Practical Japanese Proficiency Test(TopJ) is a test that was launched in 2008 with the aim of measuring the basic proficiency of Japanese language learners in areas such as vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure, as well as the understanding of foreigners staying or working in Japan regarding the customs and culture of Japanese society or Japanese companies.
When applying to study abroad in Japan, your TopJ result will serve as proof of your Japanese language proficiency, increasing your opportunity of studying abroad in Japan.
For example, if you obtain Beginner A, it proves that you have sufficient Japanese language proficiency to study abroad at a Japanese language educational institution in Japan.
In addition, TopJ result serve as proof of your understanding of Japanese society and Japanese companies, increasing your opportunity of working in Japan.
For example, if you obtain Advanced A, it shows that you have an understanding of Japanese society and Japanese companies, and can prove that you are capable of working as an interpreter for a Japanese company.
Even if you have no plans to study or work in Japan, Japanese language learners often take the test to check their progress in their Japanese language studies.
This page explains the overview of the TopJ, target, difficulty, pass rate, etc.
Overview
TopJ is a test that was launched in 2008 with the aim of measuring the basic proficiency of Japanese language learners in areas such as vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure, as well as the understanding of foreigners staying or working in Japan regarding the customs and culture of Japanese society or Japanese companies.
TopJ is organized by THE ASIAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP INTERCHANGE.
The test content is developed by experts and professors active in the field of Japanese language education both in Japan and overseas.
TopJ measures the following three things:
⚫︎ Listening Comprehension
⚫︎ Characters, words and grammar
⚫︎ Reading Comprehension
TopJ is a multiple choice format and there are no writing or speaking sections
Target
TopJ is aimed at Japanese language learners whose native language is not Japanese.
Test Date
TopJ is held six times a year.
In 2024, the tests are held on January 14th, March 10th, May 12th, July 14th, September 8th and November 3rd.
Difficulty
TopJ has three types of tests: Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner.
Advanced is assessed as Advanced A, Advanced B or Advanced C depending on the test scores.
Advanced A is more difficult than JLPT N1. Advanced B and Advanced C are the same level of difficulty as JLPT N1.
Intermediate is assessed as Intermediate A, Intermediate B or Intermediate C depending on the test scores.
Intermediate A and Intermediate B are the same level of difficulty as JLPT N2. Intermediate C is the same level of difficulty as JLPT N3.
Beginner is assessed as Beginner A-4, Beginner A-5, Beginner B or Beginner C depending on the test scores.
Beginner A-4 is the same level of difficulty as JLPT N4. Beginner A-5 is the same level of difficulty as JLPT N5. Beginner B and Beginner C are lower difficulty than JLPT N5.
The difficulty levels for Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner are as follows:
Advanced A
Able to understand Japanese from native speakers at any level.
Advanced B
Be able to fully express your own ideas at academic conferences, study groups, office meetings, etc.
Additionally, able to communicate in writing such as by email without any problems in business situations.
Advanced C
Able to discuss and debate one’s own research with others at an institution of higher education.
Additionally, able to read books and papers in field of expertise, understand their contents, and then write their one’s opinions.
At the office, in addition to handling general telephone calls, able to exchange business emails using standard phrases.
Intermediate A
Able to communicate adequately with others in the environment in which one belongs, such as school or office.
Additionally, able to read books and papers in their own major or field of expertise, understand the basic content, and then write reports, etc.
Intermediate B
Able to communicate adequately with people one know in the environment in which one belongs, such as school or office.
Additionally, able to write simple essays and reports within the scope of their existing knowledge.
Intermediate C
Able to communicate adequately in everyday conversation.
Additionally, able to understand frequently used words and able to write relatively coherent sentences.
Beginner A−４
Able to understand words that are frequently used in daily life and communicate with others.
Beginner A−５
Able to understand words that are frequently used in daily life and engage in simple conversation.
Beginner B
Able to understand words that are frequently used in daily life to a certain extent and can communicate with others at a word level.
Beginner C
Interested in Japanese language and provided with an environment where one can be exposed to Japanese characters such as Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji.
Passing Criterion
There is no pass or fail in TopJ; you are assessed based on your test scores.
The assessment criteria based on test scores has not been made public.
Pass Rate
There is no pass or fail in TopJ; you are assessed based on your test scores.
The number of test takers and the number of people per level in 2019 are as follows. Note that information for 2020 and after has not been made public.
Advanced
| Level | Test Takers （persons） | People per Level （persons） |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced A | – | 13 |
| Advanced B | – | 35 |
| Advanced C | – | 63 |
| Not Assessed | – | 163 |
| Total | 274 | 274 |
Intermediate
| Level | Test Takers （persons） | People per Level （persons） |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate A | – | 28 |
| Intermediate B | – | 81 |
| Intermediate C | – | 262 |
| Not Assessed | – | 868 |
| Total | 1,239 | 1,239 |
Beginner
| Level | Test Takers （persons） | People per Level （persons） |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner A-4 | – | 2,227 |
| Beginner A-5 | – | 10,935 |
| Beginner B, Beginner C, Not Assessed | – | 10,470 |
| Total | 23,632 | 23,632 |
Procedure To Take the Test
If you are taking TopJ in Japan, apply through the “CARRER +” website.
If you are taking TopJ overseas, you will need to contact the office in each country to find out how to apply.
After the test, score and assessment result can be checked on the TopJ website within two weeks.
In addition, after the test, a test result notification will be sent to test takers within one month.
Testing Site
TopJ will be held in the following prefectures in Japan.
⚫︎ Tokyo
⚫︎ Chiba
⚫︎ Kanagawa
⚫︎ Kyoto
⚫︎ Osaka
⚫︎ Fukuoka
⚫︎ Okinawa
It may not be held depending on the test date.
You can also take TopJ overseas, and the test is held in the following countries and regions:
⚫︎ China
⚫︎ Vietnam
⚫︎ Nepal
⚫︎ Taiwan
⚫︎ Sri Lanka
⚫︎ Myanmar
It may not be held depending on the test date.