In 2001, the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment) was published by the Council of Europe as the reference framework intended for common use in learning, teaching, and assessment for languages in Europe.

In the CEFR, foreign language proficiency is divided into six (6) levels of A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 (C2 being the highest level). The foreign language proficiency of a person at each level is indicated by the illustrative descriptors formatted as ‘can-do’.

The CEFR has been translated into as many as forty (40) languages, and is now widely used as an international framework able to show foreign language proficiency on a common basis across languages and borders.

For the Japanese language, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs has released 「日本語教育の参照枠」（報告）(Report: Reference Framework for Japanese-Language Education; available in Japanese only), and the Japan Foundation has developed the JF standard for Japanese-Language Education, as the frameworks for learning, teaching, and assessment for the Japanese language, both based on the CEFR.

The Agency Report noted that as the content of Japanese-language learning and education continues to diversify, it has become necessary to develop and make available common indicators for Japanese language proficiency as assessed by various tests. In response to the Agency Report, the JLPT will add the CEFR level as reference information to JLPT score reports, after various verification work is carried out, so that JLPT test-takers and other JLPT stakeholders can apply the JLPT test results to the international framework (CEFR) and use the CEFR level as a reference.

FAQ

In the coming months, we will share the progress of the development work for the reference indication of the CEFR level in the form of additional FAQ items on the official JLPT website. As this development project is the work in progress, we regret that we will not be able to respond to individual contacts and queries.

Why are you developing a reference indication of the CEFR level for JLPT?

The CEFR level code is widely used, both within Japan and in the world, to indicate levels of language proficiency. 「日本語教育の参照枠」（報告）(Report: Reference Framework for Japanese-Language Education) also drew upon the CEFR. Given such developments, we decided to add the reference indication of the CEFR level in JLPT score reports in order to increase the value and utility of the JLPT and thus to further serve the needs of all learners and other stakeholders. This will enable the JLPT test results to be compared with those of other Japanese tests which are either based on, or linked to, the level code of the CEFR.

With regard to “adding the reference indication of the CEFR level in JLPT score reports,” what do you mean by “reference indication”?

The test result of the JLPT consists of a) the scores, both the total score and the scores by scoring sections, and b) pass/fail determination. The CEFR level will not form a part of this judgement, but will be for reference purpose only.

With the introduction of the reference indication of the CEFR level, will there be any changes to the JLPT test contents? Do I have to change how to study for the JLPT?

There will be no changes in the JLPT test contents; you do not have to change how to study for the JLPT.

After 2025, will score reports issued before 2024 without the reference indication of the CEFR level become invalid?

The CEFR level designation given to score reports is assigned only as reference information; reports and certificates for tests taken in or before 2024 will remain valid.

How is the reference indication of the CEFR level being developed?

The reference indication of the CEFR level will be developed based on the five steps shown in by Relating Language Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR). A Manual published by the Council of Europe in 2009. The overview of the five steps is as follows:

a) Familiarisation:

The training of experts to engage in the linking of a test (which refers to the JLPT. The same applies in regard to ‘the test’ below.) to the CEFR to deepen their understanding of the CEFR, its level designations, and Can-do statements as level descriptors.

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b) Specification:

A self-audit of contents and item types of the test and examination of the correspondence between the coverage and levels of the test and those presented in the CEFR. Describing any areas tested not covered by the CEFR. On the basis of the content analysis, carrying out graphical profiling of the test coverage in relation to the relevant categories and levels of the CEFR.

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c) Standardization Training and Benchmarking:

Achieving a consistent and shared understanding of the CEFR levels among experts based on test tasks and actual performance samples, in order for experts to set standards (relating test scores to CEFR levels).

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d) Standard Setting Procedures:

Creating the standards for relating test scores to CEFR levels. Such correlational linking tools will be tested and verified through several rounds of group-based decision-making by experts.

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e) Validation:

Ongoing reconfirmation, using qualitative and quantitative methods, to verify whether protocols a) to d) are properly followed and executed.

The reference indication of the CEFR Level in the JLPT score report will follow the same procedures as above. Especially for d) Standard Setting Procedures, multiple methods will be employed as below, given that the JLPT results are used in various social situations.

Upon completing the above development process, we plan to introduce the reference indication of the CEFR level in the score reports for the July 2025 JLPT.

［Year 2023］

・Evaluation of the comparable CEFR levels of JLPT test questions by Japanese-language experts.
・Comparative analysis of the results of the JLPT research test and the research for assigning the CEFR levels conducted on a group of Japanese-language learners. (Phase I)

［Year 2024］

・Comparative analysis of the results of the JLPT research test and the research for assigning the CEFR levels conducted on a group of Japanese-language learners. (Phase II)
・Analyses of all data collected; Standard setting for the reference indication of the CEFR levels; Validation

When the reference indication of the CEFR level is added to the JLPT score report, what will be the relationship between the JLPT and the JF Standard for Japanese-language Education published by the Japan Foundation?

Given that the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education is a framework based on the CEFR, the CEFR levels on the JLPT score reports will be made comparable to the levels of the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, and vice versa.

Contact:
Center for Japanese-Language Testing,
The Japan Foundation
E-mail: jlpt_sankou＠jpf.go.jp
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