Both the NAT-Test vs 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
The NAT-Test has five levels (NAT-5 to NAT-1), each testing vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening skills, from basic conversations to advanced academic and business-level Japanese proficiency.
| 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
The NAT-Test offers flexible scheduling with six exams yearly, faster result processing within 3–4 weeks, practical language assessment, and is ideal for quick certification or JLPT preparation.
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
The JLPT has five levels (N5 to N1) and tests Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, and Listening. It emphasizes structured language knowledge, with no speaking or writing sections, and is globally recognized.
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
The JLPT has five levels (N5 to N1), ranging from beginner to advanced. Each level tests vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening, with increasing complexity and comprehension required at higher levels.
| 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
The JLPT offers global recognition, lifetime validity, structured levels, and is accepted for visas, jobs, and universities—making it ideal for academic, professional, and immigration purposes worldwide.
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 the NAT-Test for quicker results and flexible dates. Opt for the JLPT if you need global recognition for jobs, visas, or academic purposes with a structured exam format.
Choose NAT-Test If:
You want more test dates, faster results, and a practical, real-world language assessment. Ideal for quick certification, practice before JLPT, and improving skills through frequent testing.
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:
If you need an internationally recognized certificate for jobs, university admissions, or visas, and prefer a structured exam format focused on grammar, reading, and vocabulary comprehension.
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
NAT-Test offers flexible dates, quicker results, and emphasizes practical skills, while JLPT is globally recognized, more structured, and ideal for academic, visa, and job-related certifications.
Exam Frequency – How Often Are They Conducted?
The NAT-Test is held six times a year, offering more flexibility. In contrast, the JLPT is conducted only twice annually, requiring early planning and limited scheduling options.
| 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?
This matters because choosing the right exam affects your preparation timeline, recognition of certification, and how soon you receive results—crucial for job applications, visa processing, or academic deadlines
- 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?
The NAT-Test is slightly harder in listening and reading due to its analytical approach, while the JLPT is more structured and predictable, focusing on contextual grammar and vocabulary comprehension
| 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 NAT-Test is moderately challenging, especially in listening and reading sections, requiring analytical thinking, quick comprehension, and real-world Japanese understanding—ideal for learners seeking practical language proficiency.
- 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
The JLPT emphasizes structured grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Higher levels involve complex texts and fast-paced listening, but questions follow predictable patterns, making it easier to prepare systematically.
- 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 is best for learners seeking flexible test dates and faster results. JLPT is ideal for those needing globally recognized certification for education, work, or immigration in Japan.
- 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?
NAT-Test results are released within 3–4 weeks, while JLPT results take around 2 months due to detailed verification and official certification procedures.
| 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?
This matters because choosing the right exam impacts your study timeline, result turnaround, and recognition—affecting opportunities for jobs, university admissions, or quick self-assessment of Japanese proficiency
- 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?
Need quick certification and flexible test dates? The NAT-Test offers six exam sessions a year with results in just 3–4 weeks—perfect for those on a tight schedule or urgent deadlines.
Choose NAT-Test If:
You need flexible exam dates, faster results, and a practical test focused on real-world Japanese usage. Ideal for quick certification, progress tracking, and JLPT preparation.
- 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?
If you need a globally accepted Japanese language certification for university admissions, visa applications, or employment in Japan, the JLPT is the preferred choice due to its international recognition.
Choose JLPT If:
if you need a globally recognized certification for jobs, visas, or university admissions, and prefer a structured, grammar-focused exam with predictable patterns and long-term professional value.
- 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?
Do you prefer structured, predictable questions or practical, real-world language use? Choose JLPT for consistency and grammar focus, or NAT-Test for analytical thinking and applied Japanese skills.
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 the NAT-Test for quicker results and flexible dates. Opt for the JLPT if you need a globally recognized certificate for jobs, visas, or academic admissions in Japan.
| 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.