From trade and services and tourism to science and technology, Japan’s influence on eastern and western culture alike has not gone unnoticed. They are a formidable superpower in this world, and people from all around the globe are lining up to do business with them every year. It’s not as easy as showing up and expressing interest, though. Foreigners need to show that they have an exceptional understanding of Japanese culture and language before they can even be considered for advanced Japanese education or employment, and there are several ways you can do this, including the JLPT and NAT.
What is the difference between JLPT and NAT? JLPT, or “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test” and NAT, are similar in the way the tests are structured and presented, but they differ in the following ways:
- Frequency of tests held per year
- The conductor of the tests
- Testing locations
- Test levels
- Certification recognition
- Test difficulty
The truth is, both JLPT and NAT are very similar. From the topics that they cover to the benefits that they offer, the differences may seem very insignificant at first glance. But there are considerations to make when choosing which test is right for you. Factors like location, employer certification requirements, level of knowledge, and desired timeframe for testing can impact which test is best for you to take.
Is There Really a Difference?
JLPT and NAT are standardized criterion-referenced tests to set benchmarks for a non-native speaker’s language learning proficiency. Each test has five different categories that range from easy difficulty (N5 or 5Q) to an advanced difficulty (N1 or 1Q.) Most companies in Japan require non-native applicants to possess a minimum certification at the N2 or 2Q levels.
JLPT and NAT place high importance on several factors ranging from an individual’s knowledge of Japanese-language vocabulary and grammar to their ability to use that knowledge in an actual communication format. It’s important to contain language knowledge, but the test analyzes the individual’s ability to use the language to perform “everyday tasks.”
Easier levels of each test assess reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. Higher levels asses Kanji, vocabulary, and second language knowledge. While both tests cover the same range of material, NAT is considered to be far more difficult than JLPT. Both come with their own set of advantages and considerations. If you plan on immigrating to Japan for education or business in the future, chances are, you’ll find yourself taking one of the two. But which one should you choose, and does it make a difference?
How Are They Similar?
The content, format, and questions of NAT are directly conformed to those that are used by the JLPT. NAT is designed specifically so that individuals can use items and practice questions made for the JLPT when preparing for NAT. Inversely, people have reported that they used NAT to practice for JLPT. In certain cases, being certified in JLPT or NAT will accomplish the same goal. It always comes down to the needs of the individual.
Each test has five levels of difficulty that cover a multitude of subjects. JLPT’s levels are N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1, with N5 being the easiest level, and N1 being the most difficult. NAT’s format is exactly the same, except their levels are called 5Q, 4Q, 3Q, 2Q, and 1Q.
Level’s 4 and 5 test an individual’s level of understanding of the most basic Japanese. The material in these levels is comparable to that of what an individual would learn in a classroom. Levels 1 and 2 are far more advanced, as they measure an individual’s understanding of the language in a wide range of scenes for actual everyday life. Level 3’s material acts as a bridge between levels 1-2 and levels 3-4. The following table further details what kind of material is covered in each level:
| Level | Linguistic Competence Measured |
| 5 | This is the easiest level in JLPT and NAT. It requires an ability to understand some basic Japanese: Reading: An individual is able to read and understand basic expressions and sentences written in katakana, hiragana, and basic kanji.Listening: An individual can listen to and comprehend topics and conversations that are regularly encountered in day-to-day classroom and life situations. They can pick up on necessary information from brief conversations that are spoken slowly. |
| 4 | This is the second easiest level in JLPT and NAT. It requires the ability to understand basic Japanese: Reading: An individual can read and understand excerpts on familiar day-to-day topics that are written in basic vocabulary and kanji.Listening: An individual is able to listen to and comprehend conversations typically encountered in everyday life with the basic ability to follow their contents, as long as they are spoken slowly. |
