J.TEST vs NAT-TEST: Differences
Test frequency, visa use and levels side by side, from published data.
Key points
- FrequencyJ.TEST About 6 times a year ／ NAT-TEST 6 times a year (even months)
- VisaUsable with both: Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institution
Comparison table
| Attribute | Test of Practical Japanese (J.TEST) | Japanese NAT-TEST |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Assesses practical and business Japanese across a wide band in a single sitting | Measures Japanese ability for study and work; level design aligned with the JLPT |
| Frequency | About 6 times a year | 6 times a year (even months) |
| Organizer | J.TEST Japan Office / Japanese Language Testing Association | Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co., Ltd. |
| Levels / CEFR | Special A / A · Pre-A · Level B · Pre-B · Level C · Level D · Level E · Level F | Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Level 4 · Level 5 (CEFR A1–C1) |
| Countries | 1 | 8 |
| Typical fee | ¥5,800 | ৳4,000 / BTN 2,980 / $30–$35 / CNY 430 / ₹2,360 / Rp 500,000 / ¥6,000 / KGS 2,000 / ₮65,000 / K 72,000 / Rs 4,500 / Rs 7,000 / ฿1,000 / UZS 400,000 / ₫800,000 |
| Official site | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ |
Which to choose by purpose
Descriptions from each residence-status guide, side by side.
Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institution
J.TEST
Score-based. Bimonthly, with frequent sittings.
NAT-TEST
Equivalent to JLPT N5. Bimonthly.