This is for guidance only. The JFLLC cannot take any responsibility for the changes to the information below. Please contact the exam board directly for the latest information.
GCSE JAPANESE Edexcel
Examination code:
Japanese A 1752 (4 skills)
Japanese B 1753 (3 skills)
The Student GCSE Guide provides a straightforward explanation of the GCSE system
Please click here for general advice for teachers starting GCSE Japanese for the first time.
Private Candidates
If you are not registered at a school or college but wish to sit GCSE Japanese,
please check the link below for more information or contact Edexcel directly
on 0844 576 0027.
http://www.edexcel.com/iwantto/Pages/private.aspx
Exam specification
Please note that the specification for the GCSE exam will be changing over the next few years. Please contact Edexcel directly for more information about the exam schedule, and follow the links below for official information from the Edexcel website:
Download current specification, examiners’ reports, etc:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse-leg/lang/japanese/Pages/default.aspx
Download new draft specification, papers, mark schemes, etc:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/mfl/japanese/Pages/default.aspx
First examination 2010
Final Specification (Pre-Published)
Suitable for:
Secondary school pupils, adults
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Resources:
Please click here to see recommended resources for teaching GCSE Japanese.
Exam board contact details:
Edexcel
http://www.edexcel.com/
http://www.edexcel.com/Aboutus/contact-us/Pages/home.aspx
Please note that the specification for the GCSE exam will be changing over the next few years. Please contact Edexcel directly for more information about the exam schedule, and follow the links below for official information from the Edexcel website:
Download current specification, examiners’ reports, etc:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse-leg/lang/japanese/Pages/default.aspx
Download new draft specification, papers, mark schemes, etc:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/mfl/japanese/Pages/default.aspx
First examination 2010
Final Specification (Pre-Published)
Suitable for:
Secondary school pupils, adults
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Resources:
Please click here to see recommended resources for teaching GCSE Japanese.
Exam board contact details:
Edexcel
http://www.edexcel.com/
http://www.edexcel.com/Aboutus/contact-us/Pages/home.aspx
GCE (AS and A2) JAPANESE Edexcel
Examination code: 8624
The Student AS/A Level Guide provides a straightforward explanation of the
examination system
Private Candidates
If you are not registered at a school or college but wish to sit for
AS or A2 Japanese, please check the link below for more information
or contact Edexcel directly on 0844 576 0025.
http://www.edexcel.com/iwantto/Pages/private.aspx
Please note that the specification for both the AS and A2 exams will be
changing over the next few years. Follow the links below for official information
from the Edexcel website:
Click here to see a schedule showing when exams based on the current and new specification will be held. (In the search field, select Japanese.)
Download current specification, examiners’ reports, etc:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce-leg/lang/Japanese/Pages/default.aspx
Download new specification and sample materials:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/lang/japanese/Pages/default.aspx
AS first examination 2009
A2 first examination 2010
Suitable for:
post 16 students
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Resources:
If you are using the new specification, please see page 61 of this for resources suggested as bibliographies to support study of the prescribed topic or text in Unit 2. If you are using the current specification, please see pages 37-38 of this for a bibliography and suggested resources. Click here for other recommended resources for teaching AS and A2 Japanese.
Exam board contact details:
Edexcel
http://www.edexcel.com/
http://www.edexcel.com/Aboutus/contact-us/Pages/home.aspx
Click here to see a schedule showing when exams based on the current and new specification will be held. (In the search field, select Japanese.)
Download current specification, examiners’ reports, etc:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce-leg/lang/Japanese/Pages/default.aspx
Download new specification and sample materials:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/lang/japanese/Pages/default.aspx
AS first examination 2009
A2 first examination 2010
Suitable for:
post 16 students
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Resources:
If you are using the new specification, please see page 61 of this for resources suggested as bibliographies to support study of the prescribed topic or text in Unit 2. If you are using the current specification, please see pages 37-38 of this for a bibliography and suggested resources. Click here for other recommended resources for teaching AS and A2 Japanese.
Exam board contact details:
Edexcel
http://www.edexcel.com/
http://www.edexcel.com/Aboutus/contact-us/Pages/home.aspx
WJEC Level 1 Certificate in Japanese WJEC
Please note that the last examination will take place in June 2009.
Features:
Originally developed within the Welsh Office Japanese-in-Schools programme, this course was first accredited by the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC). In 2004, the course was approved as a Level 1 Certificate in Japanese by QCA.
