JLCAT Business
日本語コミュニケーション
能力測定試験
日本語コミュニケーション
能力測定試験
JLCAT measures listening, reading, speaking and writing. Use it to check language skills before you hire and to support learning after onboarding.
Traditional Japanese tests such as JLPT and BJT focus on knowledge and only measure listening and reading. They can’t tell you whether someone can actually communicate. To see if a person can succeed at work, you need to measure all four skills objectively.
JLCAT (Japanese Language Communication Assessment Test) is a four‑skill Japanese test based on the global standard CEFR. It measures listening, reading, speaking and writing to give you an objective view of communication ability. Questions adapt automatically to each test taker’s level, so you get accurate results in a short time. It’s online, so people can take it from the office or at home, and results come as soon as one week.
| Item | Traditional tests (JLPT, etc.) |
JLCAT |
|---|---|---|
| Skills measured | Listening & Reading (2 skills) | Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing (4 skills) |
| Levels | 5 levels (proprietary scale) | 6 levels (CEFR A1–C2) |
| Level selection | Select level when applying | No need to select level (adaptive) |
| Focus | Knowledge‑oriented | Practical communication ability |
| Test frequency | Twice a year | Any time |
| Test location | Designated venues | Online (office/home) |
| Format | Pencil & paper | Online (PC) |
| Result delivery | About 2 months | As soon as 1 week (within 1 month) |
CEFR divides language ability into six levels from A1 to C2. Because JLCAT follows this global standard, you can easily compare results with English or other language tests. Japan’s new regulations for Japanese language education institutions since 2024 also refer to CEFR.
JLCAT Business offers functions that help companies handle everything from screening to training and evaluation. It supports various use cases, from efficient screening to seeing the effect of your language programs.
Upload a CSV file of applicants or employees, and the system automatically issues test codes. Works for groups of dozens or thousands.
Purchase test credits in bulk and manage them like tickets. You can set validity periods and allocate credits by department.
See all test takers with their four‑skill scores and CEFR levels in one place. Filter by department, nationality or score band, and export interview lists.
Generate a one‑page report for each person with a radar chart and comments. Share it with interviewers and team leaders for smooth decision making.
Use scores to plan training, track progress and set criteria for promotion or allowances.
Optional services are available to prevent cheating and ensure fairness.
Screen all candidates with JLCAT before interviews to focus only on those who can communicate at a practical level. This cuts interview hours and reduces the cost of rehiring.
Set the required Japanese level for each position and match it to each person’s JLCAT score. Measure progress regularly to boost motivation and retention.
See strengths and weaknesses in listening, reading, speaking and writing on a radar chart with a CEFR level. Base promotions and allowances on objective data.
Have all applicants take JLCAT to see who can speak and write, not just listen and read.
Measure scores at the time of offer and after onboarding to see the effect of your language training.
Use JLCAT scores as criteria for promotion and language allowances instead of English tests.
Unify your hiring standard across countries by using JLCAT scores as a common measure.
You can start with a simple voucher plan. Please contact us about plans and test credits.
| Plan | Number of tests | Price (excl. tax) | Per test | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 30 tests | ¥450,000 | ¥15,000 | Screening and training for a small team |
| Standard | 50 tests | ¥650,000 | ¥13,000 | Medium‑scale hiring and onboarding |
| Premium | 100 tests | ¥1,000,000 | ¥10,000 | Multiple locations and regular measurement |
| More than 100 | Custom | Quote | – | Large‑scale or annual contracts |
Previously, Japanese language standards varied by department, causing mismatches after assignment. After introducing JLCAT, the four skills became clearly visualized, making it easier to assign personnel suited to the job. The accuracy of each skill assessment is high, and performance at assigned positions has significantly improved.
＃ Focus on Four Skills
Japanese proficiency evaluations were previously subjective, leaving employees unsure of improvement points. With JLCAT, weaknesses became clear, enabling concrete goal-setting. The quality of interviews improved, and training ROI increased. It is also being expanded as a qualification allowance test.
＃ Emphasis on Listening & Speaking
Traditional Japanese exams and study-abroad tests couldn’t measure conversational ability, leading to gaps between document screening and interviews. Recruiting based on JLCAT scores resulted in interview conversation skills matching the scores. Enrollment went smoothly, follow-up decreased, and faculty workload was reduced.
＃ Emphasis on Speaking & Writing
Differences in reading and writing levels caused frequent communication errors in overseas projects. By setting required scores for each project phase and reorganizing roles using JLCAT, communication errors drastically decreased, and project progress stabilized.
＃ Emphasis on Reading & Writing
JLPT mainly evaluates listening and reading knowledge, while JLCAT measures all four skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing) and assigns CEFR‑based levels. It shows practical communication ability.
It adapts to each test taker, but it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This keeps the burden low while ensuring accuracy.
JLCAT offers optional online proctoring and ID verification to prevent cheating and ensure fairness.
As long as you have an internet connection, you can take the test from anywhere, at home or in the office. There is no need to travel to a venue.
Currently results can be exported as CSV files. API integration is planned for a future release; please contact us for the latest schedule.
All data is stored securely in Japan and managed in accordance with the Privacy Policy and relevant laws.
You normally receive results within one month via the dashboard or a report. A priority service is available with results in as little as one week.
You set the validity when you purchase, usually 6 months to 1 year. For large orders or annual contracts, please contact us.
Tell us about your situation and challenges, and we’ll propose the best plan for you.