Business Japanese Test (BJT) 2025: Levels, Preparation, and JLPT Comparison

The Business Japanese Test (BJT) is a computer-based test that measures your practical Japanese communication skills in professional settings. Unlike tests focusing on grammar rules or vocabulary knowledge, the BJT evaluates how well you can work using Japanese in real business situations. According to the official BJT website, the test gives you a score from 0 to 800 points and assigns one of six levels (J5 to J1+) based on performance. Available year-round at testing centers worldwide, the BJT has become increasingly valuable for job seekers and professionals wanting to prove their business Japanese abilities to employers.

What Is the Business Japanese Test (BJT)?

Overview and Purpose of the BJT Exam

The BJT is designed to measure your ability to communicate effectively in Japanese business environments. Rather than testing grammar rules or vocabulary lists, it evaluates practical skills in real workplace situations.

Key Test Features (according to Pearson VUE):

• Format: Computer-based testing (CBT) at centers in over 20 countries
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Questions: 80 multiple-choice questions with four answer options each
• Scoring: Scaled scoring (0-800 points) where harder questions contribute more points
• Levels: Six proficiency levels from J5 (lowest) to J1+ (highest)
• Pass/Fail: No pass/fail system—your score shows your exact proficiency level

Recognition and Benefits:

• Recognized by Japanese companies as proof of workplace communication skills
• BJT score of 480+ qualifies for 15 points in Japan’s Points-Based System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals (same as JLPT N1)
• Developed by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation with input from language education experts, linguists, statisticians, and business professionals

Who Can Take the BJT?

Eligibility:

• Open to anyone regardless of nationality, age, or educational background
• No prerequisites or restrictions for registration
• Recommended minimum: JLPT N3-level Japanese ability or equivalent

Ideal Test-Takers:

• Job seekers planning to work in Japan or at Japanese companies abroad
• Foreign professionals already working in Japanese business environments
• International students approaching graduation
• Business people communicating with Japanese partners or clients
• JLPT N2 or N1 holders wanting to specialize in business Japanese

Scheduling:

• Flexible scheduling on any available date
• Must wait three months before retaking the exam

Test Structure and Scoring System

The BJT consists of three integrated sections designed to mirror real business communication.

Sections: Listening, Reading, and Listening-Reading Comprehension

The table below summarizes the BJT’s structure:

Part I: Listening Comprehension

This section evaluates your ability to understand spoken Japanese in business situations. Both questions and answer choices are read aloud. The 25 questions are divided into:

• Situational understanding (5 questions): Identify what is happening in pictures based on audio
• Conversational comprehension (10 questions): Understand appropriate expressions in business conversations
• General listening (10 questions): Answer specific questions about conversations and catch important details

Part II: Listening and Reading Comprehension

This combined section presents unique challenges because you must process information from multiple sources simultaneously. Audio recordings are paired with visual materials such as graphs, charts, slides, or business documents. Questions are read aloud, but answer options appear in written form. This reflects real workplace situations where you interpret data while discussing it with colleagues.

Part III: Reading Comprehension

This section focuses on written business materials without audio. The 25-30 questions are divided into:

• Vocabulary and grammar: Business terminology and formal expressions
• Expression comprehension: Polite language and indirect communication patterns
• General reading: Complete business documents, emails, and reports

Understanding the BJT Level System (J5 to J1+)

According to the official BJT level guidelines, your score determines your proficiency level.

Key Benchmark: J2 level (480+ points) qualifies for Japan’s immigration points system and is typically the minimum requested by employers for professional positions.

BJT vs. JLPT: Key Differences

While both tests assess Japanese proficiency, they serve different purposes.

Purpose and Focus

The JLPT measures general Japanese language ability across academic and everyday contexts. The BJT focuses exclusively on business communication, evaluating workplace abilities like interpreting charts during discussions and using appropriate honorific language.

Test Format and Availability

The JLPT is offered twice yearly (July and December) at designated test sites, while the BJT provides year-round flexible scheduling at Pearson VUE centers worldwide.

Scoring Systems

The JLPT uses pass/fail with minimum scores required in each section. The BJT uses continuous scoring (0-800 points) without pass/fail thresholds, allowing employers to understand your precise proficiency level.

Preparation Strategies for the BJT

Effective preparation requires focused practice across all three test sections.

Listening Section Strategies

Build foundational listening skills through daily exposure to Japanese business content.

