NAT-TEST Format Breakdown: What to Expect & How to Prepare

The Reading Section of the NAT-Test is designed to evaluate your ability to understand written Japanese, including kanji, vocabulary, sentence structures, and contextual meaning. Strong reading skills are essential for everyday communication, professional settings, and academic studies in Japan.

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📌 What to Expect in the NAT-Test Reading Section?

The reading section consists of multiple-choice questions based on different types of written content. The difficulty level increases from NAT-5 (beginner) to NAT-1 (advanced).

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✅ Question Types You Will Encounter:

1️⃣ Passage Comprehension – Read short to long passages and answer multiple-choice questions based on the content.
📌 Example: Understanding the main idea, details, tone, or intent of the writer.

2️⃣ Sentence Completion – Fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase.
📌 Example: Choosing the correct grammar structure, kanji, or vocabulary word that fits the sentence.

3️⃣ Word & Context Matching – Identify the appropriate meaning of a word based on the context.
📌 Example: Understanding kanji compounds and how their meaning changes depending on usage.

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🎯 How to Prepare for the Reading Section?

To prepare for the reading section of the NAT test, practice reading short passages, news articles, and dialogues in Japanese regularly. Focus on understanding context, grammar patterns, and kanji usage to improve comprehension skills.

✔️ 1. Read Japanese Daily

📌 To improve reading speed and comprehension, practice with real Japanese texts:
✅ News Websites: NHK Easy News (for beginners), Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun
✅ Manga & Light Novels: Great for learning conversational Japanese and kanji usage
✅ Blogs & Social Media Posts: Get used to casual and formal writing styles

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✔️ 2. Master Kanji & Vocabulary

📌 Kanji Knowledge is Essential – Without knowing kanji, understanding passages becomes difficult.
✅ Use Kanji Flashcards: Apps like Anki, Wanikani, or Quizlet can help you memorize new words.
✅ Focus on JLPT/NAT Kanji Lists: Prioritize high-frequency kanji found in previous exams.
✅ Learn Words in Context: Don’t just memorize kanji—understand how they are used in sentences.

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✔️ 3. Practice Past NAT-Test Reading Questions

📌 Solving previous exam questions helps you understand the question format and time constraints.
✅ Download past NAT-Test papers or mock tests and time yourself while practicing.
✅ Analyze Mistakes: Review incorrect answers to understand why you got them wrong.

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✔️ 4. Develop Reading Speed & Skimming Skills

📌 The reading section is timed, so you need to read quickly and efficiently.
✅ Use Skimming & Scanning Techniques – First, read the question before reading the passage.
✅ Identify Keywords – Focus on important words, grammar points, and kanji to grasp the meaning.
✅ Avoid Getting Stuck on Difficult Words – Use the context to guess the meaning.

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⏳ Time Management Strategy for Exam Day

📌 Since you have limited time for the reading section, use this strategy:
1️⃣ Start with shorter passages first – Answer easy questions quickly to save time.
2️⃣ . Read the questions before reading the passage – This helps you focus on important information.
3️⃣ If stuck, move on – Don’t waste too much time on one question. Return to it later if needed.

2. Listening Section

The Listening Section of the NAT-Test assesses your ability to comprehend spoken Japanese in real-life situations, such as conversations, announcements, interviews, and discussions. This section is crucial for learners who aim to use Japanese in everyday conversations, workplaces, and academic settings.

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📌 What to Expect in the NAT-Test Listening Section?

The listening section consists of multiple-choice questions based on different audio clips. The difficulty increases from NAT-5 (beginner) to NAT-1 (advanced).

✅ Question Types You Will Encounter:

1️⃣ Dialogue-Based Comprehension
🎙️ You will listen to a short or long conversation and answer questions based on it.
📌 Example: Understanding the main idea, intent, or mood of the speakers.

2️⃣ Audio-Based Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
🎙️ A sentence will be played with missing words, and you must select the correct option to complete it.
📌 Example: Recognizing correct verb forms, particles, or kanji pronunciation.

3️⃣ Key Detail Identification from Spoken Content
🎙️ You will hear announcements, interviews, or explanations, and identify key information.
📌 Example: Answering questions about numbers, locations, or actions mentioned in the audio.

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🎯 How to Prepare for the NAT-Test Listening Section?

✔️ 1. Train Your Ears with Native Japanese Audio

📌 The more you listen, the better you understand. Start with easy content and gradually move to harder materials.

✅ Japanese Podcasts 🎙️ (NHK Easy Japanese, Learn Japanese Pod) – Great for improving comprehension.
✅ Anime & TV Dramas 📺 (With Japanese subtitles first, then without) – Helps recognize natural speech patterns.
✅ YouTube Channels for Japanese Learners 📹 (Nihongo no Mori, Japanese Ammo with Misa) – Teaches spoken Japanese in context.

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✔️ 2. Take NAT-Test Listening Mock Tests

📌 Practicing real test questions improves listening accuracy, speed, and response time.

✅ Use Official NAT-Test Practice Papers – Familiarize yourself with the test format.
✅ Time Yourself – Simulate exam conditions to build confidence.
✅ Analyze Mistakes – Review incorrect answers and identify problem areas.

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✔️ 3. Focus on Keywords in Spoken Sentences

📌 Japanese speakers often omit subjects and shorten words, so focus on important nouns, verbs, and particles.

✅ Listen for “Wh-” words (誰, 何, どこ, いつ, どうして) to catch important details.
✅ Pay attention to intonation – Rising tone often signals a question.
✅ Understand common phrases & expressions – Many test dialogues use everyday speech patterns.

