Introduction
JLPT refers to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It is the first test that measures and certifies your proficiency in the Japanese language. The test is undertaken by those whose native language is not Japanese. It is conducted globally on an annual basis, with an average of approximately 650,000 participants per year. There are very many advantages that the JLPT certificate offers. Other than gaining the recognition of academic credit, it is also an acknowledgment that you will be qualified in society. Below are the reasons why the JLPT test is useful to the participants.
The participant obtains favor for immigration to Japan
Those who pass the N1 part of the test are awarded 15 points while passing the N2 parts grants an award of 10 points. The awards are according to the Point-based Preferential Immigration Treatment System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals of the government. Getting a total of 70 points or more gives the participant a favored treatment at immigration to Japan.
It Gives Credibility
Before getting to understand this point, you need to know that the JLPT test has different levels, as explained below:
- N1 is required for the most advanced job positions
- N2 certification is necessary for the minimum proficiency of basic jobs
- N3 forms the middle ground and may land you to minimal jobs
- N4 and N5 certificates are needed, but they do not hold much value. They show your interest in working towards getting proficient in the Japanese language
If you are seeking for education advancement or employment in Japan, the test will give you credibility as explained above.
Gives you a chance for Increased Salary
Most jobs require the proficiency of at least the N2 certification. Typically, the higher your ability is in the Japanese language, the better the type of job you are likely to get. A better job means that you can negotiate for a salary of your choice.
Individual Ability Gauge
JLPT helps you track your ability in Japanese. Other than undertaking the test to look for a job in Japan or advance your studies, it will be beneficial to you.
For Fun
Sometimes, you may be studying the language for fun. In such cases, you only want to have a secondary language. Even if it is for fun, JLPT is an excellent assessment for you to track your ability in Japanese. If you enjoy taking standardized tests, then you can go on and see how far this language will take you. You might be doing it for fun today, but it will become beneficial soon.
Connect
After having the test, will you be visiting Japan? One of the best human experiences is the ability to connect with other people. Passing the tests means that you can fluently communicate in Japanese. Generally, being bilingual grants you a unique chance to talk with many people in their personal and professional lives. Therefore, the test will give you the desire to be more fluent in the language, and this, in turn, makes you a Japanese local. Connecting with people shapes you and helps you life-long relationships.
Boost Your Confidence
After passing the first or second level of the test, you are prone to make mistakes, right? Sometimes, you will make the mistakes before native crowds. Well, this is a crucial part of your learning process. The tests will give you a desire to learn more. The more you learn, the more proficient you become, and the more your confidence is boosted in the language. Who wouldn’t want the latter? The test will take you out of your comfort zone and give you a sense of accomplishment, even when you are conversing with natives.
Gain Perspective
The test will help you gain a perspective of Japanese. As you explore the language and culture of the Japanese people, you are bound to draw some comparisons to what you are familiar with. With the test, you will know about the Japanse culture, both positive and negative. With these, you will appreciate what you have.
Deepen Your Connection with the Japanese Culture
Generally, one way of connecting with a people’s culture is through understanding and communicating in their language. Being able to speak in the Japanese language exposes you to the Japanese culture. It will also make you appreciate the religion, traditions, history, and arts of the Japanese people. But how can you reach this level before undertaking the JLPT test? Greater understanding stimulates tolerance, compassion, and acceptance of the natives.
Increases Networking Skills
For as long as you desire to live in Japan, find a fantastic job, and develop your life, this test is mandatory. You will need networking skills to be able to access some opportunities in this foreign country. The test not only adds credibility, but it will also give you a desire to have more of the language. It, in turn, opens you up to the Japanese culture that makes you flexible enough to network with the natives and appreciate their actions and opinions. If you happen to be multilingual, you will be advantaged to see the world from diverse viewpoints. Therefore, your networking skills will significantly be enhanced.
Conclusion
Nowadays, there is an upsurged interest in people to work in top companies across the globe. It is for this reason that the need for learning foreign languages has much arisen. Japanese is one of these languages, as it has too much preference by people. The eventual goal of passing JLPT is to be able to understand the language and converse in it. Even though all the others are secondary advantages, you still have a lot to reap from undertaking the JLPT. You may not become a Japanese vocabulary perfectionist, but you will undoubtedly know what you need to know.
