JLPT 2009 Application Deadline

As a reminder for those who are to take the JLPT here in the Philippines, the application deadline is but less than a week away. September 3, 2009 to be exact (from 10:00am - 12:00noon and 2:00pm - 5:00pm). In addition, make sure you have read the form booklet guidelines before filling up the application form.

Exam fees are to be paid (Php 850.00 for Level 1 and 2 takers, and Php 750.00 for Level 3 and 4 takers) together with the accomplished form and (2) 1x1 photos at these locations:

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JF, Manila)

12/F Pacific Star Bldg.

Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia Ext.) cor. Makati Ave.

Tel. # 811-61-55 to 58 Fax # 811-61-53

Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD)

Angliongto Ave., Lanang, Davao City

Tel. # (082) 233-0013 / 0081

Japanese Association Cebu, Inc.

5/F Clotilde Commercial Center

M. L. Quezon St., Casuntingan, Mandaue City

Tel. # (032) 343-7662 / Fax # (032) 343-7663

For those not in the know, JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, nihongo nōryoku shiken) and is used to certify non-native speakers' Japanese proficiency. The exam is held worldwide but conducted only once a year here in the Philippines. It comprises of four levels, (with Level 4 the most basic and Level 1 the most difficult), covering writing-vocabulary (includes Kanji), listening and reading-grammar. Level differences for examinees can be explained as follows:

Level 1 – Mastery of grammar is high, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and spent about 900 hours of study.

Level 2 – Mastery of grammar is relatively high, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and spent about 600 hours of study.

Level 3 – Mastery of grammar is at a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, and spent about 300 hours of study.

Level 4 – Mastery of grammar is at basic elements, knows about 100 Kanji and 800 words, and spent about 150 hours of study.

The examinee should be cautious in choosing the level which best corresponds to their Japanese-language proficiency or ability and classroom training as advised by The Japan Foundation (Manila) website. That being said, I decided to take Level 4 instead of re-taking Level 3 (since I missed less than a point to pass the exam the last time I took it T_T) based on these reasons: (1)I am self-studying/self-reviewing which means my resources will be minimal (i.e. no listening materials for review), and (2)work is toxic but I have to make sure that I review 1 lesson per day at the least.

More information can be found @ Japan Foundation Manila, Office website.