All About Japanese Language NAT Test

Once you reach a certain level in Japanese, you might want to prove your worth. Find your accurate level and earn an international certification for the Japanese NAT Test.

How is this exam different than JLPT? Is there any benefit? What are the dates, test centers, exam format, test structure, fee, and how to apply?

Everything you need to know about this Japanese test is here. Let’s get started!

Japanese Language NAT TEST

The Japanese NAT (Nihongo Achievement Test) is a standard criterion-referenced exam. This is to check and certify the Japanese ability of non-native speakers.

This was first started in 1989 in Japan and other countries like China, South Korea, and Taiwan. In 2007, they changed the name to NAT Test.

Today, it is the second most popular Japanese language test. It can be taken in over 50 cities across 16 Asian countries.

Over 150,000 candidates appear for the test annually across the testing centers.

Who conducts the Japanese NAT test?

The administration committee of Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co. (Shinjuku-Ku in Tokyo, Japan) manages the NAT Test.

They have a regional office in each country where they conduct the test. These offices offer support and technical help to operate the exam.

They also have the “NAT-TEST Code of Honor” and “Fairness Code.”

This ensures the honest behavior of all those involved with the test. They do this to protect the reputation and integrity of the examination.

Purposes and Advantages of NAT Test

There are many obvious benefits of the Japanese NAT Test.

Here are some well-known ones.

1. Know your exact Japanese level

If you’re learning Japanese for a while, you may want to know your current Japanese language skills. In that case, the Japanese NAT test is a superb choice.

You will not only identify your current strengths but will also understand your shortcomings.

This test can help you focus on the necessary parts to improve and fill the gap. And all this can help you plan better for the next exam.

2. Study or work in Japan

When students plan to apply for admission to a Japanese university or apply for a student visa, they usually take the JLPT to assess their language skills.

The Japanese NAT test follows the same guidelines as the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), which is why various educational institutions also accept it.

This is also valuable while applying for employment in Japan. Achieving Q2 (like N2) will play a significant role in finding a job in the country.

3. It opens many job opportunities

Japanese can be a key to unlocking careers involving Japanese doors in many fields. This includes automobile, consumer electronics, chemical, animation, metal, steel, infra, semiconductor, shipbuilding, etc.

Are you looking for jobs in Japanese companies or organizations that deal with Japanese people or businesses?

Then, the Japanese certification will make your CV stand out in the crowd. Many firms need official certification to judge a candidate’s Japanese skills.

The documentary evidence, other qualifications, and experience will help you with the interview.

4. A great alternative to JLPT

One of the main perks of the NAT Test is the frequency of the test.

Depending on the country, one can appear for the JLPT only once or twice a year. However, one can take the Japanese NAT test six times a year.

So, you don’t have to wait for such a long time to measure your Japanese ability.

This is great for Japanese learners who need recognized certification soon.

The test format and levels are comparable to JLPT. So, you will also prepare for it.

In addition, you will receive your complete result report and certificate within 3 weeks. This is another incentive!

Everything About Japanese NAT Test

Discover everything linked with the NAT Test (Nihongo Achievement Test).

What are the various levels?

Like JLPT, the Japanese NAT test comprises five independent levels: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q5.

Q1 is the hardest one, whereas Q5 is the easiest.

This also resembles CERF to some extent. For example, 4th grade/Q4 or N4 are like A2. Still, both are not quite identical.

This is because CERF comprises reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In contrast, NAT-TEST measures only the reading and listening abilities.

The test uses the same name, total levels, standard, and format as JLPT. Yet, the Japanese NAT test is a little more complex than its corresponding level of the JLPT.

The Japanese NAT test allows you to practice and prepare for the JLPT.

Once you pass it, you may not need to take the JLPT test. If you still want, you can easily crack.

Test structure

Levels 1 and 2 have a language part that includes reading, grammar, and vocabulary. This also has one reading comprehension and one listening section.

In contrast, levels 3, 4, and 5 comprise the language section, like kanji and vocabulary. This is another part of grammar, reading, and listening.

All questions are MCQs (multiple-choice questions).

First, choose one correct answer out of the 4 mentioned options. Then, fill in a solid and dark circle in the designated place of the answer sheets.

The curriculum and exam format

What are the criteria to pass?

To qualify, you need to meet two mandatory criteria:

• Scoring over 25% on each individual section.
• A total score of 60% (in most cases) is necessary to receive the “passing” grade.

