FAQs

About the Japan Specialist Test

Q

This is my first time to take the Japan Specialist Test. What grade do you recommend to take?

A

The Japan Specialist test starts with Grade 3; those who pass Grade 3 will be qualified to take Grade 2, and those who pass Grade 2 will be qualified to take Grade 1.
Q

Are there any qualifications to take the test?

A

Anyone can take the test, regardless of age or nationality. We encourage you to register in advance and take the test.
Q

Are there any benefits for passing the certification test?

A

If you post on social networking sites with the hashtag #NipponKentei, you will receive a 10% discount on your next visit. Please send a screenshot to our office.
Q

How can I apply for a group test?

A

If you would like to apply for a group test, please contact us using the Inquiry Form.
Q

How can I receive my Certificate of passing?

A

You can download it from My Page within one month after taking the test.
Q

What are the main questions and levels of each grade?

A

For details, please refer to "Outline of each grade and the contents of questions".
Click here to “Outline of each grade and the contents of questions.”
Q

Who takes the Japan Specialist Test?

A

The Japan Specialist Test is taken by people from a wide range of occupations and ages, including foreign visitors to Japan who want to learn more about Japanese culture and enrich their travel experience, foreigners who are interested in Japanese culture, people who want to learn about Japanese culture as part of international exchange, and people involved in tourism.
Q

How much does it cost to take the test?

A

The test fee is free for Grade 3, 2,000 yen for Grade 2, and 3,500 yen for Grade 3 as an association maintenance fee.
Q

Please give me an overview of each test.
(Number of questions, duration of exam, probability of passing, frequency of implementation, passing criteria, scope of questions)

A

The tests are given online in a 3-way, single-choice format and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, except for maintenance. Each test consists of 20 questions, and the test time is 20 minutes for Grade 3, 30 minutes for Grade 2, and 40 minutes for Grade 1. The passing standard is 70%. For more information, please click here.
Q

Are there any learning tools?

A

No, we do not provide them. You can view detailed explanations after taking the test. Please enjoy learning while taking the test.
Q

How much time do I have to study?

A

Our certification test is a quiz-type test where you learn as you go. First, please try the category you are interested in.
Q

What kind of activities can I do with the Japan Specialist Test?

A

■For Japanese
By learning about Japanese culture anew, it is possible to understand one's roots and cultural identity and enrich one's life as a guideline. You will be able to make discoveries on your travels in Japan and enjoy deeper communication with others as trivia knowledge that you will want to share with others. For those who wish to further improve their skills, there is an opportunity to become a specialist in Japanese culture as a lecturer, writer, tourism coordinator, tour conductor, or tourism industry worker.

■For Foreigners
Through the Japan Specialist Test, you can enjoy a richer stay in Japan by learning more about Japan. The Japanese people have a deeply rooted mentality of valuing harmony with others. You will be able to experience the culture backed by such spirituality. For those who wish to improve their ranks, learning about Japanese culture and rituals can be an advantage when looking for a job in your home country, as well as an object of evaluation when looking for a job in Japan.

About Application

Q

How old do I have to be to take the test?

A

Anyone can take the test as long as they are able to take the test alone.
Q

How can a parent apply for a child to take the test?

A

Please apply in the name of the child. The applicant's name will appear on the certificate.
Q

How can I apply for the certification test?

A

Please click here to see how to apply for the certification test.
Q

Can I apply using a name other than my real name?

A

No, you cannot use a name other than your real name. Please register your real name as it will be used as the name on the certificate.
Q

How can I check if my application has been accepted?
A
Upon successful completion of your application, a "Notification of Completion of Application" will be sent to your registered e-mail address. If you have not received the e-mail, there are three possible reasons. Otherwise, please contact us using the Inquiry Form.
1. Stored in a spam folder: If you are using a free email address (such as @yahoo.co.jp, @hotmail.com, and @gmail.com), please check your spam folder to make sure that the email is not sent to a spam folder.
2. If you have set your e-mail address to block incoming e-mails: Please set your e-mail address to be able to receive e-mails from "@nippon-kentei.jp". The e-mail contains a URL. If you have set your browser to reject e-mails with URLs, please remove the setting.
3. Your mailbox has exceeded its storage capacity.
Q

Can I cancel my application, refund the test fee, change the test date, or transfer my qualification to someone I know?

A

No. You cannot cancel your application for any reason. Also, the test fee cannot be refunded or transferred to a friend or acquaintance. Please take the test within 48 hours of application.
Q

Can more than one person apply on one My Page?

A

Each person who applies must register as a member. Click here to register as a member.
Q

How can I pay the test fee?

A

You can choose from credit card and PayPal.
Q

I did not receive an email for my temporary registration.
A
There are three possible reasons. Otherwise, please contact us using the Inquiry Form.
1. Your e-mail is stored in the spam folder: If you use a free e-mail address such as @yahoo.co.jp, @hotmail.com, @gmail.com, etc., it may be judged as spam and received in the "spam folder".
2. If you have set your e-mail address to block incoming e-mails: Please set your e-mail address to be able to receive e-mails from "@nippon-kentei.jp". The e-mail contains a URL. If you have set your mailbox to reject URL-containing e-mails, please remove this setting.
3. Your mailbox has exceeded its storage capacity.
Q

I cannot click the button on the registration form.

A

The button cannot be clicked if you have not filled in the required fields or if the information you have entered is incorrect. Please check the red text displayed on the form.
Q

Can I change my registered address, e-mail address, etc.?

A

Yes, you can. Please change them from "Change Basic Information" in "My Page".
Q

What should I do if the payment deadline has passed?

A

If payment is not received by the due date, your application will be automatically canceled. Please go to "My Page" and reapply.
Q

I forgot my registered My Page ID or password.

A

If you have forgotten your password, you can reset your password by submitting your e-mail address in this form.
If you do not know your ID, password, or e-mail address either, please contact us using the Contact Us form.
Q

I want to delete My Page.

A

A. If you delete My Page, you will no longer be able to log in to My Page. You will need to register My Page again when you make a new online application in the future. In addition, all registration information, application information, examination results, and examination history will be deleted, and you will not be able to download your certificate of success. Please note that the information deleted in the past cannot be displayed on the newly created My Page. (Please note that we will not be able to respond to your inquiries.)

After taking the test

Q

Can I check my answers?

A

After you have taken the certification test, the score will be displayed, and then the answers and explanations will be shown on the page. We hope you will find it useful for your future study.
Q

When will I receive the results?

A

You will receive the scoring results immediately after you take the test. You can check the results on the same day you take the test.
We will not respond to any inquiries or objections regarding the scoring results or pass/fail results. Please understand this beforehand.
Q

I have not received the result notification. What should I do?

A

Basically, there is no such problem. However, there may be a system error, so if you do not see the results, please contact us using the Inquiry Form.

About the Certificate

Q

There is a mistake in the information (name, grade, etc.) on my certificate. What should I do?

A

Please contact us using the Inquiry Form.
Q

I have lost my certificate. Can you reissue it?

A

Yes, you can download a new one from My Page.