Did you know many Japanese companies are shifting toward CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) instead of the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) as a way of assessing a candidate’s Japanese proficiency? If you’re learning Japanese and dreaming of working in Japan, understanding the difference between CEFR vs. JLPT is essential.
JLPT: Limitations of Assessing Through a Singular Test
Until now, universities and companies have mainly used the JLPT to measure Japanese proficiency. Since 1984, JLPT has established itself as one of the most widely known tests for Japanese proficiency.
What is JLPT?
The JLPT is a multiple-choice test that evaluates language knowledge in the following criteria: vocabulary and grammar, listening, and reading. Students can take the JLPT at levels ranging from N5 (beginner) to N1 (most advanced).[1]
Many consider the JLPT the standard for checking Japanese proficiency. This is because it was one of the first standardised tests to present proficiency in a clear, level-based system.
Japan’s immigration authorities have also been using JLPT levels as part of the eligibility criteria for certain types of visas. For example, institutions typically require foreign applicants for national exams, such as medical professionals, caregivers, and nurses, to possess N1.
Limitations of JLPT: Search for a New Standard
However, a key limitation of JLPT is its inability to follow the traditional model of the four language competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. JLPT does not have descriptive questions or a spoken Japanese test. For companies recruiting bilingual Japanese talents, it means that even N1 in JLPT does not always guarantee top-notch speaking or writing skills.
With the rise in demand for bilingual Japanese talents all over the world, the minimum required level of proficiency in spoken Japanese has also increased.
Thus, many have scrutinised various Japanese language tests, including the JLPT, and compared them to European language standards in terms of communicative competencies.
CEFR: A New Standard for Assessing Japanese Proficiency
“My Japanese grade is A1.”
“Looking for candidates having Japanese Proficiency: B2~C1”
“This textbook is intended for students from the A2~B1 level.”
Confusing, right? Although these statements may look like someone got the “N” part in the JLPT levels wrong, that is not the case! Let’s break it down.
What is CEFR?
CEFR is an evaluation framework rather than a single test. Although language educators originally designed it to measure proficiency in European languages, many now also use it to assess Japanese language levels.
Rather than a singular exam, it’s a point of reference that aims to describe proficiency in terms of the complexity of communication and action-oriented language use.
How Does CEFR for Japanese Language Work?
CEFR measures proficiency in terms of six levels from A1 to C2.[2]
- A1 and A2 are aimed at beginner-level learners. Learners at this level can understand basic everyday expressions, do a good self-introduction, and can comprehend clear and slow conversations.
- B1 and B2 represent intermediate proficiency. Learners at this level can understand and engage in complex conversations, texts, and broadcasts such as long-form news and articles.
- C1 and C2 indicate fluent or near-native proficiency. Learners at this level have a deeper understanding of the language’s complexity, including nuanced literature such as poetry. They also understand subtext, nuances, and implicit intentions in conversations.
These levels are decided on the level of independence that the user has for communicating, presenting their thoughts, and engaging in conversations. CEFR values the social context of learning language and hence introduces topics that are closer to the learners in terms of accessibility.[3]
For example, topics such as self-introductions, shopping, and eating habits are in the beginner syllabus. Complex grammar patterns, expressing negative emotions tactfully, and talking about expectations are considered skills for intermediate or fluent learners.
How To Know Your CEFR Level for Japanese?
There are many tests available in the market to measure candidates’ proficiency according to the CEFR standard. Most of these tests are computer-based with descriptive questions and an option to record spoken answers, which are then checked by qualified professionals.
JLPT is one of those tests, but it is not the only way CEFR levels are measured. Other tests that can be used to gauge your CEFR levels are:
- JFT-Basic (The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) – A test usually taken by skilled workers looking to obtain a working visa in Japan.
- BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) – A test focusing on formal, business-level Japanese.
Results from these tests, including those from JLPT, are used to evaluate your CEFR levels. In fact, starting from the December 2025 exam, JLPT is expected to include a CEFR level on the score report. However, due to JLPT’s limitations, it’s only used to indicate vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening level, and not speaking or writing.[4]
Again, it’s important to note that CEFR is an overview of assessing a person’s language ability. To assess a person’s language ability, tests are still needed. However, with the new CEFR framework, assessing this ability is not dependent on a single test.
Holistic Approach to Japanese Proficiency
In recent years, the Japan Foundation has also released a CEFR standard-based textbook series called Marugoto. It focuses on action-oriented sentence patterns. This gives students concrete “Can-Do ” skills, from which they can divide their learning into theory (understanding a grammar pattern) and practical (using the grammar pattern during conversation).
Learners who aim to work in Japan are expected to communicate in Japanese at their workplace, with clients, or even in their daily life. Therefore, learners need to understand and incorporate these new standards in their learning process.
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