NAT TEST
NAT-TEST is an examination that measures the Japanese language ability of students who are not native Japanese speakers. The tests are separated by difficulty (five levels) and general ability is measured in three categories: Grammar/Vocabulary, Listening and Reading Comprehension. The format of the exam and the types of questions are equivalent to those that appear on the Japanese Language Ability Test.
Levels and sections of the exam
There are five levels of the Japanese Language NAT-TEST. Level 5 is the easiest followed by levels 4, 3, 2, and then level 1, which is the most difficult. The difficulty of each level corresponds to its respective level (from N5 to N1) on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Levels 1 and 2 have a Language Knowledge section, which includes reading, grammar and vocabulary, Reading Comprehension section and Listening section. Levels 3, 4 and 5 have a Language Knowledge section, which includes kanji and vocabulary, a second Language Knowledge section with grammar and reading, and then a Listening section. On the day of the exam, it will take several hours for test takers to complete the test.
Quick and detailed exam results
The results issue of the test within three weeks of the examination date. On the score report will be printed not only your general score but also a detailed breakdown of the different sections and how you performed on them. Your strong suits and weak points on the test will be visible at a glance. For those who pass, a certificate will be issued as well.
The Score Report and Certificate of Proficiency
A score report will be sent to all test takers of the NAT-TEST. For those who pass the exam, a certificate of proficiency will be sent as well with the examinee’s picture attached.
Levels and Sections of the Exam
An Exam with Five Levels
The Japanese Language NAT-TEST has five levels. The easiest level is 5 and the most difficult level is 1. Each level corresponds to its respective level on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N5 to N1).
Levels 1 and 2 of the exam contain the following sections: Language Knowledge (reading/vocabulary/grammar) and Listening. Levels 3, 4 and 5 of the exam contain the following sections: Language Knowledge (reading/vocabulary), a second Language Knowledge (grammar, reading comprehension) and Listening.
| Level 1 1Q |
One has studied Japanese for about one year (approx. 1000 hours of study) and has achieved an extremely high level of Japanese competence. This level is suitable for those who wish to enter a Japanese university or graduate school and for those who are seeking to pass level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. |
| Level 2 2Q |
One has studied Japanese for nine to twelve months (approx. 800 hours of study) and has achieved a high level of Japanese competence. This level is suitable for those who are studying Japanese as a prerequisite to enter a vocational school or Japanese university in the future and for those who are seeking to pass level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. |
| Level 3 3Q |
One has studied Japanese for six to nine months (approx. 600 hours of study) and has achieved a moderate level of Japanese competence. This level is suitable for those who wish to prepare for a university or vocational school entrance exam and for those who are seeking to pass level 3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
| Level 4 4Q |
One has studied Japanese for three to six months (approx. 400 hours of study) and has achieved a basic level of Japanese competence. This level is suitable for those who are seeking to pass level 4 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. |
| Level 5 5Q |
One has studied Japanese for one to three months (approx. 200 hours of study) and has achieved a very basic level of Japanese competence. This level is suitable for those who are seeking to pass level 5 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. |
*The Japanese Language NAT-TEST is based on the same standards as the JLPT.
The Three Sections of the Exam
The exact organization and content of the exam differs slightly for each level, however a basic guide to the content on the NAT-TEST is as follows:
