.

When to take JLPT exam<

JLPT exam take place in two months every year so that students willing to take JLPT exam should register for the exam in time to not miss the exams. It is taken every year in the month of July and December. Most of the Nepalese students first enroll in a Japanese Language institution for a year and half before giving JLPT exam in order to get to N3 or N2 level which is accepted by most of the Japanese university. Students need to register for the exam a couple of months prior to the date of examination. Before applying to Japanese institutions Nepalese students require to learn Japanese first in Nepal to some extent. Then they can learn higher level Japanese in Japanese language Institution and then study in Japan. All the registration process for JLPT exam and other things are provided by the Japanese language institution in Japan for their students.

JLPT eligibility score

In order to get into your desired university or college you must be able to get the score desired by that university or college. There are no any fixed passing marks of PTE exam because different institutions require different scores so the marks that need to be obtained depends on the desired country and university. Most of the good university and colleges require a score of 65-75 but a lot of colleges accept a score anywhere between 50-63 so it is taken as a good score. The age limit to take PTE exam is 16- year-old. So, any candidate willing to take PTE exam should be 16-year-old in order to be eligible to give PTE exam. Candidate do not have any restriction on the number of attempts they have to give the exam. It they’re not satisfied with their result, they can give their exam again until they get satisfactory results.

Quick facts

PTE exam is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests which is accepted by over many countries including USA, Australia, Canada, etc. PTE test is taken by students who’re not living in a country with English as native language and it is required for employment, studies and work in different countries. PTE test determines the overall ability of the candidate to be familiar with English language and their ability to be able to communicate and share their views and opinions in it. PTE exam is pretty similar to IELTS exam as both are English proficiency tests and in both tests factors like listening, reading, writing and speaking play major role. The scoring system in PTE is also pretty much similar. Some students might prefer PTE over IELTS because it is a computer-based exam so students can give the exam without having to face the difficultly of giving an exam in a strict and fearful environment.