Kana, Kanji and Romaji versions of the specification are available for use by the teacher. Pupils learn to read and write in the kana scripts as a requirement of the course.
There are 4 topics, covering
Topic 1: Introductions
Topic 2: Shopping and Eating Out
Topic 3: Daily Life
Topic 4: Socialising (Going out and finding the way)
Aims:
Suitable for:
Secondary school pupils in the Sixth Form (Years 12 / 13, ages 16-18)
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils (Years 7 - 11)
Recommended number of contact hours:
Three or four terms - 2 hours a week contact time plus a similar amount of time per week spent on homework or supported self- study. The course is flexible so that classes without this amount of time at their disposal may proceed at their own pace.
Kanji requirement:
Active: 31, Passive: about 28
Method of Assessment:
There is an assessment at the end of each topic, which consists of a listening, speaking, reading and writing test. Topics 1 – 3 are internally assessed, and topic 4 is externally assessed. No use of dictionaries or other reference material is allowed.
Grades awarded:
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 are reported on a pass/fail basis only, with the pass mark being 50/120. If candidates fail to achieve 50/120 before moderation, they may re-sit each assessment once only. Candidates successfully completing assessment 1 and /or 2 and/or 3 will be issued with a certificate of credit. Candidates successfully completing the 4 assessments (3 internal plus one external) will be awarded the full certificate at level 1. The results of assessment 4 will be reported as fail/pass/merit/distinction.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Syllabus and Assessment Guide are available from the Board or can be downloaded from:
http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?subject=30&level=123&content=274
Kana, Kanji and Romaji versions of the specification are available for use by the teacher. Pupils learn to read and write in the kana scripts as a requirement of the course.
There are 4 topics, covering
Topic 1: Introductions
Topic 2: Shopping and Eating Out
Topic 3: Daily Life
Topic 4: Socialising (Going out and finding the way)
Aims:
- Develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of Japanese in a range of contexts
- Develop the ability to communicate effectively in Japanese through both the spoken and written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the grammar of Japanese and the ability to apply it
- Help candidates apply their knowledge and understanding in a variety of relevant contexts
- Develop knowledge and understanding of Japan and Japanese speaking communities (particularly the Japanese community in the UK)
- Develop positive attitudes to modern foreign language learning
- Provide a suitable foundation for further study and / or practical use of Japanese; in particular to provide a stepping stone towards GCSE
Secondary school pupils in the Sixth Form (Years 12 / 13, ages 16-18)
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils (Years 7 - 11)
Recommended number of contact hours:
Three or four terms - 2 hours a week contact time plus a similar amount of time per week spent on homework or supported self- study. The course is flexible so that classes without this amount of time at their disposal may proceed at their own pace.
Kanji requirement:
Active: 31, Passive: about 28
Method of Assessment:
There is an assessment at the end of each topic, which consists of a listening, speaking, reading and writing test. Topics 1 – 3 are internally assessed, and topic 4 is externally assessed. No use of dictionaries or other reference material is allowed.
Grades awarded:
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 are reported on a pass/fail basis only, with the pass mark being 50/120. If candidates fail to achieve 50/120 before moderation, they may re-sit each assessment once only. Candidates successfully completing assessment 1 and /or 2 and/or 3 will be issued with a certificate of credit. Candidates successfully completing the 4 assessments (3 internal plus one external) will be awarded the full certificate at level 1. The results of assessment 4 will be reported as fail/pass/merit/distinction.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Syllabus and Assessment Guide are available from the Board or can be downloaded from:
http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?subject=30&level=123&content=274
IB – AB initio, Language B International Baccalaureate
Features:
The AB initio course is for beginners and is designed to be taken over two years by students who have no previous knowledge of learning the target language.
IB exams are for registered schools only. Please contact the exam board for more information.
Exam Board contact details:
International Baccalaureate Organization
Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff, CF23 8GL, Wales, UK
Tel: 02920 54 7777 Â reception
Fax: 02920 54 7778
Web: http://www.ibo.org/
E-mail: ibca@ibo.org
The AB initio course is for beginners and is designed to be taken over two years by students who have no previous knowledge of learning the target language.
IB exams are for registered schools only. Please contact the exam board for more information.
Exam Board contact details:
International Baccalaureate Organization
Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff, CF23 8GL, Wales, UK
Tel: 02920 54 7777 Â reception
Fax: 02920 54 7778
Web: http://www.ibo.org/
E-mail: ibca@ibo.org
ABC (Awarding Body Consortium) ABC
Features:
Entry Level 2 and 3 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 1 and 2 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 3 Awards and Double Award in Practical Languages
Entry requirements:
Minimum entry age is 14. (This includes Year 9 pupils.)
