JLPT( JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST)

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, nihongo nōryoku shiken), or JLPT, is a standardized criterion-reference test  to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.

People who learn japanese language can take this test to evaluate their on knowledge level. The test is administered by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, inside Japan, and by the Japan Foundation, outside Japan. So no matter who you are or where you from, you can take this test. It usually is held once a year but for  some countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea  and China, they have twice since year 2008.[ Malaysia currently only once a year, and usually held on the first week of December]

They have 4 level. Level 1 is the advanced level. Level 4 is the beginner level.
The test include of three part:

• "Characters and Vocabulary" (100 points) (文字･語彙, moji, goi) tests knowledge of vocabulary and various aspects of the Japanese Writing System.
• "Listening Comprehension" (100 points) (聴解, chōkai) comprises two sub-sections that test listening comprehension. [Killing section for me]
  
• "Reading Comprehension and Grammar" (200 points) (読解･文法, dokkai, bunpō) uses authentic or semi-authentic reading passages of various lengths to test reading comprehension.

The passing marks for level 4, 3 and 2 is 60% however level 1 is 70% to pass the level test.

The duration of the test is slightly different for each level:

Level	Kanji and Vocabulary	Listening Comprehension	Reading Comprehension and Grammar	Total
4	25 min	25 min	50 min	100 min
3	35 min	35 min	70 min	140 min
2	35 min	40 min	70 min	145 min
1	45 min	45 min	90 min	180 min

 For students who have passed the test will get a certificate as below, which issued by the Ministry of Education Japan through the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).

 

[ I had passed level 3 and 4 so i have 2 of this certificates.]

For those who interest to take the exam they can refer to the link below and try to get the application forms from your nearest location. For Malaysia part, we have four locations. There are Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Kota Kinabalu. The list below have the contact numbers of those institutions.

Link of Host Institutions of JLPT From the whole world