Quote:
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken?), or JLPT, is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is held twice a year in East Asia and once a year in other regions.[1] The JLPT now has five levels, with Level N5 the most basic and Level N1 the most difficult. From 1984 to 2009 the test had 4 levels, with Level 4 the most basic and Level 1 the most difficult – see kyū. But a new level was inserted between 2 and 3, meaning N5 corresponds to the old Level 4. In 2008, the Japanese government announced a plan under consideration to use the JLPT to screen applicants for long-term and permanent resident visas.[2] The test is held on the first Sunday of July and December each year.
From Wikipedia.
Basically, anyone who is serious about using Japanese in their careers should take this test. The hardest and second hardest levels, 1 and 2 (N1, N2) are the only ones that are usually asked for in job ads involving Japanese ability.
Here is the official site (English version), and the American official site.
I passed JLPT N2 last December, so if any of you have questions about the test, feel free to ask!
