professional development:Resource

Japanese Tests, Grants and Discounts

Japanese Tests, Grants and Discounts

There are many ways to study Japanese as well as track your progress in learning the language. CLAIR offers language courses as well as grants for JETs who want to improve their Japanese language ability through taking the JLPT. In addition, there are also multiple other Japanese proficiency tests that may be more suitable for a change in careers if you plan to stay in Japan after your time on the JET Programme ends.

CLAIR JET Language Course

CLAIR offers language courses for JET participants to help them improve their Japanese capabilities and knowledge about Japanese culture. There are multiple levels from Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, which approximately correspond to level N5 to N3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

Japanese Language Courses are e-learning courses and you can register for them by following the link to the Contact Survey for JET Programme Participants. You will need your JET ID and password in order to access it.

CLAIR Japanese Language Proficiency N3 Grant

CLAIR offers a grant for those who pass N3 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in their first three years on the programme. If you would like to receive this grant, please read over the documents on the site thoroughly and then send your grant application directly to CLAIR via post. JLPT results are generally released 2-3 months after the test. Grant documents are generally due at the end of the following month. Take care to read the guidelines and due dates on CLAIR’s website.

Other Japanese Language Tests

Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU):

From the Japan Student Services Organization, “The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities needed to study at those institutions.”

Business Japanese Proficiency Test (English) / Business Japanese Proficiency Test (Japanese)

The Business Japanese Proficiency Test website is available in multiple languages.  This test measures your ability to communicate in a business setting using Japanese. 

In addition to being useful for business, immigration can also use these scores when determining eligibility for international student visas.

日本漢字能力検定 (Kanji Kentei)

The Kanji Kantei or Kanji Aptitude test is administered by the same organization that administers the BJT (Japan Kanji Proficiency Test Association). The tests are divided into 12 levels, each of which corresponds to a grade level of completion in the Japanese education system (from 1st grade in elementary – university). It will test your ability to read and write kanji, as well as the different readings of kanji (on’yomi and kun’yomi), stroke order and how to read kanji in sentences.

文章検 reading comprehension and writing proficiency test

The first portion of bunshoken is somewhat similar to the Vocabulary/Grammar Section on the JLPT. Where this test differs is in the final section where test takers are required to produce Japanese by writing logical sentences/paragraphs based on the materials provided in the test. 

There are four levels and they range from basic reading/communication ability to university/functional in society. This test may be particularly useful for those looking to join the Japanese workforce after JET. 

J-TEST Measuring Practical Efficiency in Japanese

The J Test is administered 6 times a year and is used by office workers, international students and many other non-Japanese professionals. There are three levels of the test A – C for advanced takers, D – E for intermediates and beginner test takers, and F -G level for beginners. The higher levels (A -C) are roughly equivalent to the N1 level of the JLPT. Similar to the Bunshoken, the J-Test includes a written portion in the test.

ITTT TESOL Discount

National AJET offers a discount for the International TEFL And TESOL Training (ITTT) organization’s TESOL Certification course. JETs can qualify for a 30% discount on the program. For inquiries on how to take advantage of the program discount, please email resources@ajet.net for more information. For more information about ITTT, please visit their website.

Tips

Most if not all proficiency tests will cost some money.  However, if you currently employed or know where you will be employed, you can ask around to see if there is a grant or scholarship available for taking any of these tests
Ask some people around your city if there are conversation partner programs or language courses offered in your area 
Check with your local culture center to see what potential programs they may have
Contact organizations that promote international relationships as they tend to have a plethora of resources you can use
Many websites do offer discounts to students (for those of you continuing education while you are on the program)

Questions and Additional Discounts

Contact our resources department (resources@ajet.net) for information about discounts for apps and other resources.

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