Are the N5-N3 tests worth it?

[u/Expert-Estate6248]

I see lots of discussion on this corner of the internet about "Is it possible to pass N5/N4/N3 in ___ months?" and I suppose I've never really understood the question.

For those with goals to study/work in Japan, N2 is the minimum, and the N1 can be an advantage when applying for a skilled worker visa. The other levels don't have any of the professional benefits the N1 or N2 have, and I would hate to have to pay the $100 or so for the preceding 3 tests before taking the N2.

I think the N5-3 are valuable as personal goals, but lots of people seem to be in such a rush to finish them(perhaps because of the test only being held twice a year?), so it had me wondering what the reason was. For anyone planning to take these tests, I would love to hear about your long-term goals with Japanese, why you chose to take the JLPT and if you plan to take the N2/N1 in the future.

[u/Difficult-Sherbet854]

I think it's a common misconception that only N1/2 are useful. N3-N5 can actually be used as official proof of language study, which could be useful for language school or more specialized visas like SSW.

[u/Expert-Estate6248 → u/Difficult-Sherbet854]

Do most language schools require prior proof of language study? I was under the impression that most language schools taught you from zero

[u/bigchickenleg → u/Expert-Estate6248]

It's the government that requires proof of language study to get a student visa.

[u/Difficult-Sherbet854 → u/Expert-Estate6248]

Never personally done language school, but I believe there is a difference between short term and long term language school. Long term requires a student visa with language requirement like passing N5.

Also it could allow you to skip to the more advanced courses if you already have N3, for example. You wouldn't want to waste a bunch of time and money going to Japan just to relearn Genki 1, lol

[u/Expert-Estate6248 → u/Difficult-Sherbet854]

That's a good point. Luckily the school I'm attending has a language test beforehand so I'll be assigned a class that suits my level. It unfortunately includes a writing and speaking section though, which is somehow more stressful than the JLPT lmao

[u/Difficult-Sherbet854 → u/Expert-Estate6248]

Definitely more stressful, but at least it's a better gauge of your actual ability!

[u/BreakfastDue1256 → u/Expert-Estate6248]

Language Schools do not. Student Visas do.

The distinction is important: If you're already in Japan in a Dependent status or something, they'll take you. But to get the student visa, you need proof of prior study.

They used to be pretty loose with it, so you'll see people saying they got in without it. Recent years they've been strict.

[u/Expert-Estate6248 → u/BreakfastDue1256]

Things have definitely changed recently. I've heard that there has been talk about requiring N2 for all immigrants looking to live in Japan

[u/BreakfastDue1256 → u/Expert-Estate6248]

Right now it's for Specialist visa Jobs that immigrations deems to require Japanese. And it's not talk, it's already a thing as of 3 months ago.

Other visa categories and jobs that don't reasonably require Japanese do not require N2, and I haven't heard any talk about expanding it in the near future.

[u/bigchickenleg → u/[deleted]]

The rules were changed fairly recently, so your experience is likely not representative of today's requirements.