The Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The primary test for students of Japanese is the Japanese Language Ability Test, or JLPT, used by a mind-blowing 500,000 applicants each year to measure their language ability and serve as a goal for each year's study activities. Started in 1984 in response to the rising tide of interest in Japan around the world, the test is held each December both inside Japan as well as in 40 countries internationally. There are four levels to the test, with level 4 being the easiest -- you need to know your hiragana and katakana and maybe the first hundred kanji characters -- and level 1 equivelent to the language you'd need at a Japanese university. The test is structured so that students can move up one level each year, and I found that having the test as a personal goal was an excellent motivator. The sign-up deadline is this September, so if you're interested in taking the test, now is a good time to register. For information, see the JLPT English page, and a list of links on where you can take the test outside of Japan here. There are just 118 days before this year's test -- if you need study supplies, textbooks or other products to help you learn, J-List has you covered!

Aiming to pass the JLPT is a good way to motivate yourself to study