For any language learner, the thrill of assessing one’s proficiency comes from the practical applications of having learnt the language.
Perhaps it is talking to native speakers. Or it is being able to read printed material, books in the target language. Or it is taking an exam and checking how they fare.
Here let’s talk in detail about taking exams to assess Japanese language proficiency.
JLPT
For Japanese Language learners, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (abbreviated to JLPT) is one of the most widely recognized certificates world-wide. It is conducted by the Japan Foundation a Japanese government body. The exam is conducted on the same day world-wide. It is usually the 1st Sunday of July & December of that year. The levels are divided broadly into five. Level N5 corresponds to the beginner level and level N1 corresponds to advanced Japanese Language level. Japanese Language learners start at N5 and journey their way up to N1. There are 8 centres in India, where one can apply for the test, namely – New Delhi, Kolkata, Shantiniketan, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai & Salem. The test typically consists of multiple choice questions, assessing one’s ability on Vocabulary, Kanji, Grammar, Reading Comprehensions and Listening Comprehensions.
NAT
The other exam in recent years is the Nihongo Aptitude Test (abbreviated to NAT). NAT is conducted by a private body – Senmon Kyouiku. There are 5 levels to the test, wherein Q5 is for the beginners and Q1 is for advanced Japanese Language. This exam can be taken in 3 centres across India (New Delhi, Pune & Chennai). In 2021 the exam was scheduled for the months of February, April, June, August, October & December. The exam pattern is similar to JLPT. It also has multiple choice questions. The Exam assesses one’s ability on Vocabulary, Kanji, Grammar, Reading Comprehensions and Listening Comprehensions.
Since the onset of the pandemic situation, the JLPT had to be cancelled in the various centres in India, keeping in mind the safety of the exam takers, volunteers and associated people.
Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre®, came up with the idea of helping learners assess their proficiency, by allowing them to take the exam from the comfort their home, online. This exam is called as SNRC’s Model Japanese Exam (abbreviated to MJE) The test has already been conducted 3 times online and has gained a lot of popularity since its conception. The pattern of the exam is similar to JLPT. The test questions are provided online and answers submitted through online medium. The SNRC team has been tirelessly working towards improving the way the exam is conducted over time. The last exam that was conducted on 3rd July 2021, in fact gave the exam takers an option to take the exam either in the fore-noon or in the afternoon. The exam helps learners take this as a practice exam to assess their own proficiency. And there is more! This exam is absolutely free! And to add icing to the cake, SNRC also issues a participation certificate.
Now aren’t these exams a good enough reason for you to start learning Japanese now or to continue learning Japanese!!
Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre ® can be contacted at : ph: +91 89043 90300 / +91 72597 83161/ +91 95355 31783
e-mail : info@snrc.co.in
