After years of study and consideration, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test has been re-designed from four levels to five. The new test levels are pegged at N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5.

The N3 level is a newly created level between Level 2 and Level 3 in the old test, which aims to overcome the large learning hurdle between the two and encourage more students to take the exam.

The 2010 Japanese Language Proficiency Test will be held on 5th December (Sunday) commencing simultaneously at 1:00 PM in Manila (De La Salle University, Taft Campus), Cebu City (University of San Carlos), and Davao City (Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku).

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is administered once a year worldwide by the Japan Foundation to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.

Criteria

The examination covers writing-vocabulary, listening, and reading-grammar. Examinees are free to select the testing level which best corresponds to their Japanese-language proficiency and classroom training.

N1: The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 vocabulary words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society.

N2: The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows about 1,000 Kanji and vocabulary 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature.

N3: NEW! The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows about 600 Kanji and 3,000 vocabulary words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences.

N4: The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 vocabulary words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences.

N5: The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows about 100 Kanji and vocabulary 800 words and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences.

Application Procedure

Application forms will be available from 7th July 2010 at the following locations:

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JF, Manila)
12/F Pacific Star Bldg.
Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia Ext.) cor. Makati Ave.
Tel. # 811-61-55 to 58 Fax # 811-61-53

Japanese Association Cebu, Inc.
5/F Clotilde Commercial Center
M. L. Quezon St., Casuntingan, Mandaue City
Tel. # (032) 343-7662 / Fax # (032) 343-7663

Examination fees are to be paid in full upon submission of duly accomplished forms, along with two 2″x2″ ID photos, at the offices listed above on or before 3rd September 2010 at 5:00 PM.

N1: PhP 900.00
N2: PhP 900.00
N3: PhP 800.00
N4: PhP 800.00
N5: PhP 800.00

Payments made out as company checks are accepted for groups composed of ten employees or more. All others are requested to settle their fees in cash.

Announcement of Results

Successful examinees will be issued Certificates of Proficiency by March 2011. All examinees will receive a Score Report.

For more information on the JLPT, please visit the Japan Foundation Manila website.