Last December’s Japanese Language Proficiency Test, held due to leaked answers in Chinese examination centers, led to many test takers from various countries not being able to have their N2 level results certified. Cheating has been a recurring issue in this exam, with information revealing a practice in China where individuals could pay 40,000 yuan to guarantee passing the test. Similarly, there have been reports of Chinese individuals engaging in illicit activities related to the exam in Japan.
According to reports from Japanese media on March 28, during the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) held on December 1, 2024, problems in Chinese examination centers resulted in the disqualification of many test takers’ scores from being recognized in several countries. Officials from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this information.
The JLPT, organized by the Japanese government, is a globally recognized Japanese language proficiency test that serves as a prerequisite for foreigners to obtain residency, study, and work in Japan.
The Japan Foundation, responsible for managing overseas examinations, explained, “From a statistical perspective, the concentration of identical answers among test takers appeared unnaturally.” This was due to the fact that the Chinese examinations were conducted earlier than in other countries, leading to answer leaks on social media. However, the Japan Foundation could not attribute this to cheating.
In January of this year, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed the Japan Foundation to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. With the increasing number of people taking the JLPT, the importance of the exam has become more evident, prompting a likely stricter scrutiny of exam management practices.
The issue arose in the N2 level exam, with the exam time in Chinese centers running from 9:00 to 11:45 Beijing time, while in Japan, the exam at that level began from 12:30 to 14:30 Tokyo time. Given the one-hour time difference between Beijing and Tokyo, Chinese centers started the exam two and a half hours ahead of Japanese centers.
The Japan Foundation believes that the early start of the N2 exam in Chinese centers led to the leak of answers on social media. However, the specific details of the leak remain unknown.
N2 proficiency is a basic requirement for university admission based on Japanese language skills, with around 230,000 candidates participating in this exam. The impact of the leak meant that test takers from Japan and several other countries were unable to have their scores recognized.
Organizers of the exam confirmed that during the exam process, some test takers utilized smartwatches, smart glasses, and other devices with photo-taking capabilities to leak exam questions on social media.
According to a report from a publication, there have been instances where Chinese individuals helped test takers cheat, claiming that for 30,000 yen, test success was guaranteed. Chat screenshots revealed the specific operation method where the facilitator would help transmit answers via an iWatch during the exam, with test takers with iWatches simply writing down the answers directly in the exam hall. This service was primarily targeting Chinese test takers in Japan.
Images of JLPT exam papers and other materials being shared online were linked to the use of micro cameras hidden in erasers, as reported by the publication.
An interview with a Chinese mainland informant, using the pseudonym Tang Ming, revealed the existence of a paid route to ensure passing the exam within mainland China. The pricing for guaranteeing passing the highest N1 level reportedly was 40,000 yuan, while it was 30,000 yuan for the N2 level.
Regarding the methods used for ensuring success, Tang mentioned various techniques such as sending answers in real-time through earpieces, but highlighted that the methods he was aware of were not the outdated, lower-risk strategies commonly known.
He explained that once registered, intermediaries would facilitate the process backstage. Following payment, they would arrange for candidates to take the exam in specified centers without needing to cheat or receive answers during the exam. Success or failure in answering questions correctly did not matter.
Despite his uncertainty about the detailed operation, those handling the process guaranteed successful outcomes and offered refunds if candidates did not pass. While acknowledging the substantial cost of 40,000 yuan, some individuals still found it worthwhile.
The JLPT answer sheets are filled out by blackening circles with pencils. After the exam, the answer sheets from each center are sent to Japan for evaluation. Typically, the data is scanned by machines, input into the system, and further confirmed manually.
Regarding the location of designated exam centers, Tang mentioned it was not fixed, with exams taking place sometimes in Shanghai, other times in northeastern, Beijing, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang regions.
He added that those utilizing this scheme were not restricted to mainland China, as overseas participants, including Chinese individuals in Japan, had to return to China to take the test in specified centers.
Tang noted that the price for such operations increased from 10,000 yuan to 40,000 yuan. When asked about the reasons for the hike, operators attributed it to cost escalations from higher authorities without specifying the exact level of those authorities.
In China, the JLPT is overseen by the Ministry of Education’s examination institute in 43 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, Dalian, and others.
JLPT results signify not just the language proficiency of candidates but also directly impact their personal interests, carrying significant practical value.
For non-native Japanese speakers aiming to enroll in Japanese national universities as publicly-funded students, obtaining an N1 certificate is a requirement. Foreign students entering general universities (including specialized schools) usually need at least an N2 level certificate.
The Immigration Bureau of Japan is implementing a “highly skilled foreign professional” points-based system. Those accumulating 70 or more points based on qualifications, occupation, income, research accomplishments, etc., are recognized as highly skilled foreign professionals, receiving various special treatment in immigration matters. Holding an N1 certificate earns 15 points.
When seeking employment in Japanese companies as foreigners, having proficiency in the Japanese language is crucial. Individuals with an N1 certification are perceived to possess higher language capabilities, particularly in professions like taking the Japanese national physician qualification exam or working in the medical field, where holding an N1 certificate is a necessity. General companies often require at least an N2 certificate or an equivalent level.
Additionally, as intern trainees for specialized skills (such as nursing) in Japan, having an N4 certification is necessary in the first year, followed by obtaining an N3 certificate in the second year.
The JLPT is conducted in 92 countries and regions worldwide, held twice a year in July and December. In 2023, approximately 1,260,000 individuals participated in the exam. The test comprises five levels, ranging from the highest level, 1 (N1), to the lowest level, 5 (N5), mostly consisting of multiple-choice questions. Examinees are allowed to take the exam questions with them after completion.
In 2023, the number of Chinese candidates participating in the JLPT was 269,000, accounting for 32.4% of the global total.