The NAT Japanese Test (Nihongo Achievement Test) is an internationally recognized examination that evaluates the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers. Q2 (Upper Intermediate) is the fourth level in the NAT series, designed for learners who have a strong command of intermediate Japanese and are preparing to approach advanced proficiency. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of NAT Q2, including exam structure, syllabus, preparation strategies, fees, registration process, and expert tips for success.
Overview of NAT Q2 (Upper Intermediate)
Q2 (Upper Intermediate) corresponds roughly to JLPT N2, which is the upper-intermediate level in the Japanese Language Proficiency framework. It is suitable for learners who:
- Have studied Japanese for 1–2 years.
- Can understand complex sentences in daily, academic, and professional settings.
- Are capable of reading news articles, reports, emails, and narratives.
- Want to advance their grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening skills to prepare for near-professional fluency.
The Q2 exam assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend Japanese in more formal situations, academic contexts, and complex social interactions, bridging the gap to advanced proficiency (Q1).
NAT Q2 Exam Structure
The NAT Q2 exam is divided into three main sections:
a) Grammar and Vocabulary
- Evaluates mastery of complex grammar patterns and nuanced sentence structures.
- Key grammar topics include:
- 〜に違いない / 〜わけだ / 〜ものだ – Expressing certainty, reasoning, and natural tendencies.
- 受身 (Passive), 使役 (Causative), 受使役 (Causative-Passive) forms.
- 〜ことにする / 〜ことになる / 〜ように言う – Expressing decisions, outcomes, and instructions.
- 条件形 / 仮定形 – Conditional forms and hypothetical situations.
- Vocabulary evaluation includes:
- Advanced words for work, travel, social interactions, and media.
- Intermediate-to-advanced adjectives, adverbs, and idiomatic expressions.
b) Reading Comprehension
- Involves medium-length passages, articles, essays, and dialogues.
- Tasks include:
- Multiple-choice comprehension questions.
- Filling in blanks with contextually appropriate words.
- Matching sentences to paragraphs or scenarios.
- Tests reading ability in hiragana, katakana, and approximately 1,000 kanji, including intermediate-to-advanced kanji used in everyday Japanese.
c) Listening Comprehension
- Includes longer, more complex dialogues, interviews, and news reports.
- Scenarios cover:
- Work meetings, academic discussions, public announcements, and social situations.
- Evaluates understanding of nuanced speech, implied meaning, tone, and context in spoken Japanese.
NAT Q2 Syllabus
The syllabus ensures learners progress from intermediate to upper-intermediate Japanese skills:
a) Scripts
- Hiragana and Katakana – complete mastery.
- Kanji – approximately 1,000 characters, including common idiomatic kanji and compounds.
b) Grammar
- Advanced sentence structures and connectors:
- 〜に違いない / 〜わけだ / 〜ものだ – Expressing certainty and reasoning.
- 〜つつ / 〜に対して / 〜おかげで – Simultaneous actions, contrasts, and cause-effect.
- 〜ように / 〜ことにする / 〜ことになる – Expressing purposes, decisions, and outcomes.
- Mastery of passive, causative, and causative-passive forms.
- Use of complex particles: に対して, によって, に応じて, について, をめぐって.
c) Vocabulary
- Expanded vocabulary covering:
- Work, school, media, travel, hobbies, social interactions.
- Common idiomatic expressions and proverbs used in professional and daily contexts.
- Focus on synonyms, antonyms, and context-specific vocabulary for nuanced understanding.
d) Listening
- Comprehension of interviews, discussions, announcements, and news reports.
- Ability to recognize implied meanings, subtle emotions, and context-driven nuances.
Exam Duration and Scoring
- Total Duration: 100–110 minutes.
- Question Format: Multiple-choice, sentence completion, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension.
- Passing Criteria: Typically 60–70% correct answers, although scoring may vary by year.
- Results: Released online or through test centers 4–6 weeks after the exam.
AT Q2 Exam Fees in India (2025)
Exam fees for Q2 are higher due to the advanced level:
| Level |
Exam Fee (INR) |
| Q2 |
₹4,500 – ₹5,000 |
Fees may vary slightly depending on the city and test center. Check the official website for the most recent fee details.
Registration Process
- Visit the official NAT Japanese Test website: natjapanesetest.com.
- Select Q2 (Upper Intermediate) as your level.
- Choose your exam date and test center.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal details.
- Complete the online payment.
- Download and print your admit card, and carry it along with a valid government-issued ID to the exam center.
Registration typically closes 4–5 weeks before the exam, so early application is recommended.
Preparation Tips for NAT Q2
a) Script and Kanji Mastery
- Review hiragana and katakana.
- Memorize around 1,000 kanji, focusing on compound words and idiomatic usage.
b) Grammar Practice
- Practice advanced grammar patterns with multiple examples.
- Focus on passive, causative, causative-passive forms, conditional forms, and complex sentence connectors.
c) Vocabulary Expansion
- Study words related to daily life, work, media, academics, and social interactions.
- Learn idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and context-specific vocabulary.
d) Reading Practice
- Read newspaper articles, essays, reports, and dialogues.
- Refer to textbooks like Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese, Genki II, and online resources.
e) Listening Practice
- Listen to podcasts, news broadcasts, and interviews in Japanese.
- Practice comprehending nuances, implied meanings, and tone.
f) Mock Tests
- Attempt full-length Q2 mock tests under timed conditions.
- Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas.
- Familiarize yourself with question types and instructions to boost confidence.
Recommended Resources
- Textbooks: Tobira, Genki II, Kanzen Master series.
- Online Resources:
- Apps: Anki, LingoDeer, Duolingo, Kanji Study.
- YouTube Channels: JapanesePod101, Nihongo no Mori.
Exam Day Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the test center.
- Bring your admit card and a valid government-issued ID.
- Carefully read all instructions before starting.
- Start with easier questions first, then attempt harder ones.
- Manage your time efficiently and maintain calm throughout the exam.
FAQ – NAT Q2 (Upper Intermediate)
Q1. Who should take NAT Q2?
A: Learners with 1–2 years of Japanese study who can handle upper-intermediate grammar, vocabulary, and reading.
Q2. How long is the Q2 exam?
A: 100–110 minutes.
Q3. What scripts are tested in Q2?
A: Hiragana, Katakana, and approximately 1,000 kanji including intermediate-to-advanced compounds.
Q4. How much does Q2 cost?
A: Approximately ₹4,500–₹5,000 in India.
Q5. Can I take NAT Q2 online?
A: No, the exam is conducted at physical test centers only.
Q6. How are results released?
A: Results are available 4–6 weeks after the exam, online or through test centers.
Q7. How to prepare effectively for Q2?
A: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
NAT Q2 (Upper Intermediate) prepares learners for advanced Japanese proficiency by enhancing reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary skills. It enables candidates to handle complex conversations, formal communications, and academic/professional texts, bridging the gap to the advanced Q1 level.
By consistently practicing with textbooks, online resources, mock tests, and refining your listening and reading comprehension, learners can confidently clear NAT Q2 and progress to the highest level of Japanese proficiency.
