The Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is both a great addition and an alternative to the JLPT, especially if you want to work in Japan. In short, the BJT is meant to test your Japanese for a business environment, so it’s an incredible credential to add to your resume to prove your language skills.
But how does the BJT compare to the JLPT? How widely is it recognized in Japan? And should you take it? From how to sign up, what to prepare, and what to bring on the test day, keep reading our ultimate guide on the BJT to find out everything you need to know.
What is the Business Japanese Test (BJT)?
According to the official BJT website, the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is a language assessment that measures your ability to communicate effectively in professional and business settings in Japanese.
Unlike the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), which focuses more on general Japanese skills including listening, grammar, and vocabulary, the BJT emphasizes language usage for different work situations such as promoting a project, communicating between different teams with different specialties, and handling business meetings or negotiations. To a certain extent, the BJT also tests your knowledge of Japanese business manners.
The whole test is multiple choice, where each question has 4 total options to choose from. The test uses a scaled score where the difficulty of the question has a certain weight in the final result. So each question does not represent “1 point” equally. This scaled scoring is supposed to provide the most reliable results.
The test is developed by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation and is ideal for professionals aiming to work in Japanese companies or communicate in Japanese business environments.
Where and how often is the BJT held?
Unlike the JLPT, which is only offered twice a year, the BJT is available year-round via computer-based testing (CBT) in over 15 countries, including East Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, parts of the Americas, and Europe. Tests are administered at recognized testing centers, which can be found on the BJT website when applying. Availability may vary by region and testing center, and you can select time slots that are most convenient for you.
Keep in mind that you can only take the test once every 3 months!
Test Locations within Japan:
Sapporo, Sendai, Koriyama, Niigata, Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kumamoto, Oita, Naha
Test Locations Outside of Japan:
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Singapore, America, Mexico, Brazil, France, England, Germany, Italy
How much does BJT cost?
To take the BJT in Japan, it is a flat fee of ¥7,000, including tax. However, the fee will vary depending on the region. For instance, the fee in the United States, France, England, and Italy is $76 (USD), while in Mexico and Brazil the fee is $42 (USD).
How is the BJT scored?
Unlike the JLPT with a specific passing score, there is no pass or fail for the BJT. Instead, the exam scores your answers from 0 to 800 total points and evaluates your results on a scale of six levels from J5 to J1+. The J1+ is the highest level, and J5 is the lowest. Here is a breakdown of the J5 to J1+ levels by points:
J1+: 600 – 800
This is the highest level, indicating you have more than sufficient knowledge and communication ability to speak business Japanese, use the most appropriate choice of words, and carry out all work duties.
J1: 530 – 599
The J1 indicates a very strong ability to speak and use words appropriately in different work situations, such as handling business meetings, phone calls, and negotiations. While not at the same level of accuracy as the J1+, this level does display a high level of business Japanese ability.
J2: 420 – 529
The J2 shows that you have extensive knowledge in Japanese, but may not understand the best choice of words for differing contexts. However, this level is considered to be a moderately high degree of business Japanese.
J3: 320 – 419
The J3 indicates you have the ability to understand simple business conversations, meetings that are not too complex, and some Japanese business customs. This is considered an intermediate or moderate level of business Japanese.
J4: 200 – 319
This is a beginner level of business Japanese, indicating an ability to understand simple business conversation if spoken slowly.
J5: 0 – 199
This is the most introductory level. This score means very minimal to no business Japanese understanding and communication ability.
How the BJT is structured
The BJT is about 1 hour and 45 minutes long and is divided into three main sections: listening comprehension, listening and reading comprehension, and reading comprehension.
1. Listening Comprehension: Mondai (問題) 1 and 2
This section is largely meant to test your understanding of Japanese in a variety of (mostly) business situations. The main format for the listening comprehension portion of the exam is audio conversations followed by questions. This portion of the exam consists of 5 questions for situational understanding, 10 questions for conversational listening comprehension, and 10 questions for general listening comprehension.
The total time takes around 45 minutes.
