Kotoken

Japan Proverb Test (Kotowaza Kentei)

Japan Proverb Test Association · JA tests Japanese

UpcomingOfficial site ↗

Nov132026
Registration closes for the 47th test
Online registration opened October 1.
Registration
Nov142026
47th test period (Nov 14–23)
Take it any time during the period.
Test date
Dec202026
47th test results on My Page
Expected: results come out on the 20th of the month after the test.
Results
Jan292027
Group registration closes for the 48th test
Official schedule.
Registration
Feb122027
Registration closes for the 48th test
Registration opens January 4.
Registration
Feb132027
48th test period (Feb 13–21)
Take it any time during the period.
Test date
Mar202027
48th test results on My Page
Expected: results come out on the 20th of the month after the test.
Results

Dates are from the organisation's official announcements. Always confirm on the official site before you apply.

Taking the test

Fee: ¥2,530–¥9,020 depending on level, tax included (2026).
How often: Several test periods a year, each lasting about a week. You take it any time during the period.
Format: An online test on a PC, tablet or smartphone: 40 minutes for Levels 10–6 and 50 minutes for Levels 5–1. Questions are multiple choice plus typed answers in kana, kanji or full sentences at higher levels. Groups can choose a paper test.
Run by: Japan Proverb Test Association
Apply: Official site ↗

Levels

Level	What it means	Score
Level 1	Expert level. All proverbs, including rare ones not in standard dictionaries.	About 80% to pass · 50 min · ¥9,020
Level 2	General, advanced. Adds proverbs from around the world and about jobs.	About 80% to pass · 50 min · ¥6,270
Level 3	General. Adds classical, new and regional proverbs.	About 70% to pass · 50 min · ¥4,840
Level 4	High school. Practical, common proverbs adults should know.	About 70% to pass · 50 min · ¥3,960
Level 5	Junior high school. Proverbs from high school entrance exams and everyday use.	About 70% to pass · 50 min · ¥3,960
Levels 6–7	Elementary 6th grade. Proverbs from junior high entrance exams, daily life and nature.	About 70% to pass · 40 min · ¥3,410
Levels 8–9	Elementary 5th and 4th grade. Basic proverbs, animals, and idioms about the body.	About 70% to pass · 40 min · ¥2,860
Level 10	Elementary 3rd grade. Proverbs worth learning early.	About 70% to pass · 40 min · ¥2,530

You pass with about 80% correct at Levels 1 and 2, and about 70% at Levels 3–10. The association does not publish pass rates. All tested proverbs are listed in the official guide and drill book for each level.

What it tests

Tested

Proverbs
Idioms and set phrases
Vocabulary

Not tested

Listening
Speaking
Grammar
Writing kanji by hand
Long reading passages

It only tests proverbs and set phrases. There is no listening, speaking, handwriting or general reading comprehension.

Languages and where to take it

Test language: Entirely in Japanese.
Instructions: Instructions and the application site are in Japanese.
Where: Online from any internet-connected device. Groups of 10 or more, such as schools, can also take a paper test.
How long it counts

What it's recognised for

Many universities, including Waseda, Meiji and Kansai, consider it in recommendation and AO admissions. It can be listed on a résumé at any level.

About the exam

Who it's for: Knowledge of Japanese proverbs, idioms and four-character compounds. Levels run from 3rd-grade elementary school up to adults.
Levels and scores: Ten levels from 10級 (easiest) to 1級. Each level also covers the proverbs of the levels below it.