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✔️ 4. Improve Your Speed & Accuracy

📌 The listening test plays audio only once, so practice quick comprehension & decision-making.

✅ Shadowing Technique – Repeat sentences right after hearing them to improve recognition.
✅ Summarize What You Hear – After listening, say out loud the key points in Japanese or your native language.
✅ Practice with Different Accents & Speaking Speeds – NAT-Test audio may include various speaking styles.

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⏳ Time Management Strategy for Exam Day

📌 Since you can’t replay the audio, stay focused and listen actively:
1️⃣ Read the question choices first – This helps predict what to listen for.
2️⃣ Take quick notes (if allowed) – Jot down keywords to help recall details.
3️⃣ . Eliminate incorrect answers immediately – If unsure, guess intelligently based on context.

3. Grammar & Vocabulary Test

The Grammar & Vocabulary section of the NAT-Test assesses your ability to understand and use essential Japanese words, phrases, and sentence structures. This is a critical part of the exam, as strong grammar and vocabulary skills are the foundation for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Japanese.

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📌 What to Expect in the NAT-Test Grammar & Vocabulary Section?

This section consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test how well you understand Japanese sentence structures and word meanings. It evaluates your ability to choose the correct grammar patterns, identify errors, and apply vocabulary in the right context.

✅ Common Question Types in the Exam:

1️⃣ Sentence Correction Exercises
✏️ You will be given a sentence with an incorrect grammar structure and must choose the correct option to fix it.
📌 Example: Identifying incorrect verb forms, particles, or word order mistakes.

2️⃣ . Grammar Structure Identification
✏️ You must select the correct grammar pattern to complete a sentence.
📌 Example: Recognizing differences between ～ている vs. ～た, or choosing the correct particle (に vs. で).

3️⃣ Context-Based Vocabulary Selection
✏️ A sentence with a missing word will be provided, and you need to choose the correct vocabulary that fits the meaning.
📌 Example: Selecting the appropriate adjective, verb, or kanji-based word.

Ready to take the next step? Visit the NAT Test Registration page for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the exam.

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🎯 How to Prepare for the NAT-Test Grammar & Vocabulary Section?

✔️ 1. Study Japanese Grammar Systematically

📌 Japanese grammar follows logical patterns, so learning it in a structured way will help you understand sentence formation quickly.

✅ Start with the basics (Particles, Sentence Order, Verb Conjugation).
✅ Move to intermediate grammar patterns (Causative, Passive, Conditional, Honorifics).
✅ Understand sentence connectors (けど, しかし, それに, つまり) to improve fluency.

📚 Recommended Grammar Books & Resources:

• “Genki” (for NAT-5 & NAT-4) – Great for beginners
• “Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese” – Clear explanations
• “A Dictionary of Basic/Intermediate/Advanced Japanese Grammar” – In-depth reference

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✔️ 2. Use Flashcards for Vocabulary Retention

📌 Kanji, verbs, adjectives, and nouns are essential for vocabulary questions. Using flashcards helps you memorize new words efficiently.

✅ Use Anki or Quizlet to create digital flashcards.
✅ Write words in context rather than just memorizing meanings.
✅ Practice daily for at least 15 minutes to reinforce memory.

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✔️ 3. Practice with NAT-Test Style Questions

📌 The best way to get familiar with the exam format is by solving past NAT-Test questions and timed exercises.

✅ Take NAT-Test grammar quizzes online or in prep books.
✅ Solve questions with a timer to improve accuracy and speed.
✅ Review explanations for incorrect answers to understand common mistakes.

📘 Useful NAT-Test Practice Books:

• “NAT-TEST 日本語能力試験対策” (Official Practice Tests)
• “Try! JLPT” series – Covers grammar with practice exercises
• “日本語総まとめ” (Nihongo Soumatome) – Good for structured learning

4. NAT-TEST Registration Online

Process: Candidates can register for the NAT-TEST online through official test centers. Ensure timely registration to secure a slot.

Documents Required:
✔️ Valid identification proof
✔️ Recent passport-sized photographs
✔️ Completed application form

5. NAT-TEST Pass Score

Scoring Criteria: Each section contributes to the final score, and passing marks vary depending on the test level. Higher-level tests require more proficiency.

Pass Percentage:
✔️ Level 5 (Basic) – Around 50% required
✔️ Level 1 (Advanced) – Higher score thresholds apply

6. NAT-TEST Result & Certificate

Results Announcement: The results are usually published online within a few weeks of the test date. Candidates receive a score report detailing their performance.

NAT-TEST Certificate: Upon passing, candidates receive a NAT-TEST Certificate, which is useful for academic and professional purposes.

FAQ

Q1: The NAT exam is for what purpose?
A: The NAT-TEST assesses Japanese language proficiency for students and professionals who want to study or work in Japan.

Q2: How many sections are in the NAT-TEST?
A: The NAT-TEST comprises reading, listening, and grammar/vocabulary sections.

Q3: Can I register for the NAT-TEST online?
A: Yes, online registration is available through authorized test centers.

Q4: How is the NAT-TEST scored?
A: Each section has a separate score, and passing criteria depend on the test level.

Q5: Is the NAT-TEST Certificate valid for jobs?
A: Yes, the certificate is recognized for employment and academic applications in Japan.

Conclusion

The NAT-TEST is an essential exam for those aiming to prove their Japanese language proficiency. With its structured sections covering reading, listening, and grammar, candidates must prepare thoroughly to achieve a high score. By utilizing effective study strategies and understanding the test format, you can maximize your performance and obtain the valuable NAT-TEST Certificate.