2010 JLPT Changes Announced

ericspinelli · JLPT Helper Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 222 Location: Tokyo

The changes to the 2010 JLPT were announced (in Japanese only).

Summary:
1. There will be five levels on a new scale, but most of them will correspond roughly to the current levels.
2. Level 1 will increase in difficulty and they will insert a level in between the current Level 2 and 3.
3. The current format will be available in Dec. 2008, July 2009 (Level 1 and 2 only), and Dec. 2009. The new format will begin in July 2010 (N1 and N2 only).
4. They will stop publishing past tests and official test questions.

JanneM · JLPT Helper Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 313 Location: Osaka

The level assignment is a little off to me; the basic problem is that the step between 2 and 1 is very large; if this document is to be believed, that step will become even larger, not smaller. Makes me wonder what the point is with the new level.

On the other hand, giving the test twice per year is a very significant improvement, and necessary since the test result is going to start to count towards people's visa applications.

ericspinelli · JLPT Helper Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 222 Location: Tokyo

JanneM · JLPT Helper Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 313 Location: Osaka

Hmm, I didn't really find the step between 2 and 3 to be all that large; people tend to be able to make it in one year even studying only part time.

But yes, this changes my planning a little bit. I was going to do level 1 for practice this year, then take it for real the next. But now I have to start considering whether I shouldn't perhaps try for real already in June 2009... From what I gather, language ability will not only get you longer-term visas; they'll also lower the other requirements a bit (relax the requirement on having finished a civil engineering degree for an engineering visa for instance), and also that language ability will more formally be a deciding factor for the permanent resident visa.

I wrote a bit on it here; there's links to a bit more info as well.

mithrilfox · JLPT Starter Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 92

This is huge. The JLPT has not radically changed format in a long time.

It's probably a good thing to make level 1 harder... but if they don't include a level between 2 and 1, then it's just making it ridiculously difficult. It will mean that most of us will want to get a new certificate under the new system regardless, just to be up on the times.

It changes my plans none so far. By offering the same format for two more years (until December 2009), it gives me my planned two shots at passing level 1. I'd certainly try to pass both times, but don't plan to pass it the first time.

Hayley · JLPT Starter Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

There is something with the link.

Eomer · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject: link

http://www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/

This should work.
Then click the blue 第2回日本語能力試験改定　中間報告 link which should take you to the right page.

Patrice · JLPT Starter Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

[quote="ericspinelli"]The changes to the 2010 JLPT were announced (in Japanese only).
/quote]

The link quoted is broken.

The report is available in English here and in Japanese here

chully · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:56 am Post subject:

Any information yet on applying for the July 2009 tests?

routinfigneuton · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:27 am Post subject:

I read they're not just "making rank 1 more difficult," but broadening testable skills. What I don't know.. maybe they'll test your koten skills!

NeWbY · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject:

I read that only in Japan and asian countries you can take the test for July 2009, anyone can confirm if western countries also offer the test in July 2009?

Osaka · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 4:14 pm Post subject:

J.Done · JLPT Starter Joined: 27 Dec 2009 Posts: 1

While I understand the administrative changes to the JLPT for 2010, I need a little help with a translation of the goal statement defined by the change in format. What does,

"(1) The goals of the new test :

The intent is to produce a test that measures communicative competence in accomplishing tasks. Of course, linguistic knowledge that provides the basis for communicative competence are not forgotten. The test is aimed to reflect real life situation where the test taker will be using the language", actually mean?

That sounds bit tedious to do, so brevity is understood, but there sure is a lot referred to in each statement. I'm working up the materials for the Dec 2010 N4, so will need to develop a study plan based on the new goal.

Thanks in advance as advice here has always been immensely helpful.

chocochoco · JLPT Starter Joined: 09 Jun 2010 Posts: 1

StanleyHamlet · JLPT Starter Joined: 15 May 2011 Posts: 1

I also think that the gap between level 1 and 2 is way too big levitra. I am working on my japanese like 24/7 now, however, this seems almost unreal for me to get to level 2 to the next test... Sad

nikeverma · JLPT Starter Joined: 06 Feb 2012 Posts: 2

I also think that the gap between level 1 and 2 is way too big levitra. I am working on my japanese like 24/7 now, however, this seems almost unreal for me to get to level 2 to the next test...

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Emisteve · JLPT Starter Joined: 23 Apr 2012 Posts: 1

I read about this a little while ago on Wikipedia. I think it's great that they're adding a new level, because there really is too big of a gap between levels 3 and 2 (just look at the number of required kanji between level 3 (284) and level 2 (1023)). What I read was that only levels N1 and N2 were to be administered in July.

alton · JLPT Starter Joined: 25 Jul 2012 Posts: 1

Nice post. I like it. Thanks for sharing these information.