 the , or jlpt, is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability. the test is held twice a year in japan and selected countries (on the first sunday of july and december), and once a year in other regions (on the first sunday of december). the jlpt was expanded to five levels in 2010, characterized as follows: * n1: the ability to understand japanese used in a variety of circumstances * n2: the ability to understand japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree * n3: the ability to understand japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree * n4: the ability to understand basic japanese * n5: the ability to understand some basic japanese until 2009, the test had four levels, with the old level 3 and level 4 corresponding to the current level n4 and level n5 respectively. in the change to the new level system, a new level n3 was inserted between the old levels 2 and 3. the examination for level n1 was expanded to cover higher-level content, but the passing standard for level n1 remained approximately the same as the old level 1.http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/comparison.html jlpt certificates do not expire or become invalid over time.http://www.jlpt.jp/e/faq/index.html ==history and statistics== the jlpt was first held in 1984 in response to growing demand for standardized japanese language certification. initially 7,000 people took the test. until 2003, the jlpt was one of the requirements for foreigners entering japanese universities. since 2003, the examination for japanese university admission for international students (e
Japanese_language_tests Testing_and_exams_in_Japan