TLC Offers Prestigious 日本漢字能力検定, Nihon Kanji Nōryoku Kentei; The 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 for short, 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 all over 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 Southeast United States.
The test examines not only the ability to read and write kanji, but also the ability to understand their meanings, to use them correctly in sentences, and to 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 (levels 10 through 3, pre-2, 2, pre-1 and 1) with level 10 being the easiest and level 1 the most difficult.
Registering for the Kanken
DATES:
The next testing date is Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. Central. Levels 10-8 will be from 1-1:40 p.m. Levels 7-2 will be from 2-3 p.m.
The test must be taken in-person at The Tennessee Language Center, 193 Polk Ave. Suite D, Nashville, TN 37210. (Suite D is the training center on the second floor. You park in the lot with the wrought iron fence and enter the back door and take the elevator to the second floor).
The deadline to register is Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
COST*:
The cost is determined by the level that you select. Current prices are below.
| Level 2 | Levels Pre-2, 3, 4 | Levels 5,6,7 | Levels 8,9,10 |
| $60 | $55 | $50 | $45 |
* Discounts are not valid for Kanken test registration. The price includes test results shipping to the address provided at the time of registration.
LEVEL(S):
If you are a current or former TLC student, contact your Japanese instructor, and they can provide advice.
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 you should take. TLC employees are unable to provide level assessments to non-TLC students.
At this time, test-takers are not permitted to repeat taking exams more than once for the same level at the same test site within a testing round. It is also not permitted for the test-takers to take multiple exams for the different level(s) within the same testing day of the same testing round.
For example:
– Taking two exams for Level 9 twice within a testing day at the same test site – Not allowed
– Taking two exams – one for Level 8, one for Level 7 within a testing day – Not allowed
Once you have selected which test or tests you would like to take, you can register for your test(s) at this site. Make sure to select the appropriate level
Once you have enrolled on Matrix, you will receive a form
REFUNDS
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 you would like to still take the test at a later test date, you will need to make an additional payment at full price.
Preparing for the Kanken
Level 10: 80 Kanji (+80)
– read kanji in context
– write kanji in context
– 2 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
What To Expect The Day of The Test
On test day, please arrive at the Tennessee Language Center (93 Polk Ave, Nashville, TN) at least 20 minutes before the start of your test. Once you park, you will enter the building, and check in at the security desk with an official ID (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 – they are treated as abstention.
WHAT TO BRING:
Pencils with B, 2B, or HB lead and an eraser. Pens are not allowed.
No additional resources are permitted to be used during the test. This includes any electronic devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, etc.
LENGTH OF TEST:
The time it takes depends on the level; average times to finish the test are 40 minutes for levels 8 through 10 and 60 minutes for levels 2 through 7.
After the Test:
As soon as an exam is completed, all the 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 the certificate (if a test taker successfully passes the level(s) will be issued) and mailed to the TLC approximately 35 days after the test was completed. Test takers can pick up their certificate in person at TLC during business hours.