Both the NAT-Test and JLPT are widely used to assess Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers. While they share some similarities, their structure, difficulty, and purpose differ. Understanding their bolded NAT test format will help you choose the right test based on your goals.
NAT-Test Format & Levels
The NAT-Test consists of five levels (NAT-5 to NAT-1), aligned closely with the JLPT levels from beginner to advanced. Each test includes three sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar), Reading, and Listening, designed to assess practical Japanese proficiency.
📌 What is the NAT-Test?
The Nihongo Ability Test (NAT) is a Japanese language proficiency exam that evaluates a candidate’s reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary skills. It follows a structured grading system, similar to the JLPT, but offers more flexibility in test dates and results processing.
📌 NAT-Test Structure & Sections
The NAT-Test consists of three main sections:
✅ 1. Vocabulary & Kanji (Language Knowledge)
- Tests word recognition, kanji comprehension, and usage.
- Assesses common vocabulary words, their meanings, and kanji readings.
- Requires understanding of synonyms, antonyms, and contextual word usage.
✅ 2. Listening Comprehension
- Evaluates auditory skills through audio recordings of conversations.
- Includes dialogues in daily, business, and academic settings.
- Tests the ability to grasp spoken information accurately and quickly.
✅ 3. Grammar & Reading Comprehension
- Focuses on sentence structure, grammar rules, and reading comprehension.
- Includes passages, conversations, and short stories to analyze meaning.
- Tests sentence patterns, verb conjugations, and grammar logic.
Want to understand the exam structure better? Check out the full NAT Test Sections guide for a clear breakdown of all parts of the test.
📌 NAT-Test Levels & Difficulty
| Level | Description | Skills Tested |
| NAT-5 (Beginner) | Equivalent to JLPT N5. Covers basic grammar, kanji, and simple conversations. | Understands hiragana, katakana, simple kanji, and greetings. |
| NAT-4 (Elementary) | Equivalent to JLPT N4. Tests basic daily communication skills. | Recognizes basic sentence structures, kanji, and conversations. |
| NAT-3 (Intermediate) | Equivalent to JLPT N3. More complex grammar, reading, and listening. | Reads longer texts, follows faster spoken dialogues. |
| NAT-2 (Business Level) | Equivalent to JLPT N2. Focuses on business communication & professional Japanese. | Understands news articles, office conversations, and formal speech. |
| NAT-1 (Advanced) | Equivalent to JLPT N1. The most challenging level, tests academic and professional fluency. | Reads academic journals, business contracts, and complex documents. |
🎯 Advantages of the NAT-Test
✅ Held 6 times a year – More flexibility in scheduling.
✅ Faster results processing – Results available within 3-4 weeks.
✅ Challenging listening & reading sections – Prepares students for real-life conversations.
✅ Ideal for practice before taking the JLPT.
🏆 Best for: Candidates who want more test opportunities and quicker results.
Here is the official website of NAT Japanese Language Test 2025
JLPT Format & Levels
📌 What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognized exam for assessing Japanese language skills. Conducted by the Japan Foundation and JEES (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services), it is used for university admissions, job applications, and visa eligibility.
📌 JLPT Structure & Sections
Unlike the NAT-Test, the JLPT focuses more on language theory rather than practical usage. It consists of three main sections:
✅ 1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar)
- Assesses word recognition, kanji usage, and grammar rules.
- Tests sentence structures, idioms, and contextual word placement.
- Requires knowledge of honorific speech (keigo) at advanced levels.
✅ 2. Reading Comprehension
- Involves passages, articles, and short stories for analysis.
- Tests the ability to identify key information, infer meanings, and understand logical structures.
- Higher levels require academic-level reading skills.
✅ 3. Listening Comprehension
- Includes audio clips of conversations, announcements, and interviews.
- Tests intonation, context-based comprehension, and conversational flow.
- Higher levels involve fast-paced dialogues and advanced vocabulary.
📌 JLPT Levels & Difficulty
| Level | Description | Skills Tested |
| JLPT N5 (Beginner) | Covers basic greetings, hiragana, katakana, and simple kanji. | Understands basic sentences and conversations. |
| JLPT N4 (Elementary) | Tests daily life conversations and basic grammar structures. | Reads short texts, understands common expressions. |
| JLPT N3 (Intermediate) | Involves longer passages, faster conversations, and more kanji. | Reads newspapers, follows general discussions. |
| JLPT N2 (Business Level) | Required for business jobs and university applications. | Understands complex texts, news articles, and formal speech. |
| JLPT N1 (Advanced) | The most difficult level, tests native-level fluency. | Reads academic research papers, business contracts, and novels. |
🎯 Benefits of the JLPT
✅ Globally recognized – Accepted for jobs, visas, and university admissions.
✅ Does not expire – Certification remains valid for a lifetime.
✅ Structured difficulty levels – Well-defined progression from beginner to fluent.
🏆 Best for: Candidates who need an official certification for work, study, or immigration purposes.
📌 Which Test Should You Choose?
✔ Choose NAT-Test If:
✅ You want more test dates and faster results.