| 3 | This mid-level serves as a bridge between the easy levels and the hard levels in JLPT and NAT. It requires an ability to understand Japanese that is used in day-to-day situations to a certain degree: Reading: An individual can read and comprehend written items with specific contents concerning topics encountered on an everyday life basis. They can also grasp summary information like newspaper headlines, and slightly difficult writings that are encountered in day-to-day situations with an ability to understand the main points of the content.Listening: An individual is able to listen to and understand coherent conversations in day-to-day situations that are spoken at an almost natural speed. They are also able to follow their contents and grasp the relationships of the people involved. |
| 2 | This is where the difficulty level ramps up. It requires the ability to understand Japanese that is used in everyday situations, and in an assortment of circumstances to a certain degree: Reading: An individual can read items that are clearly written on a wide variety of topics, such as commentaries and articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as basic critiques, with an ability to comprehend their contents. They can also read materials written on general topics and follow their narratives while understanding the intent of the writers.Listening: An individual is able to understand materials that are orally presented, such as coherent news reports and conversations that are spoken at almost natural speeds in day-to-day situations in a wide variety of settings while following their ideas and comprehending their contents. The individual can also understand each relationship between the people involved and the essential points of each presented material. |
| 1 | This is the most difficult level in JLPT and NAT. It commands an ability to understand Japanese that is used in a wide variety of circumstances: Reading: An individual is able to read writings that contain logical complexity and/or abstract writings on a wide variety of topics like newspaper critiques and editorials while comprehending both their contents and their structures. The individual can also follow their narratives while completely understanding the intent of the writers.Listening: An individual can comprehend materials presented orally, such as news reports, lectures, and coherent conversations that are spoken at natural speed in a wide variety of settings. The individual can follow their ideas and completely comprehend their contents. They can also understand each detail of the presented materials, such as the relationships between the people involved, the essential points, and the logical structures. |
How Do They Differ?
While the JLPT and NAT are similar in many ways, there are a few areas where they differ. Most of these differences are not significant enough to warrant one’s decision on which test to take, but in some cases, some can certainly be a deciding factor. It always comes down to the needs and circumstances of the individual taking the test.
The JLPT was started by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services in 1984. Outside of Japan, the test is sponsored by the Japan Foundation. It is the largest Japanese-language test in the world, with over 610,000 examinees worldwide across 62 countries. It is held twice per year: July and December. As of 2019, the registration fee was $60. In the United States, you’ll find a test site in nearly every major city.
Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co. sponsors NAT. Unlike the JLPT, NAT is not available worldwide. Testing areas for it are exclusively found in Asia in cities such as Tokyo, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and various other countries.
Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co. has a regional office in each country the test is held in. Every regional office is offered support and technical assistance by the committee so that no matter where you take the NAT, the integrity of the test is secured. It is held six times per year in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Testing fees vary by location.
Though NAT closely follows the structure and format of JLPT, it is widely regarded as being much harder. This is because the test is created by individuals who are veteran Japanese language instructors, along with textbook writers and editors. Questions are crafted from the highest quality materials found in the Japanese language education industry.
Besides location, test frequency, and difficulty, there is another big factor to consider when comparing JLPT and NAT. When it comes to the number of vocabulary terms covered in each testing level, the number of kanji, and hours of study necessary, JLPT chooses not to disclose such information. NAT shares it freely on their website, and since it is modeled after JLPT, it’s safe to assume that the figures are similar between the two tests. Here are the following figures for each item:
| Number of Vocabulary Terms Covered | Level 5: About 1000 WordsLevel 4: About 2000 WordsLevel 3: About 4000 WordsLevel 2: About 6000 WordsLevel 1: About 10,000 Words |
| Number of Kanji | Level 5: 102 CharactersLevel 4: 428 CharactersLevel 3: 700 CharactersLevel 2: 1338 CharactersLevel 1: 1864 Characters |
| Recommended Hours of Study | Level 5: About 200 HoursLevel 4: About 400 HoursLevel 3: About 600 HoursLevel 2: About 800 HoursLevel 1: About 1000 Hours |
How Does Each Testing Process Differ?
