Back when I first started learning Japanese in university about 11 years ago the only certification standard I’d ever heard about was the JLPT, so it was in the back of my mind that if I wanted to basically prove I could speak Japanese I’d need to pass some JLPT tests.
Through a VERY large span of inactivity and only recently getting back to studying Japanese (where I just completed my own self-imposed 30 day studying challenge and I’m currently on day 34 of it) I’ve discovered through Busuu that there’s another respected grading system called CEFR.
JLPT goes from N5 to N1 and CEFR goes from A1 to C2. I’m almost halfway through CEFR A1 at this point and will basically be in a position to get an A1 certificate in another month’s time so I was wondering whether CEFR is worth having as proof that I’ve got some level of fluency in Japanese or if it’s better to have JLPT qualifications instead? I’ve got other resources I use for learning that also cover JLPT content so I don’t feel like my learning is missing anything fundamentally plus ultimately my goal is just to be able to understand Japanese to a point I can comfortable read and converse in it so having the certificates is just a bonus/way of tracking my progress.
I have no ambitions to move to Japan or anything like that but I wouldn’t say it’s completely off the table either. Same with having a job that would require Japanese fluency
Tl;Dr Which qualifications are more worth having overall, JLPT or CEFR?
3 comments
I think you misunderstood what JLPT and CEFR is.
JLPT is a test (T=Test) that would give you a certificate if you manage to pass their exam. The reason the JLPT has value is because people trust the organization who gives out that certificate.
CEFR, on the other hand, is a framework or a grading system to make communication about language ability easier. For example: instead of saying I’m a beginner in Japanese you can say you’re A1 or A2 which has more clear descriptions and expectations. CEFR is a European standard (E=European) so if you learn European language their tests and certificates are usually map to CEFR. Japanese on the other hands don’t use CEFR. Of course any language school or institutions or even an app can probably give you a certificate that says you around Japanese A1, but will others be impressed by that is the important question.
Unofficially JLPT N5 is around A1 by the way. The problem is JLPT does not test writing and speaking so it does not reflect the entire language ability of a user.
I think you know the answer: JLPT.
CEFR is way better but it only really applies to European languages for which accredited CEFR language tests exist. They are way better than JLPT since they also test written and oral production which are both crucial parts of any language.
For Japanese you’re kind of stuck with JLPT though since’s it’s the only official one and nobody will care about your unofficial CEFR level.