All exams

Nihongo Kentei

Japanese Language Test (not the JLPT)

Nihongo Kentei Committee (NPO) · JA tests Japanese

UpcomingOfficial site ↗

  • Nov72026

    November 2026 test (2026 session 2)

    Official schedule. Results online about 25 days later.

    Test date
  • May142027

    Registration closes for June 2027

    Registration opens March 1, 2027.

    Registration
  • Jun122027

    June 2027 test (2027 session 1)

    Official schedule.

    Test date
  • Oct152027

    Registration closes for November 2027

    Registration opens August 2, 2027.

    Registration
  • Nov132027

    November 2027 test (2027 session 2)

    Official schedule.

    Test date

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

Taking the test

Fee
¥2,200–¥6,800 depending on level (2026, individual, tax included). Group fees are lower.
How often
Twice a year, in June and November, at venues in all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Format
A written paper test of 60 minutes (Levels 1–3) or 50 minutes (Levels 4–7). Mostly multiple choice, with some written answers such as kanji.
Run by
Nihongo Kentei Committee (NPO)
Apply
Official site ↗

Levels

LevelWhat it meansPass rate
Level 1Advanced working adult. Fluent with academic, literary and classical vocabulary; reads specialist texts. about 18%
Level 2University graduate to intermediate working adult. Reads editorials and academic papers. about 32%
Level 3High school graduate to basic working adult. Knows all jōyō kanji; reads news articles. about 55%
Level 4Junior high school graduation. about 79%
Level 5Elementary school graduation. about 83%
Level 6Elementary school, 4th grade. about 81%
Level 7Elementary school, 2nd grade. about 83%

You need about 80% overall for Level 1 (about 70% for Pre-1), and about 70% for Levels 2–7 (about 60% for the Pre- level). Pass rates are full passes in the first 2026 session (June 2026); Pre- passes add more, e.g. 34% at Level 1.

What it tests

Tested

  • Reading kanji
  • Writing kanji by hand
  • Honorific language (keigo)
  • Vocabulary
  • Idioms and set phrases
  • Grammar
  • Reading

Not tested

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing

It is a written test only. There is no listening, speaking or essay writing.

Languages and where to take it

Test language
Entirely in Japanese.
Instructions
Instructions are in Japanese.
Where
In Japan only, at public venues in all 47 prefectures. Groups of five or more can test at their school or company.
How long it counts
Certificates don't expire.

What it's recognised for

Some universities use it in admissions (extra points or as an application condition) or give course credits. Some companies give preference in hiring. Level 3 or higher is also required for the committee's 秘書実務士 and サービス接遇実務士 qualifications.

About the exam

Who it's for
Overall Japanese ability for people who use Japanese, mainly native-speaking students and working adults. Used for school entrance, university credits and job hunting.
Levels and scores
Seven levels from 7級 (easiest) to 1級. A slightly lower score earns a 準 (Pre-) level, such as 準2級.