Both tests are available for registration online. Simply navigate to the website for your test of choice and begin the registration process. Depending on your current location and the location you plan on testing in, the process may vary. After registration is complete and all fees are paid, you are given everything you need to prepare yourself for the big day. There are certain differences to consider between the two tests.
After registering for JLPT, you receive an official letter in the mail containing your test registration card. You’ll need this card on the day of the test. When the big day finally arrives, simply show up at the testing location. JLPT is taken in a classroom setting, and desks are assigned based on registration numbers. Once the test begins, strict timing regulations are enforced for each section. After you take the test, you generally get your results a month and a half later.
NAT is known for being much stricter in its testing process. Once an individual registers, they receive an application ticket that contains their photo and identifying information. It is essential to bring this application ticket with you on the day of the test, as your identity will need to be verified before you enter the testing area, and by the proctor themselves before you take the test. There is also a Code of Honor that all test takers must abide by during the test.
Finally, there is the way in which each test is scored. In order to pass NAT, you much achieve a score of at least 60% on the overall exam. This includes the requirement of more than 25% on each individual section of the test. JLPT passing standards are scored differently. The following table illustrates the requirements needed to pass JLPT:
| Level | Range of Scores | Overall Passing Requirement |
| N1 | 0-180 points | 100 points |
| N2 | 0-180 points | 90 points |
| N3 | 0-180 points | 95 points |
| N4 | 0-180 points | 90 points |
| N5 | 0-180 points | 80 points |
Benefits of JLPT
There are several benefits to taking JLPT. Individuals with JLPT certification gain preferential treatment on their immigration to Japan. You see, Japan follows a “Points-based System for highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals.” Each foreign professional gets classified into one of three categories:
- Advanced Academic Research Activities
- Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities
- Advanced Business Management Activities
Based on what level of JLPT you’ve gained certification in, you gain points that go toward that system, thus waiving the Japanese-language test portion of their accreditation exam. Individuals who hold a score higher than 70 commonly experience an easy and effortless immigration experience in Japan. Passing JLPT N1 will earn you 15 points. Passing JLPT N2 will earn you 10 points.
Besides earning points toward Japan’s points-based system for highly skilled foreign professionals, there are other reasons why you may want to gain JLPT certification. Having a JLPT N1 certificate is a requirement for nursing school graduates who desire to test in one of Japan’s assistant nurse exams.
In Japan, there is an “Economic Partnership Agreement” with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Anyone immigrating from those countries must have JLPT certification in order to qualify as a nurse/caregiver candidate (N5 or higher for Indonesian and Filipino candidates, and N3 or higher for Vietnamese candidates.)
Benefits of NAT
Because NAT follows the same format as the JLPT, people often use it as a way to examine their knowledge in preparation for the test. Its greater difficulty provides a challenge, strengthening the test taker’s command of the Japanese language. Because it’s held six times a year versus JLPT’s two times a year, it’s more accessible.
This benefit is only strengthened in the way NAT provides their scores. Within three weeks of testing, NAT scores are available. Breakdowns on correct and incorrect answers are provided per section, highlighting strong points and weak points. Tips are also provided to help individuals develop their skills, and learn what areas they need further growth in.
Conclusion
Non-native speakers will often label Japanese as one of the hardest languages to learn. While everybody learns at a different rate, it’s safe to assume that once a beginner decides to learn Japanese, they will embark on a multi-year venture no matter what their rate of learning is. There’s a lot of different reasons why someone would want to take the JLPT or NAT.
Though very similar in nature, the two tests are different enough to examine individually. JLPT is easier to access throughout the world; therefore, it is more commonly recognized by employers and universities alike. NAT is limited in testing locations but more difficult in nature. Because NAT tests are held more than JLPT tests, individuals often use it as a way to test themselves and prepare for JLPT. Regardless of your reasoning, the test you choose will push you to the limits of your knowledge in the Japanese language and serve as a benchmark to evaluate what you know and how much you still need to learn.