Japanese Language Proficiency Test Guide

There used to be only four levels of the JLPT, but one level was divided into two levels in 2010. The original level 2 and level 3 had a huge gap in between, so the purpose of creating another level is to minimize the gap between these two levels. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, or JLPT is probably the most standardized exam to measure and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native Japanese speakers. The test covers language knowledge, reading ability and listening ability. In Japan, the test is administered twice a year but in the U.S., the test is administered once a year, on the first Sunday of December. The Ministry of Education administers the JLPT in Japan, but overseas, the Japan Foundation co-proctors test administration with local cultural exchange and/or educational institutions, or with committees specially established for this purpose.

According to the wikipedia:

The JLPT was expanded to five levels in 2010, characterized as follows:

N1: The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances (This is a prerequisite for foreign medical professionals who wish to take examinations to be licensed in Japan, and for certain nationals who wish to attend nursing school in Japan.)

N2: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree

N3: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree

N4: The ability to understand basic Japanese

N5: The ability to understand some basic Japanese.

“Until 2003, the JLPT was one of the requirements for foreigners entering Japanese universities. Since 2003, the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used by most universities for this purpose; unlike the JLPT, which is solely a multiple-choice exam, the EJU contains sections which require the examinee to write in Japanese.”