If you are seeking a qualification in Japanese, in addition to GCSE and A level, it is now possible to take three well-established Japanese exams in the UK (candidates have to attend designated test sites - normally in London, although some can also be taken in Sheffield):

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test - this is administered by the Japan Foundation and the Association of International Education, Japan. It is available at four levels, ranging from basic knowledge of the language (level 4) to the standard required to be able to study at a Japanese university (level 1). The exam is held once a year - normally in December.
  
  
• Business Japanese Test - administered by JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization. Available at three levels - all of which require a good aural understanding of spoken business Japanese. Level 1 also requires a very high standard of understanding of written Japanese. The exam is held once a year - since 2002 in September. Successful candidates at level 1 can optionally take the JETRO Oral Communication Test, although at the moment this is offered only in Japan.
  
  
• Kanji Aptitude Test - a real test of understanding of kanji (the Chinese characters that are one of the most important elements in the Japanese writing system). The test is held three times a year at sites all over the world. The UK centre is SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, but the test is held only when sufficient candidates express interest. For more information, contact Yoshiko Jones at SOAS on 020 7898 4876. (Note: the Kanji Aptitude Test website is in Japanese only - your first test of just how good your knowledge of kanji is!)

Past news and events on learning Japanese

• Speech contest for university students held at SOAS (February 2007)
• First Japanese Speech Contest for University Students (January 2006)
• 16th Sir Peter Parker Awards (November 2005)
  
• Ready Steady NihonGO! (October 2005)
  
• JLC Japanese Speech Contest (Nihongo Cup) (May 2005)
  
• JLC Japanese Speech Contest (Nihongo Cup) (June 2004)
  
• 15th Sir Peter Parker Awards (February 2004)