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

  Kanji

• 2

  Building sentences

• 3

  Paraphrasing

• 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.

Official Websites

Official website: https://www.topj-test.org/ (Japanese)