4 Japanese exams compared by issuer, levels and purpose
Japanese has one widely known general exam and three exams for specific purposes.
| Exam | Issuer | Levels or scale | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| JLPT | Japan Foundation abroad, JEES in Japan | N5 to N1, pass or fail | general proof for employers and universities |
| JFT-Basic | Japan Foundation | 10 to 250 points, A1 to A2 | work and student visas in Japan |
| EJU | JASSO | Japanese section 0 to 400 plus essay 0 to 50 | undergraduate admission in Japan |
| BJT | Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation | 0 to 800 points, J5 to J1+ | business Japanese |
The JLPT, the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, is the most widely taken Japanese exam. The JFT-Basic tests everyday Japanese on computer at test centres in about 50 questions and 60 minutes. Since August 2026 it reports levels of the CEFR, the European scale from A1 to C2, namely A1 from 145 points, A2.1 from 175 and A2 from 200 points. According to the Japan Foundation, you can use it for the Specified Skilled Worker (i), Employment for Skill Development and Student statuses of residence. The EJU is run by JASSO, the Japan Student Services Organization, and the BJT, the Business Japanese Proficiency Test, by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation.
Which Japanese exam fits which goal
The right exam follows from your goal and from the institution that asks for proof.
- Proof for employers and universities in general: The JLPT is the usual choice. Employers and universities in Japan often ask for N2 or N1.
- Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa: You need the JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher, plus a skills test for the sector.
- Japanese language school in Japan: The JFT-Basic counts for the Student status if you enrol at the school.
- Bachelor's degree taught in Japanese: You take the EJU, often together with JLPT N2 or N1.
- Business role or highly skilled professional visa: The BJT and the JLPT both count. In Japan's points system, N1 or a BJT score of 480 or more adds 15 points, N2 or a BJT score of 400 or more adds 10.
The JFT-Basic covers only levels A1 to A2 of the CEFR, the European scale from A1 to C2. It proves everyday Japanese, while a degree or office work in Japanese needs far higher levels.
Before you book a preparation course, ask the institution in writing which exam it accepts, which minimum level or score it expects and which session counts.
The JLPT requires a total and a minimum in every section
Each JLPT level is scored from 0 to 180 points. You pass only with the total pass mark plus a minimum score in every section, so a strong reading score cannot make up for weak listening.
The N4 pass mark is 90 of 180 points. For N1 to N3, the three sections language knowledge, reading and listening count 0 to 60 points each, and you need at least 19 in every section. For N4 and N5, language knowledge and reading form one section with 0 to 120 points and a minimum of 38, and listening needs at least 19 of 60.
Since December 2025 the score reports of candidates who pass also show a level of the CEFR, the European scale from A1 to C2. According to the Japan Foundation, this reference covers only reading, listening and language knowledge.
The JLPT certificate does not expire. For a level exam like the JLPT, preparation trains the tasks of one level, so choose your level before you book a course.
None of the 4 standard Japanese exams tests speaking
All four exams measure reading, listening and language knowledge in different mixes.
- The JLPT tests vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening.
- The JFT-Basic has four sections, namely script and vocabulary, conversation and expression, listening and reading, all answered on screen.
- The Japanese section of the EJU covers reading, listening, a combined listening-reading part and an essay.
- The BJT covers listening, listening combined with reading, and reading.
Learners who prepare only for these exams often read more than they can say. Employers and universities in Japan therefore check spoken Japanese in interviews, and an exam course without speaking practice leaves that gap open.
If you need to prove speaking, ask your teacher for a written assessment or prepare for the interview with role plays.
5 preparation steps specific to Japanese exams
Japanese exams test skills that European language exams do not, such as reading kanji in context.
- Learn kanji with their readings in words. Kanji are characters adopted from China, and most have several readings depending on the word.
- Read under time pressure. JLPT and BJT reading parts reward speed as well as accuracy.
- Listen at natural speed. Spoken Japanese drops subjects and blurs long and short vowels.
- Practise on screen. The JFT-Basic and the BJT are computer-based tests, so mock tests on a computer prepare you for the format.
- Write essays for the EJU. The JLPT has no writing part, while the EJU scores an essay from 0 to 50.
The official websites of the JLPT and the JFT-Basic publish sample questions. Combine them with a few one-to-one lessons in which a teacher corrects your essays and your spoken answers.
Test dates and retake rules for Japanese exams
The four exams differ strongly in how often they run, which shapes your preparation plan.
| Exam | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| JLPT | July and December in many countries | some cities only once a year |
| JFT-Basic | usually every month | result shown immediately |
| EJU | 21 June and 8 November 2026 | in Japan and 13 countries or regions abroad |
| BJT | a date of your choice at a test centre | wait three months before a retake |
For the JLPT, you register with your local test centre, usually a few months before the test. A missed JLPT level can mean waiting six months or a full year for the next chance, so plan the date with enough buffer before an application deadline.
Frequently asked questions about online Japanese test preparation courses
Which Japanese exam is the most widely taken?
The JLPT, the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, is the most widely taken Japanese exam. Outside Japan the Japan Foundation runs it with local partners, in many countries in July and December. It has five levels from N5 to N1 and tests language knowledge, reading and listening.
Which Japanese exam do universities in Japan use for admission?
Universities in Japan use the EJU, the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students, for undergraduate admission. JASSO runs it twice a year, in 2026 on 21 June and 8 November. Many universities also ask for JLPT N2 or N1.
Which Japanese test shows the result immediately?
The JFT-Basic of the Japan Foundation shows the result immediately after the test. It tests everyday Japanese on computer at test centres, usually every month, and reports 10 to 250 points with levels from A1 to A2. It counts for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa.
Is there a Japanese business exam with a score instead of pass or fail?
Yes, the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test reports a score from 0 to 800 instead of pass or fail. The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation runs it on computer at test centres, and the score places you in one of six levels from J5 to J1+.
Does any of the standard Japanese exams test speaking?
No, none of the four standard Japanese exams, the JLPT, the JFT-Basic, the EJU and the BJT, has a speaking part. They test reading, listening and language knowledge, and the EJU adds an essay. Employers and universities check spoken Japanese in interviews instead.
How often can I take the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test?
You can take the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test on a date of your choice at a test centre, but you must wait three months before a retake. The test runs in about 21 cities in Japan and about 20 countries or regions abroad.
Sources
The information is based on these sources. Check fees and dates with the provider before you register.