Duration of the test

The time duration varies depending on the level. However, finishing takes 2-3 hours, with a 10-minute break between each segment.

NAT testing centers in the world

As of January 2025, there are 75 testing centers in 16 countries. All these centers are in Asia, especially in China, South-East, Central, and South Asia.

There are 45 in China, 8 in Vietnam, 6 in Indonesia, 4 in Nepal, and 3 in Uzbekistan. There are 2 each in Myanmar, Japan, and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Kyrgyzstan have one exam center.

NAT test centers in India

There are 4 Japanese NAT test centers in India — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune.

1. UNICOSMOS School (Gurgaon/Delhi)
Location: Golf Course Road, Sector 55, Gurgaon, Haryana
Phone: 9958664774
Email: nattest@unicosmos.in
Contact Person: Mr. Suraj Kumar
Website: LINK

2. ABK — AOTS DOSOKAI (Chennai)
Address: No. 110, 3rd floor, Chateau D’ampa, Nelson Manickam Road, Amjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Phone: 044-2374 3575 / 2374 0318
Email: rangaots@gmail.com / abkaots@gmail.com
Contact Person: Mr. M. R. Ranganathan
Website: LINK

3. Sinhgad Institutes NBN SSOCS (Pune)
Address: NBN SSOCS Building, Ambegaon (BK), Sinhgad Road, Pune Maharashtra
Phone: 8888849330
Email: japanesenbnssocs@sinhgad.edu
Contact Person: Ms. Renu Rao Kasina
Website: LINK

4. Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Kharghar (Mumbai)
Address: TMV, Plot 3, Sector – 14, Near Raghunath-Vihar, Kharghar Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Phone: 9881291210 / 9359861841
Email: nat.tmv22@gmail.com
Contact Person: Mr. Pradeep Kulkarni
Website: LINK

2025 Exam Dates

You can only take JLPT once or twice a year. In comparison, they conduct Japanese NAT exams 6 times a year.

They hold the test almost every month except March 2025.

What is the examination fee?

The registration fee for each level differs depending on the country where you plan to take the test.

The price is low compared to other popular European language tests, such as DELF, DELE, TEF, SIELE, CILS, and TestDaF.

For example, India’s price is ₹ 2,360, including GST. In China, it varies from RMB 460 for 1Q and 2Q to RMB 390 for 3Q, 4Q, and 5Q.

The cost is VND 700,000 (Vietnam), NPR 4,500 (Nepal), MMK 42,000 (Myanmar), LKR 5,500 (SL), IDR 500,000 (Indonesia), JPY 5,500 (Japan), MNT 50,000 (Mongolia), UZS 300,000 (Uzbekistan), USD 30 (Cambodia), BDT 3,000 (Bangladesh), USD 55 (Philippines), KGS 2,000 (Kyrgyzstan), BTN 2,980 (Bhutan), and THB 1,560 – 1Q, 2Q and THB 1,060 – 3Q, 4Q, 5Q (Thailand).

How to Apply?

You can apply online to the official website of your test center before the deadline for the last date.

You must upload the latest passport-size photo showing your face with a white or pale background color and a government ID card.

The process will be complete once they receive the registration fee. Once paid, there is no refund.

Once you submit your form, they will send you the ticket to your mailing address and email 1-2 weeks before exam day. Then, if you don’t get it, you can contact them.

The ticket prints your name, registration number, gender, date of birth, and photo. Take the application receipt and a valid ID card to the testing center on the examination date.

When do you get the result?

Usually, they announce the test result within 3 weeks of the exam date.

The report card covers detailed scores, evaluations of each segment, and your strengths and weaknesses. Successful candidates are also issued a “pass certificate.”

How to prepare?

The Japanese NAT Test adopted the same format as JLPT. So, if you’re already preparing for JLPT, you don’t need any special study.

Since Japanese is a difficult language, enrolling in any formal course is recommended.

Read → (i) Japanese institutes in Delhi (ii) Japanese classes in Bangalore (iii) Movies to Learn Japanese

To prepare for the NAT test, refer to the mock test, previous year’s question papers, and sample papers for JLPT.

The official site has several sample papers.

Plus, they list many reference books like (Let’s Learn Nihongo series) and workbooks (Japanese NAT test official questions) for each level. You can buy from Amazon, online shopping sites, or bookshops.

Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comment section below.