2. Listening and Reading Comprehension: Mondai (問題) 3 and 4
The Listening and Reading Comprehension combines audio with visual information such as graphs, slides, and different reading materials. This section focuses on testing your ability to interpret spoken language in context with written visuals, with 3 subsections including situational understanding, information listening and reading comprehension, and general listening and reading comprehension.
The total time takes approximately 30 minutes.
3. Reading Comprehension: Mondai (問題) 5 and 6
The last test is the reading comprehension test, which tests your understanding of written communication in professional settings. The test consists of reading materials, business documents, emails, and memos. The test is divided into 3 areas, including: vocabulary and grammar, expression, reading comprehension, and general reading comprehension.
The total time takes roughly 30 minutes.
Is the BJT difficult?
The BJT can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with Japanese business language and culture. However, the test is designed to assess real-world skills, not just academic knowledge. If you’re already working in a Japanese company or studying business Japanese, you may find the test more practical and intuitive than the JLPT.
Many learners find the listening and visual interpretation section the most difficult, as it requires multitasking and quick comprehension.
How to prepare for the BJT
There are many ways you can prepare for the BJT, including taking business Japanese courses, practicing with sample questions, and finding good listening material. To start, the official BJT website has sample questions you can look through and practice. But to get more sufficient practice in, you can get the Official BJT Preparation Book (ビジネス日本語能力テスト公式問題集). You can also find online websites that offer BJT practice questions or find good listening materials, such as business Japanese podcasts or YouTube channels.
We highly recommend practicing and getting familiar with keigo and general business Japanese communication. Our Business Japanese courses at Coto Academy are a great way to practice business Japanese both for work and to help prepare for the BJT exam.
Who accepts BJT scores?
Many businesses, universities, and Japanese language schools accept BJT scores as a credible index for Japanese abilities. A BJT score is a great way to display your business Japanese skills on a resume or 履歴書 (rirekisho) and may help you to stand out, while it’s not usually a requirement for most jobs. Some universities may even apply the BJT to course credits or use the BJT scores as a part of their evaluation criteria for university entrance exams.
Due to this, language schools are also adopting curricula or classes that help students prepare for the BJT and may even use the score as another means to help students display their language abilities.
JLPT or BJT: Which is more widely accepted?
While it doesn’t hurt to add either one to your academic or work resume since both will help you stand out, JLPT test results are more commonly listed as a standard for certain roles, academic programs, or even visas. However, most roles that do require some form of Japanese language ability, either a JLPT or BJT score, are accepted as a credible qualification of language proficiency. The BJT can also be used in place of JLPT for displaying your eligibility for certain visas in Japan.
While a BJT or JLPT score may get your foot in the door for an interview with a Japanese company, it is just as important to demonstrate you can actually speak Japanese.
If you want to learn Japanese, you can join lessons at leading language schools like Coto Academy, which offers business Japanese courses.
How is the BJT Different from the JLPT?
If your goal is to work in a Japanese-speaking office, the BJT is often seen as a more professionally relevant qualification. Another amazing advantage of the BJT is that you can take it any time of the year, depending on availability at a testing center nearest to you. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the exams:
| BJT | JLPT |
|---|---|
| Focuses on practical business communication | Emphasizes general and academic Japanese skills |
| Measures communication through videos, emails, and charts | Scores were released in early September for July exams and in early February for December exams |
| Offered year-round | Twice a year (July & December) |
| Computer-based | Paper-based |
| Scores are immediately available after the exam | Scores were released in early September for July exams and in early February for December |
| No pass/fail. The test uses score-based classification | Specific passing score per section nd overall. |
How to apply for the BJT
So, now that you have decided to take the BJT, what are the steps to apply and take the test? Below, we provided a breakdown of how to sign up:
1. Make a reservation for the BJT exam via the PearsonVUE website
You can go to the official reservation site through the BJT website or by clicking the link above. You can toggle the language to switch to English if necessary and click “create an account” to register.
2. Agree to the Privacy Policies
This page is meant to inform you of the privacy policies regarding the personal data you will share, as well as CCTV recordings during the test itself. Make sure all the boxes are checked and click “agree” to continue to the application.
3. Provide your personal information
There are 4 total steps. In the first 2 steps, you provide information such as your name, address, and contact information.
