TOPJ is a Japanese language test that is held 6 times a year in 8 countries and regions. It has 3 levels and can measure higher levels of language ability than the JLPT.
The strength of TOPJ is that it is hosted multiple times in a year, so you can take the test to suits your schedule. Another characteristic is that it tests your language ability in everyday, practical situations and your knowledge of Japanese culture and news.
Official Names
English: TOP Japanese (TOPJ)
Japanese: TopJ 実用日本語運用試験 (じつようにほんごうんようしけん / Jitsuyo Nihongo Unyo Shiken)
Purpose / Advantages
Evaluate and serve as proof of your practical Japanese language abilities.
Examples of advantages include:
- Proof of Japanese language ability in certain universities, specialized schools, and graduate schools: Results of the test have advantages such as supporting your applications to Japanese educational institutions or exchange programs.
- Proof of Japanese language ability for job applications in certain companies: Top results of the test can be used as proof of your language skills for companies.
- Application for a scholarship sponsored by the Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Exchange: The sponsor of the test offers scholarships to students with academic excellence and who will pursue their studies at designated Japanese universities or graduate schools.
Eligibility
None.
Testing dates
Here are the testing dates this year:
Session |
Levels |
Test Dates 2022 |
Application Deadlines |
January |
Beginner and Intermediate levels |
January 16 (Sun.) |
|
March |
Beginner and Intermediate levels |
March 13 (Sun.) |
|
May |
All levels |
May 15 (Sun.) |
|
July |
Beginner and Intermediate levels |
July 10 (Sun.) |
|
September |
Beginner and Intermediate levels |
September 11 (Sun.) |
|
November |
All levels |
November 6 (Sun.) |
|
The above dates are for the test held in Japan and are taken as reference. Dates and application deadlines outside Japan differ according to testing center and region. Contact the overseas offices for more information.
*Some testing centers may not host on all testing dates
Testing areas
Testing areas in Japan
Hyogo
Testing areas outside Japan
China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand
Application process
Taking the test in Japan
Register and apply online via an external site (Career +, accessible
here)
Taking the test outside of Japan
Follow the application guidelines of your testing center and offices.
Subjects and Format
The test is divided into two parts: reading comprehension and listening comprehension.
Reading comprehension
There are 2 sections, a total of 5-6 subsections in the reading comprehension part.
Vocabulary and Grammar Knowledge
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
Keigo usage (only in Intermediate and Advanced levels)
Reading comprehension
-
1
Understanding short, medium and long sentences and passages, and understanding information on visual media
-
2
Understanding conversational Japanese and responses
Listening comprehension
There are 3 sections in the listening comprehension part.
-
1
Photo / picture questions
-
2
Conversation / Explanation comprehension
-
3
Listening and reading comprehension
Testing time differs according to level.
Levels and Results
There are 3 levels of to this test: Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner. You will receive a mark (Advanced A, B, C / Intermediate A, B, C / Beginner A, B, C) according to your overall and section scores.
Failing marks
You will fail a test if you score below the designated overall score borderline.