2007 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

December 2, 2007 (Sunday)

Moore Hall, University of Hawaii

Overview

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally accredited language examination, offered in four different levels, designed to measure a person's Japanese skills. Last year, JLPT test takers numbered over 437,000 in 46 countries around the world. Those who pass the JLPT receive a Certificate of Proficiency and, as a result, are better able to market their Japanese skills in order to further their careers and educational pursuits. Additionally, taking on the challenge of the JLPT challenges students of Japanese to strive for excellence.

Test Contents

The test has four different skill levels (level 1 being the highest); the examinee should choose the level that best corresponds to his or her ability and training. Each test is comprised of three sections: Writing and Vocabulary; Listening; Reading; and Grammar. The contents and criteria are listed below. For self-assessment we also recommend viewing the sample questions through the official JLPT website and taking previous year's tests as practice. For additional details, please contact Ms. Miki Ogasawara (mogasawa@hawaii.edu, Moore 364, 808-956-7245).

Level	Contents			Criteria
	Sections	Time (Minutes)	Points
1	Writing-Vocabulary Listening Reading-Grammar Total	45 45 90 180	100 100 200 400	The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 900 hours. Passing Score: 70%, 280/400 points
2	Writing-Vocabulary Listening Reading-Grammar Total	35 40 70 145	100 100 200 400	The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows around 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course. Passing Score: 60%, 240/400 points
3	Writing-Vocabulary Listening Reading-Grammar Total	35 35 70 140	100 100 200 400	The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows around 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, and has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course. Passing Score: 60%, 240/400 points
4	Writing-Vocabulary Listening Reading-Grammar Total	25 25 50 100	100 100 200 400	The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows around 100 Kanji and 800 words, and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 150 hours and after completion of the first half of an elementary course. Passing Score: 60%, 240/400 points

How to register

Applicants may register by mail or online at the Japan Foundation's registration page. The deadline is Friday, October 5th, 5:00 PST. (For applicants from Hawaii, it will be 2:00 local time.) If you have further questions regarding the test, please visit the JLPT Homepage.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Kazue Kanno at 808-956-7113 (Moore Hall 385) or by email at kanno@hawaii.edu.

A preparatory study session is offered on November 16th from 3:30 to 5pm in Moore Hall 351 for Level 3 applicants, and in Moore Hall 365 for Level 2 applicants. For inquiries regarding the study session, please contact Ms. Ogasawara (mogasawa@hawaii.edu, Moore 364, 808-956-7245). Students who are not taking the test this year but are considering taking it in the future may attend the session.