Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) (N2, N1)
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an examination that assesses a person's Japanese language proficiency. In Japan, it is a very useful qualification. Here are some benefits of having this certificate:
- Highly-Skilled Professional points addition
- Requirement for taking exams for doctors, nurses, etc.
- Helpful for employment
2025 Examination Dates
The 2025 Japanese-Language Proficiency Test has two opportunities.
- July 6, 2025 (Finished)
- December 17, 2025
It's too late to register for the 2025 examination. Students who have registered should work hard. Those who missed the registration don't need to be disappointed, and make full preparations for next year's examination.
Examination Venues
The examination venues will be notified on the admission ticket. Please make sure to confirm it.
According to the official website, depending on the circumstances, you may be assigned to an examination venue in a neighboring prefecture.
Receiving the Admission Ticket
The admission ticket is normally sent 2 weeks before the examination date. If you have not received it, or if you lost it, you can print the admission ticket on the "Application Information Confirmation/Change" page of MyJLPT, and use it at the examination venue.
Results Announcement
To pass, you need to meet both of the following conditions.
- Score at or above the passing line
- N1: Total score of 100 or higher
- N2: Total score of 90 or higher
- N3: Total score of 95 or higher
- Score at or above the standard score
- N1, N2, N3 are the same
- Language Knowledge
- Reading
- Listening
All subjects must be 19 points or higher.
Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT)
The Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is an examination that assesses a person's ability to communicate and write in business settings. If you plan to work in Japan or at a company that uses Japanese, this will be very useful.
Additionally, the scores obtained from this examination can be directly converted into the JLPT level, and it is recognized by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan*.
- 400 points or higher is equivalent to JLPT N2
- 480 points or higher is equivalent to JLPT N1
This means that if you have not taken the JLPT, but have this examination and achieved the corresponding score, you can still receive points for highly skilled professionals.
It is important to note that the calculation of points for highly skilled professionals only considers one of the two. For example, if you have already taken the JLPT N1, you cannot also count the BJT 480 points.
Highly Skilled Professional Points System Q&A (Directory) Question 15, Question 16
Exam Dates
The Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) does not have a fixed exam date. This test can be taken almost every day, so you can decide when and where to take it according to your needs.
Additionally, if you want to retake the test immediately after taking it once, there must be at least a 3-month gap between the two exams.
Registration can be done at Application Method | Take the BJT | BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test.
Bookkeeping Lv 3 and Lv 2
Bookkeeping can be applied in companies or when starting your own business, regardless of the size or industry. It allows you to record daily operations, account for finances, and organize them, which can clearly show performance and financial status.
Source: Bookkeeping | Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examination
Bookkeeping is seen in companies around the world, so even if you plan to work in other countries in the future, there will always be places where it can be useful.
In Japan, if you have a Bookkeeping Lv 2 certification, you will have more choices when looking for jobs. Bookkeeping Lv 2 often appears on the rankings of major websites, and sometimes even tops the list.
Therefore, I personally also recommend this certification.
Exam Dates
The Bookkeeping Lv 3 and Lv 2 exams each have a general type and an online type. Let's first introduce the general type exam.
General Type Exam
The general type exam is held two to three times a year, usually on Sundays.
- June 8, 2025 (Finished)
- November 16, 2025 (Finished)
Online Type Exam
The online type exam is conducted at designated examination centers using the provided computers. This type of exam can be taken almost every day, allowing you to select your preferred date and examination center in advance online.
Registration for the exam can be done at JCCI Online Exam for Bookkeeping. Registration requires an account, so if you don't have one, start by applying from the "First Time Users（新規作成 or 初めての方）" section.
Additionally, since exams are available at any time, you can choose a date that suits your schedule.
Real Estate Notary（宅建士）
The Real Estate Notary (also known as the "宅建士") is a national-level qualification in Japan. It is an essential presence in house rentals, sales, and agent services.
This qualification is well-known in the real estate industry in Japan. If you haven't decided on your future career, having this qualification can give you more opportunities and help you stand out from other foreign candidates.
From my understanding, many people realize the value of this certificate after becoming real estate agents, but due to work responsibilities, they can't find time to study and have taken several years to pass the exam.
However, this certificate is quite challenging even for Japanese people. And because it's only held once a year*, you need to be prepared for the difficulty if you want to pass. On the other hand, having this certificate can make you more competitive during job interviews.
* In 2020 and 2021, due to special circumstances, the exam was held twice a year. However, since you cannot choose the examination date, it effectively counts as once a year.
Exam Dates
The Real Estate Notary qualification exam is held on the third Sunday of October every year. This year (2025), it is expected to be held on October 19, 2025 (Finished), and the results will be announced in late November or early December.
The registration period is approximately from early July. When the official announcement is made, it will be updated on this page, so please wait patiently.