On the third step, you must select the month you plan on taking the BJT.
On the last step, you finalize your account by making a username and password as well as providing 3 security questions with answers (be sure to choose answers you can remember very accurately without any spelling errors or variations),
4. Schedule an exam
Once you have successfully created a web profile, click on the “BJT: BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test” to start booking your exam date and location.
Confirm your native language.
Afterwards, read through the policies regarding retaking the exam, rescheduling, and cancelling the exam. Note that full refunds for the exam are possible if you cancel at least 24 hours before the exam date.
6. Choose your test center and preferred date
You will be brought to a screen where you can search for test centers by location. The website will automatically display the test centers closest to the address you registered when you created your account. But if you prefer test centers at a different location, you can type in a desired area in the search box.
After choosing your desired test center, click a date that works best with your schedule.
You can click “Explore more times” if the available appointment time does not work with your schedule. Once you have chosen a time frame, click “Book this appointment”.
7. Pay the examination fee
Once you’ve completed your application, you will need to pay the test fee to finalize the exam reservation. Confirm the test location, appointment time, and contact information, and click “Proceed to Checkout”.
Lastly, enter your payment information; you can pay with either a debit or credit card. In Japan, the fee will amount to ¥7,000 but, as mentioned, the exam fee varies by country and test location.
After paying, you will receive confirmation and test details via email.
What to bring to the BJT
Since the BJT is a computer-based exam, you won’t need to bring much for the exam itself. You will only need to bring 2 forms of identification, at least one has to have a clear photo of your face. Make sure the names written on your IDs match the names you wrote when making an account for the BJT.
Any electronic devices you bring, such as a cellphone, should be shut off and stowed away in your bag before entering the exam room. You are not allowed to have any study materials once you enter the testing room.
Conclusion: Is the BJT Worth Taking?
If you plan to work in a Japanese company, apply for internships, or communicate professionally in Japanese, the BJT is a highly practical and respected certification. Unlike the JLPT, it focuses on real-world usage and evaluates your ability to operate in a business environment, making it a valuable tool to advance your career.
Whether you’re a foreign job seeker in Japan or a company doing cross-border work, the BJT helps prove that you’re more than just fluent; you’re ready to break into the Japanese workplace.
To help prepare for the BJT or for getting more Japanese practice for working in Japan, fill out the form below to get in touch with us!
FAQ
What does the BJT focus on testing?
The BJT, as claimed on its website, focuses on testing your proficiency in business Japanese communication and comprehension. So, how well can you understand Japanese in different workplace contexts, including emails, charts, business conversations, negotiations, and the most appropriate choice of words in certain situations?
What is the difference between the BJT and JLPT?
The BJT is a computer-based exam focusing primarily on Japanese for business and work communication. By contrast, the JLPT is a paper-based exam that tests general Japanese abilities, with upper levels focusing on academic language.
Is the JLPT N1 equivalent to the BJT J1+?
While there is some correlation with JLPT and BJT skill levels, such as N1 holders generally achieving higher BJT scores, both exams measure different skillsets, so having a high JLPT level does not guarantee a high score on the BJT and vice versa. Data on this matter shows N1 holders had scores that varied widely, indicating the JLPT does not test practical business skills to the same extent as the BJT.
Does a BJT score help with getting a visa in Japan?
The Immigration Bureau does refer to BJT scores for your eligibility for certain visas, especially ones with certain language requirements. JLPT results are also often considered as a form of language certification.
Do schools, companies, and other organizations recognize BJT scores?
Schools, companies, the Japanese government, and other organizations across Japan recognize and accept BJT scores as a form of credential for language abilities. Even for roles that don’t ask for any kind of language proficiency score, including a BJT score on your resume will definitely help you stand out.
How much does the BJT cost?
The cost of the BJT in Japan is ¥7,000. However, the price varies depending on the region. In the United States, Germany, Italy, and France, the exam costs $76.
When can I get my BJT test results?
The BJT test results are immediately available right after you complete the test since the exam is computer-based. You can also view your exam results by logging into your BJT (PearsonVUE) account.
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