✅ You prefer a practical approach to language learning.
✅ You need a quick assessment before taking the JLPT.
✔ Choose JLPT If:
✅ You need an officially recognized certificate for job applications, visas, or university admissions.
✅ You want a structured, globally accepted exam.
✅ You prefer a strong focus on grammar and reading comprehension.
3. Key Differences Between NAT and JLPT
📅 Exam Frequency – How Often Are They Conducted?
| Exam | Test Frequency |
| NAT-Test | Conducted six times a year (Every two months) |
| JLPT | Held only twice a year (First Sunday of July & December) |
✅ Why does this matter?
- NAT-Test provides more flexibility if you want to take the exam sooner rather than waiting for months.
- JLPT’s fixed schedule means you need to plan your preparation carefully.
📝 Best for: Those who need quick results and want to retest sooner if needed should choose the NAT-Test.
📖 Difficulty Comparison – Which Exam is Harder?
| Exam | Difficulty Level |
| NAT-Test | More analytical questions in listening & reading sections |
| JLPT | Focuses on contextual understanding rather than direct translation |
✅ NAT-Test Difficulty
- The listening section is slightly harder because it requires critical thinking and quick response.
- The reading section includes long passages that demand careful analysis.
- Designed to test real-world Japanese usage, making it practical for daily communication.
✅ JLPT Difficulty
- More structured in terms of grammar and vocabulary.
- Reading comprehension is extensive, but questions are often predictable based on past patterns.
- Emphasizes passive understanding, meaning it doesn’t include speaking or writing.
📝 Best for:
- NAT-Test: If you prefer a logical and analytical approach to language learning.
- JLPT: If you want a structured exam focusing on grammar and contextual comprehension.
⏳ Test Result Processing – When Will You Get Your Results?
| Exam | Result Processing Time |
| NAT-Test | Results available within 3-4 weeks |
| JLPT | Takes up to 2 months for official certification |
✅ Why does this matter?
- NAT-Test provides results quickly, making it a great option for those who need certification urgently.
- JLPT results take longer because they undergo extensive verification, ensuring global recognition.
📝 Best for: Candidates who need faster results should choose the NAT-Test.
⏳ Do You Need Flexible Scheduling & Faster Results?
✅ Choose NAT-Test If:
- You need a quick certification for work, study, or personal progress tracking.
- You want an exam held more frequently (6 times a year) instead of waiting months.
- You prefer faster results (within 3-4 weeks) instead of waiting 2+ months for certification.
📌 Best for: Test-takers who need more opportunities to pass the exam or improve their score quickly.
🌎 Do You Need an Internationally Recognized Certificate?
✅ Choose JLPT If:
- You need official proof of Japanese proficiency for jobs, university applications, or visas.
- You want a widely recognized certification that is accepted worldwide.
- You don’t mind waiting 2 months for results, as long as they hold greater academic & professional value.
📌 Best for: Individuals planning to study or work in Japan, since many employers and schools require JLPT certification.
🧠 Do You Prefer a Certain Exam Structure?
📝 NAT-Test: Focuses on Practical & Analytical Skills
✅ Listening & Reading sections are more analytical—you need to think critically and process information quickly.
✅ Includes real-world Japanese usage, making it useful for daily communication.
✅ The exam is slightly more challenging in some sections, especially listening.
📖 JLPT: Focuses on Context-Based Comprehension
✅ Strong emphasis on grammar, reading, and vocabulary.
✅ Questions follow consistent patterns, making them easier to predict & prepare for.
✅ No speaking or writing sections, so it’s not a direct test of communication skills.
📌 Best for:
- NAT-Test if you prefer real-world language skills and more critical thinking questions.
- JLPT if you want a structured, predictable format with a focus on reading & grammar.
🎯 Final Decision – Which Exam is Right for You?
| Choose This Exam If… | NAT-Test | JLPT |
| You need more test dates & flexibility | ✅ Yes (6 times a year) | ❌ No (Only twice a year) |
| You want results quickly | ✅ Yes (3-4 weeks) | ❌ No (2 months) |
| You need an internationally recognized certificate | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| You plan to apply for jobs, university admissions, or a visa | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| You prefer practical, real-world Japanese skills | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| You want a structured, predictable exam format | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
FAQs
1. Is NAT-Test easier than JLPT?
NAT is slightly more difficult in terms of reading and listening comprehension. However, both exams assess similar language skills.
2. Can I use NAT-Test for university admission in Japan?
Some institutions accept NAT, but JLPT is more widely recognized for education and employment.
3. How long does it take to get results for both exams?
NAT-Test results are released in a few weeks, whereas JLPT results take around two months.
4. Is there a speaking section in either exam?
No, neither NAT nor JLPT includes a speaking test.
5. Can I take the NAT-Test online?
Currently, NAT-Test is conducted only in designated test centers, similar to JLPT.
Conclusion
Both the NAT-Test and JLPT serve as valuable certifications for Japanese language learners. If you need a more frequent and faster result-based exam, NAT is preferable. However, for career and academic recognition, JLPT remains the gold standard. Choose the one that best fits your goals and schedule.