Suitable for:
Anyone who wishes to study for employment purposes or personal development in the wider sense of Lifelong Learning.
Recommended number of contact hours :
Entry Level 3 Award in Speaking and Listening = 40 – 60 hours
Entry Level 3 Award in Reading and Writing = 40 – 60 hours
Entry 3 Double Award = 90 – 120 hours
Level 1 Award and Level 2 Award will require the same hours each as in Entry Level.
Level 3 Double Award will require a minimum of 150 hours.
Recommended coursebook:
Not listed.
Grades awarded:
Pass / Fail.
Exam Board contact details:
Ann Farnsworth/Daniel Moult
Languages Administrators
ABC Awards
Robins Wood House
Robins Wood Road
Nottingham
NG8 3NH
Tel: 01158541622 /01158541672
Email: annf@abcawards.co.uk or danielm@abcawards.co.uk
Website: http://www.abcawards.co.uk
Entry Level 2 and 3 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 1 and 2 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 3 Awards and Double Award in Practical Languages
Entry requirements:
Minimum entry age is 14. (This includes Year 9 pupils.)
Suitable for:
Anyone who wishes to study for employment purposes or personal development in the wider sense of Lifelong Learning.
Recommended number of contact hours :
Entry Level 3 Award in Speaking and Listening = 40 – 60 hours
Entry Level 3 Award in Reading and Writing = 40 – 60 hours
Entry 3 Double Award = 90 – 120 hours
Level 1 Award and Level 2 Award will require the same hours each as in Entry Level.
Level 3 Double Award will require a minimum of 150 hours.
Recommended coursebook:
Not listed.
Grades awarded:
Pass / Fail.
Exam Board contact details:
Ann Farnsworth/Daniel Moult
Languages Administrators
ABC Awards
Robins Wood House
Robins Wood Road
Nottingham
NG8 3NH
Tel: 01158541622 /01158541672
Email: annf@abcawards.co.uk or danielm@abcawards.co.uk
Website: http://www.abcawards.co.uk
CERTIFICATE IN BUSINESS LANGUAGE COMPETENCE (CBLC) OCR
Examination code: L76
Features:
The assessment takes the form of an oral test offering a choice from the following
4 “elements” or topic areas:
Dealing with visitors to the company; arriving at a hotel; dealing with directions and signs; travelling on business.
The full certificate consists of all 4 of any of the above elements of certification. Any number of elements may be attempted at any one time and in any order. Achievement in fewer than four elements of certification is recognised by a profile certificate.
Aims:
To assess communicative skills in Japanese at a basic level within a business context.
Suitable for:
Post 16 students, or those who wish, for any purpose, to demonstrate that they have acquired basic communicative skills in Japanese. The syllabus has been designed to provide progression towards NVQ Language Units at Level 1.
This qualification has no links to the National Curriculum and may not be offered to students under 16 in place of a National Curriculum qualification.
Recommended number of contact hours :
About 100 hours
Kanji requirement:
About 35
Recommended coursebook:
Syllabus and sample assessment materials are available from OCR Publications.
Japanese Entry Level "Teacher’s Packs" and activity books are available in romaji and kana versions from Language Networks for Excellence (http://languagenetworksforexcellence.co.uk).
Method of Assessment:
Terminal assessment by oral test for each of the 4 elements (which last 5 minutes each). The test is conducted by an external oral examiner appointed by the Board. The test is carried out entirely in Japanese apart from when the candidate is occasionally required to demonstrate understanding by making a written note in EnglishGrades awarded:
Results for each element will be graded Pass or Fail. Candidates who achieve all 4 elements will be awarded an Entry Level Certificate in Business Language Competence in Japanese. Candidates who do not achieve all four elements of certification will receive a profile certificate for the successful elements.
Documents to request from the Board:
Copies of the syllabus, the list of centres offering OCR assessment in Japanese and sample Assessment are available from OCR Publications, OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JQ.
Switchboard: 02476 47 0033 Fax: 02476 42 1944
Email: cib@ocr.org.uk
Website: www.ocr.org.uk
Exam Board contact details:
OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JQ
OCR switchboard (Coventry section): 02476 47 0033
OCR Customer Information Bureau: 0870 870 6622
Fax (OCR, Coventry): 02476 42 1944
The assessment takes the form of an oral test offering a choice from the following
4 “elements” or topic areas:
Dealing with visitors to the company; arriving at a hotel; dealing with directions and signs; travelling on business.
