Japan International Certificate

The test has four levels. Students can choose different levels according to their knowledge. Each test is comprised of three sections: writing and vocabulary, listening, reading and grammar. The passing score is 70% or higher for level 1 and 60% or higher for levels 2, 3 and 4.

Level	Sections	Hours	Points	Criteria
1	Writing-vocabulary	45 min.	100 pts	The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2,000 kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 900 hours.
	Listening	45 min.	100 pts
	Reading-grammar	90 min.	200 pts
	Total	180 min.	400 pts

Level	Sections	Hours	Points	Criteria
2	Writing-vocabulary	35 min.	100 pts	The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows around 1,000 kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course.
	Listening	40 min.	100 pts
	Reading-grammar	70 min.	200 pts
	Total	145 min.	400 pts

Level	Sections	Hours	Points	Criteria
3	Writing-vocabulary	35 min.	100 pts	The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows around 300 kanji and 1,500 words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course.
	Listening	35 min.	100 pts
	Reading-grammar	70 min.	200 pts
	Total	140 min.	400 pts

Level	Sections	Hours	Points	Criteria
4	Writing-vocabulary	25 min.	100 pts	The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows around 100 kanji and 800 words, has the ability to engage in simple conversation and read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 150 hours and after completion of the first half of an elementary course.
	Listening	25 min.	100 pts
	Reading-grammar	50 min.	200 pts
	Total	100 min.	400 pts