Level comparison with CEFR/JLPT

Each JLCT level corresponds to each level of CEFR and JLPT.

Level Classification

5 levels available from JCT1 to JCT5

Level comparison with CEFR/JLPT

Each JLCT level corresponds to each level of CEFR and JLPT.

JLCT	CEFR	JLPT	Language proficiency
JCT1	C1	N1	The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
			Reading Comprehension	One is able to read writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on a variety of topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehend both their structures and contents. One is also able to read written materials with profound contents on various topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers comprehensively.
			Listening Comprehension	One is able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a broad variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents comprehensively. One is also able to understand the details of the presented materials such as the relationships among the people involved, the logical structures, and the essential points.
JCT2	B2	N2	The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
			Reading Comprehension	One is able to read materials written clearly on a variety of topics, such as articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines as well as simple critiques, and comprehend their contents. One is also able to read written materials on general topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers.
			Listening Comprehension	One is able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations and news reports, spoken at nearly natural speed in everyday situations as well as in a variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents. One is also able to understand the relationships among the people involved and the essential points of the presented materials.
JCT3	B1	N3	The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.
			Reading Comprehension	One is able to read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics. One is also able to grasp summary information such as newspaper headlines. In addition, one is also able to read slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations and understand the main points of the content if some alternative phrases are available to aid one’s understanding.
			Listening Comprehension	One is able to listen and comprehend coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near-natural speed, and is generally able to follow their contents as well as grasp the relationships among the people involved.
JCT4	A2	N4	The ability to understand basic Japanese.
			Reading Comprehension	One is able to read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji.
			Listening Comprehension	One is able to listen and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents, provided that they are spoken slowly.
JCT5	A1	N5	The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
			Reading Comprehension	One is able to read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji.
			Listening Comprehension	One is able to listen and comprehend conversations about topics regularly encountered in daily life and classroom situations, and is able to pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly.

※ The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international standard for evaluating foreign language proficiency and operational ability using the same criteria.
※ While the CEFR covers all language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking)., JLCT is based on the language skills of reading and listening.
※ The JLCT, JLPT and CEFR are respectively designed with different evaluation criteria and objectives. Therefore, direct comparisons may not be entirely consistent.
※ This chart is to provide a general guide for learners to compare their Japanese ability with other standards.

The JLCT Score Report can serve as proof that the Japanese language proficiency is equivalent to A2 level or higher, required for the “Student” visa status.

As shown in “Various reports based on the public notice standards for Japanese language education institutions”, JCT4 or higher level has been certified as equivalent to or above the A2 level of the “Frame of Reference for Japanese Language Education”

(Immigration Service Agency: List of exams to prove that the Japanese language proficiency required for the “Student” visa status is equivalent to A2 or higher level of the “Japanese Language Education Reference Framework”