The full certificate consists of all 4 of any of the above elements of certification. Any number of elements may be attempted at any one time and in any order. Achievement in fewer than four elements of certification is recognised by a profile certificate.
Aims:
To assess communicative skills in Japanese at a basic level within a business context.
Suitable for:
Post 16 students, or those who wish, for any purpose, to demonstrate that they have acquired basic communicative skills in Japanese. The syllabus has been designed to provide progression towards NVQ Language Units at Level 1.
This qualification has no links to the National Curriculum and may not be offered to students under 16 in place of a National Curriculum qualification.
Recommended number of contact hours :
About 100 hours
Kanji requirement:
About 35
Recommended coursebook:
Syllabus and sample assessment materials are available from OCR Publications.
Japanese Entry Level "Teacher’s Packs" and activity books are available in romaji and kana versions from Language Networks for Excellence (http://languagenetworksforexcellence.co.uk).
Method of Assessment:
Terminal assessment by oral test for each of the 4 elements (which last 5 minutes each). The test is conducted by an external oral examiner appointed by the Board. The test is carried out entirely in Japanese apart from when the candidate is occasionally required to demonstrate understanding by making a written note in EnglishGrades awarded:
Results for each element will be graded Pass or Fail. Candidates who achieve all 4 elements will be awarded an Entry Level Certificate in Business Language Competence in Japanese. Candidates who do not achieve all four elements of certification will receive a profile certificate for the successful elements.
Documents to request from the Board:
Copies of the syllabus, the list of centres offering OCR assessment in Japanese and sample Assessment are available from OCR Publications, OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JQ.
Switchboard: 02476 47 0033 Fax: 02476 42 1944
Email: cib@ocr.org.uk
Website: www.ocr.org.uk
Exam Board contact details:
OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JQ
OCR switchboard (Coventry section): 02476 47 0033
OCR Customer Information Bureau: 0870 870 6622
Fax (OCR, Coventry): 02476 42 1944
Asset Languages
Features:
The Languages Ladder is a scale of measurement. It has six stages – from Breakthrough to Mastery. Each stage is further broken down into three small steps or grades and four skills.
External Assessment:
External assessment covers the Can Do statements for the whole of a stage (all three 'grades'). All four skills are assessed separately and each external test successfully completed is a nationally recognised qualification in its own right – e.g. Breakthrough Japanese Reading.
The learner can be entered for an Asset Languages qualification when they are ready. There are 5 external assessment testing series throughout the year.
Asset Languages externally assessed qualifications attract Achievement and Attainment Table points. The points are per skill, by grade. It is possible to combine points from different languages and different skills.
Teacher Assessment:
Teacher assessment is carried out using tasks and mark schemes supplied by OCR in a Teacher Assessment Pack. The content of the tasks can be adapted and integrated into current programmes of work.
Teacher assessment is overseen by an Accredited Teacher and leads to a Grade Award which is issued in the centre. It complements external assessment but both can be carried out independently.
Suitable for:
Asset Languages is available for all students - from primary to adult learners.
Recommended number of contact hours:
Breakthrough: 30 guided learning hours per qualification
Preliminary: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Entry Level)
Intermediate: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 1)
Advanced: 50 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 2)
Kanji requirement:
By the end of the stage, learners are expected to be able to recognise all kanji listed in the specifications for the stage in question, and those included in previous stages.
Breakthrough: 10 kanji
Preliminary: 90 kanji
Intermediate: 120 kanji
Advanced: 280 kanji
For more information please see the language specifications:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/specs.aspx
Recommended course book:
none
Method of assessment:
See above – External Assessment = single paper per skill, between 20-60 minutes in length depending on stage and skill.
For more information please see the Stage Guides:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/default.aspx
Grades awarded:
Documents to request:
DfES Can Do Statements:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/specialists/cando_sept2005.pdf
FAQ Document:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/support/Asset_FAQs2.pdf
Request information Pack:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/feedback/default.aspx
or assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
To register as a centre:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/centres/registration.aspx
Exam board contact details:
Asset Languages
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
01223 553998 - OCR Customer Contact Centre
assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/
- Based on the DfES Languages Ladder of Can Do statements
- Each skill is assessed separately: reading, writing, listening, speaking
- Classroom assessment for teacher-assessed grade awards and for external end-of-stage qualifications
- Frequent testing opportunities for external exams - not just at the end of the year
- Designed to work with existing teaching programmes
The Languages Ladder is a scale of measurement. It has six stages – from Breakthrough to Mastery. Each stage is further broken down into three small steps or grades and four skills.