Daily Practice Activities:

• Watch Japanese business news programs on NHK World for professional vocabulary
• Use the shadowing technique: repeat what you hear immediately after hearing it
• Take notes on key points, new vocabulary, and expressions during listening practice
• Gradually increase audio playback speed (start at normal, work up to 1.2x-1.5x)

Business-Specific Skills:

• Practice identifying speaker relationships (superior, colleague, subordinate) based on language formality
• Train yourself to catch the main purpose of communications quickly
• Develop multitasking abilities: listen to audio while simultaneously viewing graphs or charts

Reading Section Strategies

Consistent exposure to business Japanese texts improves reading comprehension.

Reading Materials:

• Japanese company websites (especially “About Us” sections and news releases)
• Business emails and memos from textbooks or online resources
• Pay attention to standard opening/closing phrases and levels of formality

Vocabulary Building:

• Create flashcards for business-specific terms and keigo (honorific language) expressions
• Study words and phrases in context, not in isolation
• Develop speed reading skills: practice skimming for main ideas, then scanning for details

Time Management and Test-Day Advice

During Practice:

• Develop a pacing strategy: approximately 1-2 minutes per question
• Use checkpoints to monitor progress (e.g., at 20-25 minutes, you should be around question 12-13 in the listening section)
• Take practice tests under timed conditions

Test Day Preparation:

• Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early
• Bring two forms of identification (at least one with photo) and confirmation details
• Stay calm and use elimination strategies when uncertain
• Always select an answer (no guessing penalty)

Benefits of the BJT for Career Growth

BJT certification provides tangible advantages for professionals seeking careers in Japanese business environments.

How BJT Certification Boosts Employment Opportunities

Japanese companies increasingly use BJT scores as objective screening criteria during hiring processes.

Employment Advantages:

• Many job postings explicitly request BJT scores, particularly in finance, consulting, manufacturing, international trade, hospitality, and tourism
• Signals commitment to working in Japanese business environments
• Validates practical workplace readiness (drafting emails, participating in meetings, understanding documents)
• Demonstrates understanding of business etiquette and hierarchical communication

Career Advancement:

• Supports internal promotions or transfers to positions requiring greater communication responsibility
• Some organizations offer salary increases or bonuses for achieving specified BJT levels
• Differentiates you from candidates with similar educational backgrounds or work experience

Recognition by Companies and Immigration Authorities

The BJT has earned official recognition from both private employers and government agencies.

Corporate Recognition:

• Accepted by major Japanese corporations (Toyota, Sony, Mitsubishi) and thousands of SMEs
• Referenced by employers when evaluating candidates for positions requiring Japanese language skills
• Developed with input from business professionals, ensuring relevance to actual workplace needs

Immigration Benefits:

According to Japan’s Immigration Bureau, BJT scores qualify for official immigration points:

• 480+ points: 15 points (equivalent to JLPT N1)
• 400+ points: 10 points (equivalent to JLPT N2)

These points contribute to:

• Accelerated permanent residency pathways
• Extended periods of stay
• Permission for family members to work in Japan
• Certificate of Eligibility application processing

Alternatives to the BJT

Several alternative tests measure business or general Japanese proficiency.

STBJ and Other Business Japanese Exams

The table below compares major alternatives to the BJT:

STBJ (Standard Test for Business Japanese)

Developed in 2007, the STBJ measures general Japanese vocabulary, business-specific expressions, honorific language, and business etiquette. It includes seven sections and aligns with CEFR framework (A1 to C1). A score of 350+ meets language school admission requirements. However, it is only offered six times yearly in China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

J.TEST (Test of Practical Japanese)

The J.TEST focuses on practical language skills with business-oriented content at higher levels. It offers A-C Level (intermediate to advanced), D-E Level (intermediate), and F-G (beginner). Testing occurs six times yearly with unique writing assessment through kanji reading and sentence construction.

NAT-TEST

The NAT-TEST focuses on closely mirroring the JLPT format, with levels 5 to 1 that directly correspond to the JLPT’s N5 to N1. It is widely viewed by learners as a practice test or progress benchmark, serving as an alternative when JLPT dates don’t align with schedules. Testing occurs six times annually, offering far more frequency than the JLPT. 

JPT 

The JPT focuses on practical communication skills with a continuous 10-990 point scale. It is designed to measure communicative ability in both daily life and business scenarios, and some advanced learners use it to measure proficiency beyond the JLPT N1 level. While not as universally requested by employers as the JLPT, the JPT provides detailed diagnostic feedback and is recognized by many schools and companies as a valid measure of Japanese ability.

