What is the NAT-TEST, which visualizes Japanese language skills, and how it differs from the JLPT and how to apply?
For foreigners who want to work in Japan, it is very important to have a language qualification that allows them to demonstrate their Japanese language skills.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is one of the most famous tests for visualizing Japanese language skills, but the NAT-TEST (Nat-Test) introduced here is as highly recommended as the JLPT.
This article will explain in detail what the NAT-TEST is, how it differs from the JLPT, the advantages of taking the test, its difficulty level, and how to prepare for it.
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What is the content of the Japanese NAT-TEST and when is it taken (number of times), and how does it differ from the JLPT?
There are various types of Japanese language certification tests for non-native speakers of Japanese.
The NAT-TEST is a Japanese language examination that comprehensively evaluates Japanese language proficiency by asking questions from the three areas of "Character/Vocabulary," "Listening Comprehension," and "Reading Comprehension.
The test is divided into five levels of difficulty, from Level 5 to Level 1, which is the same level of difficulty as the N5 to N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Incidentally, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is said to be the world's largest Japanese language test with the largest number of examinees, is highly recognized in Japan, and is a Japanese language test that is a preferential treatment for immigration and a requirement for national examinations for doctors and others.
The differences between the NAT-TEST and the JLPT are summarized in the table below.
| NAT-TEST | JLPT | |
| Organizers | Professional Education Publications Japanese Language NAT-TEST Steering Committee | The Japan Foundation Japan Educational Exchanges and Services |
| Start year | 1989 | 1984 |
| Number of times implemented | Six times a year (three times a year for Level 1) | Twice a year |
| Number of examinees | 19,373 (December 2023) | 663,295 (December 2023) |
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Four advantages of taking the Japanese NAT-TEST
Although the NAT-TEST and the JLPT are based on the same standards, many students take the JLPT because it is more widely recognized.
So what are the advantages of taking the NAT-TEST?
There are four main advantages to taking the NAT-TEST
- Show off your Japanese language skills when seeking employment or changing jobs.
- High frequency of implementation
- Detailed results are immediately available.
- Ideal for JLPT preparation
Show off your Japanese language skills when seeking employment or changing jobs.
Since the NAT-TEST is based on the same evaluation criteria as the JLPT, and has over 20 years of proven results and rigorous test administration, NAT-TEST results can be actively promoted to companies.
(2) Frequent implementation
Since the NAT-TEST is administered more frequently than the JLPT, it is recommended for those who are busy with work or school and have difficulty keeping a schedule.
3. detailed results are immediately available
For the NAT-TEST, you will receive your "score report and certificate" and know the result within three weeks from the date of taking the test.
In addition to the overall pass/fail results, the score sheet includes detailed scores and evaluations by category and question, so you can see your strengths and weaknesses and make use of them in your future studies.
4. ideal for JLPT preparation
The NAT-TEST is the best preparation for the JLPT, as its question criteria and structure are at the same level as those of the JLPT.
The JLPT does not disclose the criteria for the questions, the number of vocabulary and Kanji for each level, etc., but the NAT-TEST does, and all of these information is publicly available.
For this reason, many people take the NAT-TEST before taking the JLPT.
How to take or apply for the Japanese NAT-TEST?
This section explains how to actually take the NAT-TEST, including the process and test fee.
The NAT-TEST process is as follows
- application
- Receive your examination voucher
- taking an examination (esp. school and university entrance)
- Receipt of grades and acceptance letter
1. application
To apply, fill out the application form on the official website. The application is completed when the examination fee is paid.
If there are many applications, the application process may be closed early. Therefore, those who wish to take the test are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The examinations are held annually in February, April, June, August, and December.
Application procedures and deadlines vary for each venue, so please follow the links for each location to apply.
Reference:Japanese NAT-TEST
2. receive the examination voucher
The method of receiving examination vouchers differs between China and non-Chinese countries.
《Case of China》.
You can download the examination voucher from 9:00 a.m. two weeks prior to the examination date.
Please download the examination voucher from the application link and print out the downloaded data on A4 size paper.
Outside of China.
At least one week prior to the test date, you will receive an examination voucher and an information packet with the test venue and meeting time at the address or e-mail address you provided during the application process.
In addition to the examination number, your name, date of birth, and photo are printed on the examination voucher, so please make sure there are no mistakes.
If there are any errors in the information provided, or if you have not received the examination voucher one week before the examination, please contact the place where you applied for the examination.
3. examination
On the day of the examination, enter the venue by the indicated meeting time.
What to bring on the day of the event
Examination voucher, identification documents, ballpoint pen, dark pencil (B or 2B is best), eraser
*In addition to the above, applicants taking the examination in China will also need to submit a certificate of identification.
Never forget to bring a photo identification document (e.g., passport), as we will always verify your identity before the exam.
You will not be allowed to take the examination without the examination voucher and identification documents.
4. receipt of score report and certificate of acceptance
All candidates will receive their score report within three weeks of the test date.
If the results are acceptable, you will also receive an A4 size certificate of acceptance with your photo.
