Japanese Profiency Test?

Shaunyac · (#1 (**permalink**))

I know that there are 4 grades on the test, 1 being the best and 4, worst. Is there any restrictions on getting a 4 instead of a 1?

chachava · (#2 (**permalink**))

I don't understand your question?

You choose which level you want to enter and either pass or fail. You can do any level without doing previous levels.

Does this help?

Shaunyac · (#3 (**permalink**))

If you decide to go for level 1 and pass, will it give you any big advantage over going for level 4 and passing?

chachava · (#4 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaunyac

If you decide to go for level 1 and pass, will it give you any big advantage over going for level 4 and passing?

of course it will... a level 1 pass means you're pretty much as fluent as a native speaker. This opens up most jobs to you

Level 4 pass means you can introduce yourself and find the exit in a train station lol. A level 4 pass won't really enable you to do anything more job-wise than a gaijin with no Japanese language ability. Until you pass level 2 it is as useful as writing your name on toilet paper if you want a better job in Japan unfortunately. I think the lower levels are just used to help motivate people in their studies (improve each year etc.)

jpdrag0n · (#5 (**permalink**))

i didnt know level 4 was that basic. good to know that im probably a 3.

chachava · (#6 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpdrag0n

i didnt know level 4 was that basic. good to know that im probably a 3.

yeah, it's aimed at true beginners. It's a good stepping stone to build study confidence I guess but not worth anything more than that in the real world

jpdrag0n · (#7 (**permalink**))

the thing with me is that i can talk in normal conversations but i cant talk about politics or anything like that. i can recognize and read about 400-450 kanji but writing them is a different story because just looking and knowing the kanji reading easier than remembering how to write them...at least i think so. anyways what level do you think i would actually be? a 3 after all?

chachava · (#8 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpdrag0n

the thing with me is that i can talk in normal conversations but i cant talk about politics or anything like that. i can recognize and read about 400-450 kanji but writing them is a different story because just looking and knowing the kanji reading easier than remembering how to write them...at least i think so. anyways what level do you think i would actually be? a 3 after all?

yeah, probably level 3 simply because there is a big jump to level 2 (over 1000kanji needed)

grab yourself a DS and tadashii kanji kakitori kun - helped my kanji improve incredibly quickly!!!

jpdrag0n · (#9 (**permalink**))

oh damn. well i have a break until april so ill probably get a kanji practice book or that game you mentioned because i have a DS already. but its really amazing how much kanji you learn just by living here.

chachava · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpdrag0n

oh damn. well i have a break until april so ill probably get a kanji practice book or that game you mentioned because i have a DS already. but its really amazing how much kanji you learn just by living here.

game is 3000yen from yodabashi camera - pretty much the same price as a text book which makes it a no-brainer if you have a ds already haha