What is the TOPJ Japanese Proficiency Test? Learn all about this exam with HeyJapan.

The TOPJ exam is widely recognized in Japan and internationally, offering many opportunities for those who wish to study, work, or settle in Japan. To understand this exam better, join HeyJapan as we explore its basic information, unique features, structure, and exam procedures, as well as its schedule and levels.

What is the TOPJ exam? 

The TOPJ Japanese Proficiency Test is an international exam organized by the Asia International Exchange Scholarship Foundation. It is one of the highly reputable and widely recognized exams in Japan and globally.

The TOPJ exam is widely recognized worldwide for Japanese proficiency.

The exam is designed to assess the Japanese language skills of non-native speakers, regardless of nationality or native language. The goal of the TOPJ exam is to provide an objective and transparent evaluation standard for the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers, supporting their study, work, settlement, or study abroad in Japan.

Basic information about the TOPJ Japanese exam 

Unique features of the TOPJ exam 

The uniqueness of the TOPJ exam, compared to other Japanese proficiency tests like JLPT, NAT-TEST, or J-TEST, lies in its focus on evaluating the examinee's practical communication skills in everyday situations based on real-life contexts presented in the exam. This allows learners to assess their Japanese language usage more accurately and confidently in daily life.

The TOPJ exam evaluates learners' practical communication skills. 

Another distinctive feature of the TOPJ exam is its grading system, which uses levels A, B, and C instead of N1 to N5. However, the highest level of the TOPJ exam demands a higher proficiency than the N1 level of the JLPT. This broad and detailed ranking system distinguishes the TOPJ exam from other Japanese proficiency tests in Vietnam.

What is the exam duration for the TOPJ Japanese exam? 

The TOPJ exam duration is flexible, ranging from 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on the test level. You can refer to the detailed exam duration table below:

 

How is the TOPJ score calculated? 

The TOPJ exam uses a scoring system with a 0 to 100 scale, with each level having different scoring criteria. Scores are calculated based on the percentage for each skill and rounded to the nearest whole number.

TOPJ scoring is based on a 100-point scale. 

To achieve maximum results, candidates need to score at least 140/500 to qualify for a certificate. Additionally, at least two skills must meet or exceed the total score for beginner and intermediate levels, and at least three skills for advanced levels. If these criteria are not met, the qualification is downgraded.

You can refer to the score regulations for each level and the detailed scoring method on the official TOPJ website:

 

 

How to register for the TOPJ exam?

The registration process for the TOPJ exam is relatively simple and convenient. You can register through the TOPJ website or at any Japanese language center affiliated with TOPJ. Here are some basic steps for online registration: 

1. Visit the TOPJ website or contact a Japanese language center. 
2. Fill in your personal information and select the level you wish to take in the registration form. 
3. Pay the registration fee via bank transfer or directly at the Japanese language center. 
4. Note the exam time and location. You will receive detailed information via email after successful registration.

You can download the TOPJ exam registration form, fill it out completely, and send it to the authorized certificate organization office in Vietnam.

The link to the TOPJ exam registration form and other information can be found here.

What is the 2024 TOPJ Japanese exam schedule?

According to the Japanese Language Proficiency Evaluation Center (J-TEST), there are six TOPJ exam sessions planned for 2024: 

• January exam: 14/01/2024
•  March exam: 10/03/2024
•  May exam: 12/05/2024
•  July exam: 14/07/2024 
• September exam: 08/09/2024 
• November exam: 03/11/2024

What are the exam document requirements for the TOPJ exam?

Required documents

Besides the exam ticket issued by the organizing committee, you need to prepare some other documents such as: 

• Photocopy of ID card/passport. Note that the original document used for registration must be presented at the exam for verification. 
• Two 3x4 photos: white background, white shirt, taken within the last 3 months. 
• Exam registration form according to the TOPJ organizing committee's template.

Note the required documents for the TOPJ exam registration.

Issuing the exam ticket 

Each individual or organization receiving the exam ticket must bring the following documents:

• For individual registration: Original ID card or passport and the original receipt. 
• Company: List of candidates and the original receipt. The TOPJ Vietnam office will issue the exam tickets within 2 days as specified on the back of the receipt after submitting the documents. 
• Candidates will be disqualified if they do not have the original exam ticket.
• In case of a photo error on the exam ticket, candidates need to visit the TOPJ Vietnam office to request a photo correction and receive a new exam ticket 2 days before the exam.
• If there is an error in personal information, candidates must inform the exam proctor to correct it in the exam room.

What are the levels of the TOPJ exam? 

The TOPJ exam has three levels: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Here are the details for each level: 

Elementary level

 The elementary level is the lowest level, equivalent to N4 - N5 on the JLPT scale, evaluating the ability to use Japanese in basic communication situations. Candidates at this level are required to understand and use basic grammar structures, daily vocabulary, and have the ability to communicate in common situations.

Intermediate level 

The intermediate level evaluates the ability to use Japanese at an average level, equivalent to N2 - N3 on the JLPT scale. Candidates need to have a solid knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to communicate flexibly in various situations.

Advanced level 

The advanced level is the highest level of the TOPJ exam, evaluating the ability to use Japanese at a high level. At this level, candidates need to have an in-depth knowledge of grammar and vocabulary equivalent to or higher than N1 of JLPT and the ability to communicate confidently and flexibly in complex situations.

TOPJ Japanese proficiency exam structure, time, and notes for 2024.

Conclusion

In this article, HeyJapan has helped us learn about the TOPJ Japanese exam, one of the important exams for assessing Japanese language proficiency. By understanding the structure, duration, scoring method, and registration process, you can better prepare for your exam.

We hope this article provides sufficient information and helps you understand more about the TOPJ exam in particular and Japanese exams in Vietnam in general. Good luck with your studies and exams!