Japan Kanji Aptitude Test

日本漢字能力検定, Nihon Kanji Nōryoku Kentei


The Japan Kanji Aptitude Test, also known as Kanji Kentei, or Kanken, evaluates a student’s ability to read, write and understand Kanji.

Kanji are a system of Japanese writing using Chinese characters. The Kanken is one of the most highly respected student certifications recognized by various industries in Japan. The test is administered by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation.

The Tennessee Language Center is the only Kanken Test provider in the southeastern United States.

The test examines the ability to read and write kanji, understand their meanings, use them correctly in sentences, and identify correct stroke order. Although the test was originally developed for native Japanese speakers, non-native speakers may also take the tests. There are 12 levels, with level 1 being the most difficult.

Watch this video for a short explanation of the Kanji Kentai.

Important Information

Kanji Aptitude Test

Kanken Levels

If you are a current or former TLC student, contact your Japanese instructor, and they can provide advice on the appropriate testing level. 

 

Non-TLC students should seek advice from their current class or organization. If you are a self-taught learner, you need to self-check your level by reviewing practice tests to determine which level to take. TLC employees are unable to provide level assessments to non-TLC students. 

 

Test-takers may not repeat taking exams more than once for the same level at the same test site within a testing round. Test-takers may not take multiple exams for different levels within the same testing day of the same testing round.

 

For example:

  • Taking exams for Level 9 twice within a testing day at the same test site: Not allowed
  • Taking two exams: one for Level 8 and one for Level 7 within a testing day: Not allowed 

Dates: The next testing date is TBD.

Cost: The cost is determined by the level you select. Discounts are not valid for Kanken test registration. The price includes test results shipping to the address provided at the time of registration.

  • Level 2: $TBD
  • Level Pre-2, 3, 4: $TBD
  • Level 5, 6, 7: $TBD
  • Level 8, 9, 10: $TBD

Once you have enrolled for a specific test date through our online registration system, no refunds can be granted, nor can registrations be carried over to a future test date. If you are unable to attend after you have enrolled and would like to take the test at a later date, you will need to make an additional payment at full price.

>> See study guides and practice tests for additional information.

 

Level 10: 80 Kanji (+80)

  • Read kanji in context
  • Write kanji in context
  • Two-character compound readings
  • Stroke order and stroke count

 

Level 9: 240 Kanji (+160)

Same as level 10, plus:

  • Tests correct ending of Kanji strokes, e.g., whether a hook is drawn or not, and in which direction

 

Level 8: 440 Kanji (+200)

Same as level 9, plus:

  • Antonyms
  • Homonyms: different kanji with the same reading
  • Finish writing the Kanji when given radicals
  • Okurigana

 

Level 7: 640 Kanji (+200)

Same as level 8, plus:

  • Distinguish between on and kun readings of characters 

 

Level 6: 825 Kanji (+185)

Same as level 7, plus:

  • Identify the formation of compound words
  • Three-character compound words 

 

Level 5: 1006 Kanji (+181)

Same as level 6, plus:

  • Identify compound words based on the word definition
  • Four-character compound words

 

Level 4: 1322 Kanji (+316)

Same as level 5 

 

Level 3: 1607 Kanji (+285)

Same as level 4, plus:

  • Special, unusual readings
  • Ateji: phonetic readings
  • Idioms

 

Level Pre-2: 1940 Kanji (+333)

Same as level 3, plus:

  • Complex radicals

 

Level 2: 2136 Kanji (+196)

Same as level pre-2, plus:

  • Composition of kanji

On test day, please arrive at the Tennessee Language Center (193 Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN) at least 20 minutes before your test. Enter the building, and check in at the security desk with a passport or driver’s license. The guard will guide you to the TLC entrance, and a TLC staff member will be there to greet you. 

Ten minutes before the test starts, the proctor will give the general instructions. You will be allowed to enter the test room until 20 minutes after the start of the test for levels 10 to 8, and 30 minutes after the start of the test for levels 7 to 2. You will not be permitted to enter the room after that time. Examination time will not be extended.

If you leave the test within 30 minutes after the beginning of the test, your answer sheets will not be scored.

Please bring pencils with B, 2B or HB lead and an eraser. Pens are not allowed.

No additional resources may be used during the test. This includes electronic devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, etc.

The time it takes to finish depends on the level. Average times to finish the test are:

  • Levels 8–10: 40 minutes
  • Levels 2–7: 60 minutes

As soon as an exam is completed, all answer sheets and other required documents must be collected and sent back to the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test Foundation in Japan.  

The test results, standard answers and certificates (for those who pass) will be issued and mailed to TLC approximately 35 days after the test is completed. Certificates can be picked up in person at TLC during business hours. 

  • 193 Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN
  • 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Monday–Friday