The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験: Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken) or JLPT, is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability and listening ability.

The test is held twice a year in Japan and selected countries (on the first Sunday of July and December), and once a year in other regions (on the first Sunday of December). JLPT consists of five levels. N5 being the lowest and N1 highest. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) was started in 1984 by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (previously Association of International Education, Japan) as a test to measure and certify the Japanese-language proficiency of those whose native language is not Japanese.

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test consists of five levels – N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. N5 being the easiest level and N1 most difficult. In N5 and N4, one can understand basic level of Japanese in class. In N2 and N1, the level of Japanese language proficiency will be tested in broad range in daily life. N3 bridges the gap between N5/N4 and N2/N1. For Japanese Language Proficiency Test, the linguistic competence can be expressed as activities like listening and reading.

(For more information about JLPT please refer: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/)