The NAT Japanese Test (Nihongo Achievement Test) is an internationally recognized examination designed for non-native speakers to evaluate their Japanese language proficiency. Q3 (Intermediate) is the third level of the NAT test and is targeted at learners who have a solid grasp of basic Japanese and want to move toward more advanced usage. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of NAT Q3, including exam structure, syllabus, preparation strategies, fees, registration process, and expert tips for success.
Overview of NAT Q3 (Intermediate)
Q3 (Intermediate) corresponds roughly to JLPT N3, which is the intermediate level in the Japanese Language Proficiency framework. It is designed for learners who:
- Have studied Japanese for 6 months to 1 year.
- Can understand more complex sentences in daily and semi-formal situations.
- Are capable of reading short articles, dialogues, and letters.
- Want to expand their grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening skills to handle more advanced communication.
The Q3 exam evaluates a candidate’s ability to comprehend Japanese in everyday situations, school, work, and social settings, bridging the gap between elementary and upper-intermediate proficiency.
NAT Q3 Exam Structure
The NAT Q3 exam is divided into three primary sections:
a) Grammar and Vocabulary
- Tests understanding of intermediate grammar patterns and sentence structures.
- Key grammar topics include:
- 〜そうです / 〜ようです – Expressing appearance and conjecture.
- 〜ながら / 〜ために / 〜ことができる – Expressing simultaneous actions, purpose, and ability.
- Passive and causative forms of verbs.
- Conditional forms like 〜たら, 〜ば.
- Vocabulary evaluation includes:
- Common expressions for daily life, work, school, travel, and hobbies.
- Intermediate adjectives and adverbs to describe situations and feelings.
b) Reading Comprehension
- Involves short passages, announcements, dialogues, and emails.
- Tasks include:
- Answering multiple-choice questions.
- Completing missing words or sentences.
- Matching sentences with appropriate contexts.
- Tests reading ability in hiragana, katakana, and approximately 600 basic to intermediate kanji.
c) Listening Comprehension
- Includes longer dialogues and short talks.
- Scenarios cover:
- School, workplace, and social conversations.
- Instructions, announcements, and opinions.
- Evaluates the ability to understand intermediate-level spoken Japanese, including intonation and context nuances.
NAT Q3 Syllabus
The syllabus ensures learners progress from elementary to intermediate Japanese skills:
a) Scripts
- Hiragana and Katakana – complete mastery.
- Kanji – approximately 600 characters, including numbers, dates, time expressions, and everyday objects.
b) Grammar
- Intermediate sentence structures and connectors:
- 〜たほうがいい / 〜なくてもいい – Giving advice and permission.
- 〜かもしれない – Expressing possibility.
- 〜ようにする / 〜ようになる – Expressing effort or change.
- Use of complex particles such as までに, について, からで, によって.
c) Vocabulary
- Expanded vocabulary covering:
- Travel, shopping, school, workplace, hobbies, and social interactions.
- Common verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and expressions for opinions and feelings.
d) Listening
- Comprehension of conversations, short reports, instructions, and announcements.
- Ability to recognize nuances, implied meanings, and context in spoken Japanese.
Exam Duration and Scoring
- Total Duration: 90–100 minutes.
- Question Format: Multiple-choice, sentence completion, reading comprehension, listening comprehension.
- Passing Criteria: Typically 60–70% correct answers, but scoring may vary by year.
- Results: Released online or through test centers 4–6 weeks after the exam.
NAT Q3 Exam Fees in India (2025)
Exam fees for Q3 reflect its intermediate level:
| Level |
Exam Fee (INR) |
| Q3 |
₹3,500 – ₹4,000 |
Fees may vary slightly depending on test center and city. Always verify the latest fee on the official NAT website.
Registration Process
- Visit the official NAT Japanese Test website:
- Select Q3 (Intermediate) as your level.
- Choose the exam date and test center.
- Complete the application form with accurate personal details.
- Pay the exam fee online.
- Download and print your admit card, and bring 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 Q3
a) Script and Kanji Mastery
- Review hiragana and katakana thoroughly.
- Memorize around 600 kanji using flashcards or apps.
b) Grammar Practice
- Practice intermediate grammar patterns with examples.
- Focus on conditional, passive, causative, and complex sentence structures.
c) Vocabulary Expansion
- Study words related to daily life, travel, school, work, and hobbies.
- Learn verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and common expressions used in intermediate communication.
d) Reading Practice
- Read short stories, articles, dialogues, and letters.
- Use textbooks like Genki II, Minna no Nihongo II, or online resources.
e) Listening Practice
- Listen to podcasts, YouTube videos, and news in slow Japanese.
- Practice answering questions from intermediate dialogues.
f) Mock Tests
- Attempt full-length Q3 mock tests under timed conditions.
- Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas.
- Familiarize yourself with exam patterns and instructions.
Recommended Resources
- Textbooks: Genki II, Minna no Nihongo II.
- Online Resources:
- Apps: Anki, LingoDeer, Duolingo, Kanji Study.
- YouTube Channels: JapanesePod101, Nihongo no Mori.
Exam Day Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the exam center.
- Bring your admit card and valid government ID.
- Read instructions carefully before starting.
- Begin with easier questions first, then attempt harder ones.
- Manage time effectively and stay calm throughout the exam.
FAQ – NAT Q3 (Intermediate)
Q1. Who should take NAT Q3?
A: Learners with 6 months to 1 year of Japanese study who can handle intermediate grammar and vocabulary.
Q2. How long is the Q3 exam?
A: 90–100 minutes.
Q3. What scripts are tested in Q3?
A: Hiragana, Katakana, and approximately 600 basic-to-intermediate kanji.
Q4. How much does Q3 cost?
A: Approximately ₹3,500–₹4,000 in India.
Q5. Can I take NAT Q3 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 Q3?
A: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
NAT Q3 (Intermediate) is the bridge between elementary and upper-intermediate Japanese proficiency. It equips learners to handle more complex daily conversations, reading materials, and listening tasks, preparing them for Q2 and Q1.
With regular practice of scripts, grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, and taking mock tests, candidates can confidently clear NAT Q3 and progress to advanced levels.