External Assessment:
External assessment covers the Can Do statements for the whole of a stage (all three 'grades'). All four skills are assessed separately and each external test successfully completed is a nationally recognised qualification in its own right – e.g. Breakthrough Japanese Reading.
The learner can be entered for an Asset Languages qualification when they are ready. There are 5 external assessment testing series throughout the year.
Asset Languages externally assessed qualifications attract Achievement and Attainment Table points. The points are per skill, by grade. It is possible to combine points from different languages and different skills.
Teacher Assessment:
Teacher assessment is carried out using tasks and mark schemes supplied by OCR in a Teacher Assessment Pack. The content of the tasks can be adapted and integrated into current programmes of work.
Teacher assessment is overseen by an Accredited Teacher and leads to a Grade Award which is issued in the centre. It complements external assessment but both can be carried out independently.
Suitable for:
Asset Languages is available for all students - from primary to adult learners.
Recommended number of contact hours:
Breakthrough: 30 guided learning hours per qualification
Preliminary: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Entry Level)
Intermediate: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 1)
Advanced: 50 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 2)
Kanji requirement:
By the end of the stage, learners are expected to be able to recognise all kanji listed in the specifications for the stage in question, and those included in previous stages.
Breakthrough: 10 kanji
Preliminary: 90 kanji
Intermediate: 120 kanji
Advanced: 280 kanji
For more information please see the language specifications:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/specs.aspx
Recommended course book:
none
Method of assessment:
See above – External Assessment = single paper per skill, between 20-60 minutes in length depending on stage and skill.
For more information please see the Stage Guides:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/default.aspx
Grades awarded:
|
Documents to request:
DfES Can Do Statements:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/specialists/cando_sept2005.pdf
FAQ Document:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/support/Asset_FAQs2.pdf
Request information Pack:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/feedback/default.aspx
or assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
To register as a centre:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/centres/registration.aspx
Exam board contact details:
Asset Languages
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
01223 553998 - OCR Customer Contact Centre
assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Japan Foundation
JLPT 2008
Applications are now open for this year’s JLPT, which will be held on Sunday 7th December 2008. The closing date for applications is 6pm on Wednesday 1st October. The application cost is £60 for all levels.
To request an application form and test guide, and for all further information about applying, contact the JLPT office at SOAS:
Email: jlpt@soas.ac.uk Tel (JLPT direct line): 020 7898 4555
Website: http://www.soas.ac.uk/languagecentre/awards/jlpt/
Information on Current Format
The following information refers to the current format of the JLPT:
Features:
4 different levels each consisting of 3 sections: Writing and Vocabulary; Listening; Reading and Grammar.
Aims:
Carried out both in Japan and abroad for the measurement and certification of Japanese proficiency for non-native speakers.
Suitable for:
Non-native speakers of Japanese.
Recommended number of contact hours:
Level 1- 900 hours; Level 2 - 600 hours; Level 3 - 300 hours; Level 4 - 150 hours.
Kanji requirement:
Level 1 - 2000, Level 2 - 1000, Level 3 - 300, Level 4 - 100. The JLPT does not test candidates' written skills in Japanese, but candidates are expected to be able to recognise and read the kanji required at their level.
Recommended coursebook:
Past papers from previous years (including listening comprehension cassette) are published by Bonjinsha. An ever-increasing variety of practice question books and grammar guides targeting the JLPT are also available (publishers include: Bonjinsha, ALC Press Japanese Textbook Series, Unicom Inc.).
See the Links page for useful websites to help prepare for the JLPT. Alternatively download the same information as a PDF file. (new window)
Method of Assessment:
Examination (Vocabulary, Listening, Reading-Grammar) held annually in December.
Grades awarded:
Pass/Fail. All examinees are informed of their scores.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guide (including Application Forms and sample questions).
