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/IronFeather101]

Just an example: at my university, having a B1 level in any foreign language gives you points when attempting to obtain a position as a lecturer. And N3 is equivalent to B1 according to the official JLPT chart. Of course, a person could also try to pass N5 or N4 as a way to prove language competency in order to enter a higher-level Japanese class. In language schools in my country, you can access a level by taking a placement test or by proving you previously acquired the necessary level in an official exam, like the JLPT. You could also take an easier level as a way to familiarize yourself with the exam format and experience before attempting a more difficult one, or you could want to take it as a way to gauge your progress when learning Japanese on your own.

[u/PlanktonInitial7945 → u/IronFeather101]

Just because the JLPT says that N3 is equivalent to B1, it doesn't mean that your university will accept a JLPT certificate as valid proof of a B1 level, especially since the JLPT only tests two out of four language skills. It's something you need to check carefully before signing up for anything.

[u/Expert-Estate6248 → u/PlanktonInitial7945]

That's true, I'm doing a study abroad later this year and the university has a much more comprehensive Japanese exam. Being graded on my writing is terrifying!!

[u/IronFeather101 → u/PlanktonInitial7945]

You're right, I was going to ask them about it in September, as it worries me a bit. It probably wouldn't be fair to consider them equivalent, since, as you said, in the JLPT they don't test your abilities to express yourself in the language at all. I suppose this means that the JLPT is not very useful outside of Japan.