The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, nihongo nōryoku shiken?), or JLPT, is a standardized test to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers. It is held once every year, on the first Sunday of December. The JLPT has four levels beginning at level 4 and progressing to level 1 – the most difficult.

However changes are to occur with the JLPT, the first big change is that the test will now be held two time a year instead of just one. This was done because of the sheer number of applicants. This change was actually first announced last year. Starting in 2009, Level 1 and level 2 tests will be offered in July. In December, all 4 levels will be available to be tested upon. The next major change would be to the proficiency levels, the usual Level 1-4 will be replaced by N1-N5, in an attempt to bridge the gap between the Level 2 and Level 3 test. Here’s what the new system will look like:

N1: Approximately the same passing level as the existing Level 1 test, but designed to enable slightly more advanced abilities to be measured as well.
N2: Approximately the same passing level as the existing Level 2 test.
N3: Positioned at a level bridging existing Level 2 and Level 3 tests.
N4: Approximately the same passing level as the existing Level 3 test.
N5: Approximately the same passing level as the existing Level 4 test.

With this change, the JLPT will no longer publish their test questions in order to maintain a higher level of quality, and will only offer up sample questions and some profiles so that you can get an idea of which level test you should take.

News Via: Xorsyst