The New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

1. The New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

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

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

4. Why has theJLPT been revised? ・　The number of Japanese-language learners hasincreased. ・　Their reasons for learning and using the language have become more diverse. The old JLPT until 2009was reviewed and revised. It became the new JLPT from 2010.

5. 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

6. 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 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Reading Listening

7. 2．The number of levels was increased to 5; examinees can select a more suitable level

8. Newly established

9. 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 ＊The highest degree of fairness can be maintained, as scaled scores never fluctuate based on the difficulty level of tests ＊Scaled scores can indicate anapplicant's proficiency more accurately than raw scores do

10. Example: A-san’s test results in raw scores andscaled scores A-san took N2 level tests in July as well as in December. Below are his Listening test results. Both numbers are the same, 10. Not sure if A-san’s listening ability improved. 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.

11. 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

12. With theJapanese-Language Proficiency Test “Can-do” list, JLPT ”Can-do” List Test result Passed “N?” We can better understand thetest results in terms of practical Japanese-language use. I see. Those who passed the “N ?” test THOUGHT they could do these activities with the Japanese language in study, work and daily life.

13. New test FAQs QHow will the test sections and times change?

14. QHow 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

15. QHow can I receive test results? ・Scores are indicated by scaled scores. ・Listening section proportion increased from 1:4 to 1:3.

16. Corresponding Sections In test In test results

17. QHow is pass or fail determined? A　・ You need to take all test sections. 　　　・ You need to fulfill both ① and ② below. ・Failure to exceed theminimum 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 thetotal 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.

18. QCan 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.

19. QWhen 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. *TheJuly 2010 test includes N1, N2 and N3 only. *From the December 2010 test onwards, all five levels will be included.

20. QWhere is the test administered outside Japan ? ASee “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.

21. More Questions? ・ JLPT official website welcomes you! http://www.jlpt.jp/e/ Lots of information, such as theJLPT 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.