J-CERT (Certificate of Japanese as a Foreign Language for Living, Business and Professionals) is a Japanese test with levels based on the CEFR. Its Beginner level is currently accepted as A1 proof for Japanese language school students.
| J-CERT level | CEFR | About the same as |
|---|---|---|
| 初級 Beginner | A2.1 | JLPT N5 |
| 準中級 Pre-intermediate | A2.2 | JLPT N4 |
| 中級 Intermediate | B1 | JLPT N3 |
| 準上級 Pre-advanced | B2 | JLPT N2 |
| 上級 Advanced | C1 | JLPT N1 |
| マスター Master | C2 | — |
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Characters, vocabulary and grammar | 45 minutes |
| Listening | 30 minutes |
| Society and culture (reading) | 60 minutes |
| Total | 135 minutes |
J-CERT Beginner (初級) or higher is accepted "for the time being" as A1 proof under the 2026 rule. Check with your school before you register.
Book a free counselling session at our office on School Road, Hetauda, or call us. We'll give you a clear plan, timeline and cost.
