Best Japanese Language Certifications for 2024
Is JLPT the only option for Japanese language certification?
Not anymore. In 2024, there are plenty of alternative options depending on your goals.
That being said, choosing the proper certification can feel overwhelming. Is JLPT still the best choice? Or should you consider other options like BJT and J-CAT?
In this guide, I’ll discuss all the top Japanese certifications and help you decide which one best suits your goals.
Comparison of the Best Japanese Language Certifications
| Test Name | Cost | Test Format | Difficulty (Levels) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLPT | $50-$109 |
|
|
General proficiency test, globally recognized for academic and career purposes |
| BJT | ¥7,000 |
|
|
Focuses on business Japanese used in professional settings |
| J-CAT | Free* |
|
|
Online exam used by organizations to assess general Japanese proficiency for placement |
| J-TEST | ¥5,800 |
|
|
Measures proficiency across all levels, from beginner to advanced |
| TOPJ | ¥5,000 |
|
|
Assesses practical language skills combined with cultural understanding |
| Kanji Kentei | ¥2,500-6,000 |
|
|
Tests kanji knowledge for both native and non-native speakers |
Top 3 Recommended Japanese Language Certifications for Business
1. JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
The JLPT is widely recognized across both academic and professional settings.
Its certification is often a requirement for many companies in Japan, making it an essential test for anyone looking to work in Japan.
- Cost: ¥5,000-6,000
- Times per Year: 2 (July, December)
- Difficulty: Varies by level (N5–N1)
- Time to Result: ~2 months
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Globally recognized and widely accepted | No speaking or writing sections |
| Suitable for all levels (beginner to advanced) | Long wait for results |
Read more: JLPT Levels and Estimated Study Time
2. BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test)
The BJT is explicitly designed for business professionals who must demonstrate their practical Japanese skills in a workplace setting.
It’s a computer-based test focusing on listening and reading comprehension in business scenarios.
- Test Locations: In-person (Japan and some global locations)
- Cost: ¥7,000
- Times per Year: 6 times
- Difficulty: Hard (~25%)
- Time to Result: 1 month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focuses on business Japanese | Fewer test dates compared to others |
| Great for those pursuing a career in Japan | Expensive |
3. TOPJ (Test of Practical Japanese)
The TOPJ is a Japanese proficiency test designed to evaluate language ability and the learner’s understanding of Japanese culture and values. Unlike the JLPT, which focuses primarily on language structure, TOPJ aims to assess practical language use in real-life scenarios, making it a more holistic evaluation of communicative competence. The test includes three levels (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced) and is ideal for learners looking to integrate language skills with cultural awareness, especially in professional or academic settings.
While the JLPT is more widely recognized globally, the TOPJ offers a unique blend of language and cultural assessment that can be highly useful for those aiming to work or study in Japan. However, its recognition outside Japan is more limited than the JLPT.
- Test Locations: In-person (primarily in Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar)
- Cost: ¥5,000
- Times per Year: 4 times
- Difficulty: Basic to Advanced. This course combines language proficiency with cultural understanding, making prior knowledge helpful, especially at higher levels.
- Time to Result: 1 month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tests practical language skills and cultural understanding | Limited to certain Asian regions, fewer global test centers |
| Combines multiple levels, providing a cultural perspective along with language | Less well-known outside Asia and not as globally recognized as JLPT |
Top 3 Recommendations for General Proficiency and Academic Certifications
1. JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
The JLPT is the world’s most famous Japanese language test, and over a million people take it yearly.
It’s got five levels, N5 to N1, so you can start easy and work your way up, whether you’re learning for work, school, or just for fun.
Many jobs and academic institutions list the JLPT as a requirement, a testament to its importance and credibility in evaluating Japanese proficiency.
Even without speaking or writing sections, it covers reading, grammar, and listening, which is why it’s the go-to certification for anyone serious about learning Japanese.
2. J-CAT (Japanese Computerized Adaptive Test)
The J-CAT is a computerized, adaptive test designed to assess your overall Japanese proficiency.
Unlike the JLPT, J-CAT is not an official certification, but it offers the flexibility of being available on demand.
The test adjusts its difficulty in real time, providing a more personalized experience by tailoring the questions to your performance level.
While the test was previously free, it is now primarily used by universities and other organizations in Japan as a tool to gauge proficiency for placement or assessment purposes. Individuals may encounter J-CAT through academic institutions or Japanese companies, especially those looking to assess employees’ Japanese language skills.
- Cost: Free
- Times per Year: On-demand
- Difficulty: Adaptive, no pass/fail
- Time to Result: Immediate
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and quick results | Not an official certification |
| Adaptive to your skill level | Limited career applications |
3. J-TEST (Test of Practical Japanese)
The J-TEST can assess all levels of Japanese proficiency, making it a flexible alternative to JLPT.
It’s offered more frequently, which is a plus for those needing immediate results.
- Test Locations: In-person (Japan and mostly Asia)
- Cost: ¥5,800
- Times per Year: 6 times
- Difficulty: Ranges from E-F (Beginner-Intermediate) to A-D (Advanced).
- Time to Result: 1 month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More frequent test dates than JLPT | Less recognized internationally |
| Covers a wide range of levels | Valid for only 1 year |
Bonus: Kanji Kentei (Kanken)
The Kanji Kentei test focuses solely on kanji knowledge, making it a unique certification for both native speakers and Japanese learners. It has 12 different levels, from beginner to expert.
It’s a widely recognized certification in Japan, with millions of learners taking the test yearly. While not entirely practical for everyday language use, Kanken is primarily aimed at native speakers and is extremely challenging, especially at the higher levels. Having this certification can make you stand out significantly among other Japanese learners. Mastering kanji at an advanced level through Kanken shows a deep commitment to understanding the language and its writing system.
- Test Locations: In-person (Japan only)
- Cost: ¥2,500-6,000
- Times per Year: 3 times
- Difficulty: ~50% pass rate
- Time to Result: 2 months
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for mastering kanji | Limited to kanji, not full language proficiency |
| Good for both native and non-native speakers | Fewer test dates |
How to Prepare for Japanese Language Exams
Preparing for exams like the JLPT, BJT, or even Kanji Kentei can feel overwhelming, especially if you balance work, school, or other responsibilities.
One of the most common concerns learners face is finding the right resources and support to stay on track.
At Japonin Online Lessons (JOI), we offer flexible, year-round classes tailored to your specific needs—whether you need business Japanese or general proficiency like the JLPT.
Our lessons run 24/7, so no matter your time zone or schedule, there’s always a class available.
Our approach is unique because it focuses on both the language and practical skills you’ll need to succeed in real exam scenarios.
With experienced instructors and small group classes, you can sharpen your skills in a supportive environment.
Not sure where to start? Try out our 2 FlexLessons for just $9 and see how JOI can help you reach your Japanese language goals.
Sign up for your trial lessons today.