Cost:
£60 in 2008
Application Period:
The application period is usually from early August to early October each year. The exam takes place each December (2008 application period is from 11th August until 6pm on Wednesday 1st October, and the exam will be held on Sunday 7th December)
Requests for application forms should be made in writing or e-mail to;
SOAS Language Centre, University of London,
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
E-mail: jlpt@soas.ac.uk
Tel (JLPT direct line): 020 7898 4555
Fax: 020 7898 4889
For further details, visit the website at
http://www.soas.ac.uk/languagecentre/awards/jlpt/
Changes to Future Format
The JLPT is held currently once a year in December. Please note that the format of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is changing. The draft schedule for the JLPT during this period is:
December 2008 - Existing format (4 levels)
December 2009 - Existing format (4 levels)
December 2010 - New format (5 levels)
Some of the main practical changes are planned as follows:
- There will be five levels under the new format (N1 to N5), compared to four levels (1-kyu to 4-kyu) under the existing format.
- In the new format, level N3 will bridge the existing 2-kyu and 3-kyu levels.
- The new format will consist of a reading section and a listening section.
- With the new format JLPT, past exam questions will not be made public. Sample questions and profiles of the new levels will be published instead.
- The new format JLPT will be held twice a year.
Please read the official JLPT progress reports for more detailed information:
Click here for Japanese.
Click here for English.
Applications are now open for this year’s JLPT, which will be held on Sunday 7th December 2008. The closing date for applications is 6pm on Wednesday 1st October. The application cost is £60 for all levels.
To request an application form and test guide, and for all further information about applying, contact the JLPT office at SOAS:
Email: jlpt@soas.ac.uk Tel (JLPT direct line): 020 7898 4555
Website: http://www.soas.ac.uk/languagecentre/awards/jlpt/
Information on Current Format
The following information refers to the current format of the JLPT:
Features:
4 different levels each consisting of 3 sections: Writing and Vocabulary; Listening; Reading and Grammar.
Aims:
Carried out both in Japan and abroad for the measurement and certification of Japanese proficiency for non-native speakers.
Suitable for:
Non-native speakers of Japanese.
Recommended number of contact hours:
Level 1- 900 hours; Level 2 - 600 hours; Level 3 - 300 hours; Level 4 - 150 hours.
Kanji requirement:
Level 1 - 2000, Level 2 - 1000, Level 3 - 300, Level 4 - 100. The JLPT does not test candidates' written skills in Japanese, but candidates are expected to be able to recognise and read the kanji required at their level.
Recommended coursebook:
Past papers from previous years (including listening comprehension cassette) are published by Bonjinsha. An ever-increasing variety of practice question books and grammar guides targeting the JLPT are also available (publishers include: Bonjinsha, ALC Press Japanese Textbook Series, Unicom Inc.).
See the Links page for useful websites to help prepare for the JLPT. Alternatively download the same information as a PDF file. (new window)
Method of Assessment:
Examination (Vocabulary, Listening, Reading-Grammar) held annually in December.
Grades awarded:
Pass/Fail. All examinees are informed of their scores.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guide (including Application Forms and sample questions).
Cost:
£60 in 2008
Application Period:
The application period is usually from early August to early October each year. The exam takes place each December (2008 application period is from 11th August until 6pm on Wednesday 1st October, and the exam will be held on Sunday 7th December)
Exam Board contact details:
Requests for application forms should be made in writing or e-mail to;
SOAS Language Centre, University of London,
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
E-mail: jlpt@soas.ac.uk
Tel (JLPT direct line): 020 7898 4555
Fax: 020 7898 4889
For further details, visit the website at
http://www.soas.ac.uk/languagecentre/awards/jlpt/
Changes to Future Format
The JLPT is held currently once a year in December. Please note that the format of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is changing. The draft schedule for the JLPT during this period is:
December 2008 - Existing format (4 levels)
December 2009 - Existing format (4 levels)
December 2010 - New format (5 levels)
Some of the main practical changes are planned as follows:
- There will be five levels under the new format (N1 to N5), compared to four levels (1-kyu to 4-kyu) under the existing format.
- In the new format, level N3 will bridge the existing 2-kyu and 3-kyu levels.
- The new format will consist of a reading section and a listening section.
- With the new format JLPT, past exam questions will not be made public. Sample questions and profiles of the new levels will be published instead.
- The new format JLPT will be held twice a year.
Please read the official JLPT progress reports for more detailed information:
Click here for Japanese.
Click here for English.
KANJI APTITUDE TEST Nihon Kanji Nooryoku Kentee Kyookai
SOAS in London is one of 19 sites worldwide for this exam which was taken by over 1,700,000 candidates this year. Contact Yoshiko Jones on tel. 020-7898-4876, email:yj1@soas.ac.uk for details of requirements and fees.