When looking for work that requires Japanese language skills, having some sort of certification to prove your ability can certainly look good to potential employers. The JLPT is a great test for this; it’s very well known and the mastering its contents will give you a great grasp of the basics of Japanese language. But there are also other tests out there that check your skills in different ways, or focus on very specific language skills.

One of these tests is the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT). It measures understanding of and ability to use polite Japanese and ability to comprehend common documents, so it might be worth taking (or at least studying the material) for anyone interested in working in Japanese office environment in the future. The test doesn’t really compare well to the JLPT since they’re so different, but the organizers themselves recommend taking the BJT from around the JLPT N2 level.

The test is administered in three major sections: Listening, Listening-Reading, and Reading, and each of these are divided further into three parts. In total there are 80 questions, all multiple choice, and the test takes approximately two hours to complete. The test fee is 7000 yen.

Originally a paper test offered on a designated day, the BJT is now taken on computer and can be scheduled throughout the year. When I took the test in Fukuoka, I was shown to my desk a little later than scheduled (apparently there is a little wiggle room if the center falls behind schedule), and was given headphones, a small whiteboard for notes, and a marker. The test began as soon as I was seated and the overseer had signed me in on the computer. There were no breaks during the test.

The sections were pretty much as their names describe. For the Listening section there is only a picture and the answer choices are read aloud at the end, and for Listening-Reading you must read something while also listening to a conversation and process that information to choose the correct answer. For both these of sections, you must answer before the timer runs out, and you cannot go back and change answers. The Reading section has you choose the correct word or phrase to complete a sentence and extract information from documents. Unlike the previous two, you can return to and check your answers on the Reading section until your 30 minute time limit is up. Overall, the content all seemed very relevant to someone working in an office, although it has the same pitfall of the JLPT: since it is multiple choice, only your ability to recognize the right answer is tested; there is no test of ability to produce your own correct answer.

One of the great things about the test being computer-based is that you now receive your score immediately upon completion! A maximum 800 points are possible, and your level is determined by how many points you achieved. In place of a paper certificate, you will also be able to use the Pearson VUE Authenticate page to allow others to verify your achievement. After entering your registration and validation numbers, they will be able to see your name, the date and location of your test, and the level awarded. (The points are not shown.)

Authenticated BJT results (personal info deleted)

But how do you study for this test in the first place? Unlike the JLPT, there aren’t a lot of resources out there specifically for the BJT. First, I would recommend getting a good grasp of sonkeigo (respect language) and kenjougo (humble language) — this is an important part of the test, and also an important skill for working in a Japanese office. After this, I found the BJT textbooks I bought long ago (the yellow one and lime green one… they are both a little old now) to be good preparation, as well as just absorbing polite speech and writing around me. There are a few other textbooks out now, as well as an online preparatory course.

The textbooks I used. Reading (green) and Listening and Listening-Reading (yellow)

**And tips for anyone that takes the BJT in Fukuoka at the Hakata testing center!
The testing center is further than you would expect based on the directions they send you. Make sure to check Google Maps to confirm the exact location. ^^;;
If the front door is locked, you will need to enter the center from the rear. It looks a little sketchy, but you can cut through the neighboring parking garage to get to the back of the building.
There will be other test takers at the center, but there is only one BJT computer. You can make reservations just a day or two in advance, but slots on popular days (ie, Saturdays) seem to fill up quickly. Also, if the person before you runs overtime, don’t worry. It seems like this won’t cut in to your test taking time since it’s not your fault. 🙂

You can get more information on the test at the official BJT website, and register through the administrating company, Pearson VUE.

CIR PA Hannah

*The content of this article is based on the personal experience and advice of the CIR PA. The BJT, JLPT, etc. are not in any way affiliated with or endorsed by the Saga JET Program.

Check out the Japanese Study Tips and Resources page for more general information on studying Japanese