What are the examination fees for the Japanese Language NAT-TEST?
The NAT-TEST examination fee is 5,500 yen.
However, if you are taking the test outside of Japan, the fee is set according to the currency of the relevant region.
Reference:Japanese NAT-TEST
NAT-TEST Levels and Difficulty
The NAT-TEST is divided into five levels: Level 5, Level 4, Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1. Level 5 is the easiest, and Level 1 is the most difficult.
We will now explain the level and difficulty of the NAT-TEST.
5th grade
Level 5 of the NAT-TEST is equivalent to N5 of the JLPT.
Achievement of Level 5 proves that you can understand simple sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, and that you can understand short, simple content in conversation as long as you speak slowly and clearly.
Many students begin studying Japanese and obtain it within 1 to 3 months.
| one's study hours (time) | vocabulary | number of kanji characters |
| About 200 hours | Approx. 750 words | Approx. 100 characters |
fourth class
Level 4 of the NAT-TEST is the "basic understanding of Japanese" level, equivalent to N4 of the JLPT or CEFR A2.
By obtaining Level 4, you can demonstrate that you understand sentences of familiar content and can comprehend everyday conversation if you speak slowly.
Many students acquire this certificate after about 3 to 6 months of starting to study Japanese.
| one's study hours (time) | vocabulary | number of kanji characters |
| About 400 hours | Approx. 1,700 words | Approx. 300 characters |
third class
Level 3 of the NAT-TEST is the level of "understanding Japanese in everyday situations," equivalent to N3 of the JLPT.
Attaining Level 3 demonstrates that you can read and write texts on everyday topics and understand most conversations at near-natural speed.
Many students acquire this certificate after about 6 to 9 months of starting to study Japanese.
| one's study hours (time) | vocabulary | number of kanji characters |
| About 600 hours | Approximately 3,350 words | Approx. 650 characters |
second class
Level 2 of the NAT-TEST is equivalent to N2 of the JLPT.
By obtaining Level 2, you can prove that you can understand slightly complex texts such as news and newspapers, listen to Japanese at a natural speed, and express your general opinion.
Many students acquire this certificate after about 9 to 12 months of starting to study Japanese.
| one's study hours (time) | vocabulary | number of kanji characters |
| About 800 hours | Approximately 5,900 words | Approx. 1,100 characters |
first-class
The most difficult level of the NAT-TEST, Level 1, is equivalent to JLPT N1.
The Level 1 Certificate proves that you can understand complex texts in a wide range of fields such as politics, economics, law, and international affairs, and can speak and make presentations in Japanese at a natural speed.
It usually takes more than one year of study time to start studying Japanese and obtain it.
| one's study hours (time) | vocabulary | number of kanji characters |
| About 1,000 hours | Approx. 10,000 words | Approx. 1,850 characters |
Preparation Methods and Recommended Question Banks for the Japanese Language NAT-TEST
To prepare for the NAT-TEST exam, we recommend using the Japanese NAT-TEST Official Question Book published by Professional Education Press.
The official question booklet contains easy-to-follow tips on how to solve the problems and the trends of the questions.
In addition, the CD comes with two practice tests and a CD, allowing you to take the test as if you were taking the real thing. The CD also comes with two practice test questions and a CD, allowing you to take the test as if you were in the real thing.
The Japanese NAT-TEST Official Question Book can be used not only to prepare for the NAT-TEST exam, but also for the JLPT exam. If you would like to purchase it, please contact us.click herePlease find it from
For those of you who want to further your studies at a Japanese language school
The Japanese language attracts attention from around the world for its rich expressiveness and profound culture. From movies, music, and literature to everyday conversation, learning Japanese is not only a way to acquire a new language, but also a gateway to a deeper cultural understanding and a broader perspective.
For those of you who want to study Japanese more seriously, enter higher education in Japan, or find a job in Japan, taking your Japanese language skills to the next level is the first step in turning your dreams into reality. There are approximately 700 Japanese language schools in Japan with various characteristics, but it is not easy to select the best school for you.
Therefore, we will do our best to help you choose the perfect Japanese language school to realize your goals and dreams! If you have any questions or concerns about Japanese language schools, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form below.
We will provide you with the best support to meet your Japanese language learning goals. We hope that our support will make your Japanese language study more fulfilling and fruitful.
summary
In this article, we introduced the NAT-TEST, including its merits and how to take the test, etc. The NAT-TEST is recommended as a preparation test for the JLPT, since the scope of questions, such as the number of vocabulary and kanji characters, is published in detail according to the level of the test.
The NAT-TEST is also the best test to showcase your Japanese language skills.
Since the test is held many times, foreigners who are thinking of working in Japan should take the test once.
To learn more about the Japanese language skills required to work in Japan, please click here.What is the Japanese language test that foreigners who want to work in Japan should take?You may also find the article "The In addition, the article "What is the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test)? Contents explained in an easy-to-understand mannerThe article, "Japanese Language Tests," also introduces another Japanese language test.
