The NAT-TEST gives a general evaluation of the candidate’s Japanese proficiency. The exam was first held in 2007 and is used by Japanese students and those who want to study abroad in Japan as a way to expertise their Japanese language skills.
The exam is usually held six times per year, i.e. in the month of February, April, June, August, October, December, and level 5 the easiest. It is divided into three sections i.e. Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening. All candidates will receive a marks report and those who pass will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency. The official institution score report of the Japanese Language NAT-TEST can be used as part of a student visa application or admission requirements of Japanese language universities. Besides, it may be of importance while applying for a job in Japan. The passing criteria are as same as JLPT. One must pass the overall examination and each section respectively scoring more than the passing marks i.e. more than 25%. If the required score is obtained in both sectional and overall test than the candidate is believed to pass the exam.