FAQs

Test times, sites and what to bring

How long is the test?

The length of the test depends on the level, however it should take about 2-3 hours to complete. There will be a 10 minute break between each section of the test.

When is the check-in time on exam day?

If you are taking the exam outside of Japan:
Your check-in time is written on the information card that will be sent to you via mail along with your application ticket.
If you are taking the exam in Japan:
Your check-in time is included in the e-mail that you received along with your application ticket.

Where is my test site?

If you are taking the exam outside of Japan:
Your test site is written on the information card that will be sent to you via mail along with your application ticket.
If you are taking the exam in Japan:
Your test site is included in the e-mail that you received along with your application ticket.

What should I bring to the exam?

You should bring your application ticket, a form of identification with your picture attached to it (driver’s license, passport, etc.), a pencil that can make solid, dark markings on the answer sheet (B, 2B, etc.), and a good eraser that won’t leave smudges.

I forgot my application ticket and identification. What should I do?

If you do not have your application ticket and identification, you will be unable to take the exam. Please do not forget these.

How should I print out the application ticket? (For those taking the exam in Japan only)

Please print the application ticket on an A4 size of paper using black and white printer. A color print out is also acceptable. If you are taking the test in Japan, you may also have the e-mail with the application ticket on it displayed on your smartphone (iPhone, etc.) and show that to the proctors.

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Registration

When is the registration deadline?

The deadline for registration differs based on the test site. Please see the registration page for more information.

What is the contact information for my test site?

Please see the registration page for the specific information regarding your test site.

Can I register by phone?

Yes, you may register by phone.

The test is less than one week away and I have still not received my application ticket. What should I do?

Please contact the supervisor of your test site. You can find the contact information for each site here.

I would like to cancel my registration. Can I receive a refund of the exam fee?

We are unable to refund any registration fees that we have received, regardless of the reason. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. However, you may change your exam date so please contact us up to one week before the exam to do so.

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Exam Questions

How does the Japanese Language NAT-TEST differ from the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?

The NAT-TEST uses the same standards and formats that are used by the JLPT. The five levels of the NAT-TEST correspond to the five levels of the JLPT, both in name and approximate level of difficulty. You can find the comparison of the exams here.

How should I study for the exam?

You can prepare for the test by using “Japanese Language NAT-TEST Official Workbook” and “Manabo! Nihongo” series which Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co. Ltd. publishes. Because the contents of the exam are equivalent, test preparation guides and sample exams that are made for the JLPT can be used for the Japanese Language NAT-TEST.

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The answer sheet

What kind of answer sheet will the test use?

From the choices given to you on the exam, you will choose one answer and fill in a solid, dark circle with your pencil on the computer scored answer sheet.

What is the proper way to mark the answer sheet?

You will be given four choices on each question. Choose the one correct answer and fill in a solid, dark circle in the designated place on the computer scored answer sheet.

What should I be careful of when marking the answer sheet?

When you mark your answer on the sheet with your pencil, fill in a dark, solid, circle so that the designated area is completely filled in. If you fill in two or more circles, punch through the answer sheet, or lightly fill in an answer, the question will be marked as incorrect. If you are going to erase an answer, make sure you erase your mark completely.

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About the score report and certificate of proficiency

The information printed on my exam documents (score report, certificate of proficiency, transcript, application ticket) is incorrect. Can you fix it?

This can be done at your local NAT-TEST administration office anytime before the day of the exam. In order to do this, please bring a form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport, and we will make the necessary corrections. If you have just noticed this and it is exam day, please notify one of the exam proctors as soon as you arrive. In order to prevent identity fraud, we are unable to make any changes after the exam date.

I would like you to send me another copy of my score report and certificate of proficiency.

In order to prevent identity fraud, we are unable to send you another copy of your score report and certificate of proficiency.

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About your official transcript (for immigration purposes)

For more information on your official transcript for the purposes of submission to the Immigration Bureau of Japan, please see the official transcript FAQ page.

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