Which Test Should You Choose?

Consider these factors when selecting a test:

Primary Goal:

• Working in Japanese business environments → BJT (strongest business focus)
• General language proficiency → JLPT or NAT-TEST
• Immigration points → BJT 480+ or JLPT N1 (both award 15 points)

Geographic Availability:

• BJT offers most flexible worldwide scheduling at Pearson VUE centers
• STBJ limited to China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
• J.TEST and NAT-TEST primarily in Asian countries

Testing Frequency:

• JLPT: 2 times/year (July, December)
• BJT: Year-round (3-month retake waiting period)
• J.TEST, NAT-TEST, JPT: 6 times/year

Current Level:

• BJT requires at least JLPT N3 equivalent ability
• If still building foundational skills, consider NAT-TEST or J.TEST first

Complementary Certification:

• JLPT N2/N1 + BJT = powerful combination showing both general proficiency and business readiness

FAQs About the BJT

How Long Is the Test and What Is the Format?

Q. How long does the BJT take to complete?

A. Approximately 2 hours (105-120 minutes) total, divided into:

• Listening comprehension: ~45 minutes
• Listening and reading comprehension: ~30 minutes
• Reading comprehension: ~30 minutes

Q. What is the test format and how many questions are there?

A. 80 multiple-choice questions (4 options each) via computer-based testing (CBT) at Pearson VUE centers.

Q. Is the BJT a pass or fail exam?

A. No. You receive a score (0-800 points) and proficiency level (J5 to J1+) showing your exact ability.

Q. How soon can I retake the BJT?

A. You must wait three months. If you take it on April 1st, you cannot retake it until July 1st or later.

Q. When will I receive my results?

A. Unofficial score appears immediately on screen. Official certificate takes several business days and can be accessed through your Pearson VUE account.

Can BJT Help with Work Visa or University Applications?

Q. Does the BJT help with Japanese work visa applications?

A. Yes. Japan’s Immigration Bureau officially recognizes BJT scores:

• 480+ points: 15 immigration points (JLPT N1 equivalent)
• 400+ points: 10 immigration points (JLPT N2 equivalent)

Benefits include faster permanent residency, extended stay periods, and family work permissions.

Q. Can I use my BJT score for university applications?

A. Yes. Many Japanese universities accept BJT scores for entrance exams, particularly for business or international relations graduate programs. Some institutions also apply BJT 

results toward course credits. Check specific university requirements.

Q. Is a BJT score of 300 sufficient for language school admission?

A. A score of at least 300 does meet one of the needed criteria for admission, but other prerequisites (completed 12-year school education, potential screenings) will also be needed for admission. Confirm with whatever institution you are interested in attending.

Q. Do Japanese companies prefer BJT or JLPT certification?

A. It depends on the position. JLPT shows general language proficiency; BJT proves business-specific communication skills. For positions requiring extensive workplace communication, companies often prefer BJT. Many employers value both certifications.

Conclusion

The Business Japanese Test represents a powerful tool for anyone serious about building a career in Japanese business environments. Unlike general language proficiency tests, the BJT specifically evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in real workplace situations, from understanding business emails and charts to participating in meetings and handling professional correspondence.

Key Takeaways:

• Career Advancement: Japanese companies increasingly use BJT scores as objective hiring and promotion criteria
• Immigration Benefits: Achieving 480+ points awards valuable points in Japan’s Highly Skilled Foreign Professional system (equivalent to JLPT N1)
• Dual Recognition: Accepted by both private employers and government agencies as a versatile credential
• Preparation Focus: Systematic practice across listening, reading, and integrated comprehension skills, with emphasis on keigo (honorific language) and business-specific vocabulary

Next Steps:

If you already hold JLPT N2/N1, the BJT complements it perfectly for workplace validation. If building foundational skills, consider taking JLPT first, then pursue BJT at intermediate-advanced levels. Alternative tests like STBJ, J.TEST, or NAT-TEST may suit needs based on geographic availability.

The investment in BJT preparation pays dividends throughout your career. Whether seeking employment in Japan, aiming for promotion, applying for work visas, or pursuing educational opportunities, a strong BJT score demonstrates readiness for professional Japanese business environments and distinguishes you in competitive job markets.