Kanji Kentei

Overview

The Kanji Kentei, officially the Nihon Kanji Nōryoku Kentei (日本漢字能力検定), is a standardized test that measures a person's mastery of kanji characters. It is administered by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation (日本漢字能力検定協会). The exam is taken by a wide range of people, from elementary school students to adults, and is often used by employers and schools as a credential.

The test covers not only reading and writing kanji, but also usage, stroke order, and the ability to identify correct readings in context. It is distinct from the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), which focuses on overall language ability, whereas the Kanji Kentei is specifically about kanji.

The Twelve Levels

The Kanji Kentei has twelve levels, numbered from 10 (easiest) to 1 (hardest). The levels are designed to correspond to school grade levels, but they are open to anyone.

• Level 10 (10級): Basic kanji, typically learned in the first grade of elementary school. About 80 characters.
• Level 9 (9級): Second-grade kanji, about 160 characters.
• Level 8 (8級): Third-grade kanji, about 200 characters.
• Level 7 (7級): Fourth-grade kanji, about 200 characters.
• Level 6 (6級): Fifth-grade kanji, about 185 characters.
• Level 5 (5級): Sixth-grade kanji, about 181 characters.
• Level 4 (4級): Junior high school level, about 300 characters.
• Level 3 (3級): High school level, about 300 characters.
• Level Pre-2 (準2級): Advanced high school level, about 300 characters.
• Level 2 (2級): Common adult level, about 1,000 characters beyond the basic 1,006. This level is often required for certain jobs.
• Level Pre-1 (準1級): Very advanced, includes about 3,000 characters, including many rare and complex ones.
• Level 1 (1級): The highest level, covering about 6,000 characters, including extremely rare characters found in classical literature and technical texts.

Each level tests reading, writing, and usage. The higher levels also include questions on archaic readings and compound words that are rarely used in modern Japanese.

Why Level 1 Defeats Most Native Speakers

Level 1 is notoriously difficult. It requires knowledge of approximately 6,000 kanji, which is far more than the 2,136 jōyō kanji (常用漢字) that are considered standard for everyday use. Most native Japanese speakers know around 2,000 to 3,000 kanji, and even well-educated adults rarely reach the level of mastery required for Level 1.

The exam includes obscure characters that appear in classical texts, historical documents, and specialized fields. For example, it may ask for the reading of a kanji that is only used in a single compound word, or a character that is not even in standard dictionaries. The pass rate for Level 1 is extremely low, often below 5%. In fact, it is so difficult that only a few hundred people pass it each year, and many of those are dedicated enthusiasts or scholars.

One reason for its difficulty is that the test requires not only recognition but also the ability to write these characters from memory, with correct stroke order. Additionally, it tests readings that are not intuitive, such as nanori (名乗り) readings used in names, and on'yomi (音読み) and kun'yomi (訓読み) that are rarely used.

The Exam Format

The exam is a written test, typically lasting about 60 minutes for lower levels and up to 90 minutes for higher levels. It consists of multiple-choice questions and fill-in-the-blank answers. For writing questions, examinees must write the kanji by hand, so penmanship is also evaluated.

Questions cover:

• Reading kanji in words and sentences.
• Writing kanji for given readings.
• Identifying correct stroke order.
• Choosing the correct kanji for a given context.
• Understanding of compound words and their meanings.

Who Takes the Kanji Kentei?

Many Japanese students take the exam to earn certificates that can help with school admissions or job applications. Some companies value the credential as a sign of diligence and language ability. Adults may take it for personal satisfaction or to improve their kanji skills. Foreign learners of Japanese also take it, though it is challenging even for advanced learners.

How It Differs from the JLPT

The JLPT is the most common test for non-native speakers, and it has five levels (N1 to N5). The JLPT tests reading and listening, but not writing. The Kanji Kentei, on the other hand, is a written test that focuses exclusively on kanji. The JLPT's highest level (N1) requires knowledge of about 2,000 kanji, which is roughly equivalent to Level 2 of the Kanji Kentei. Thus, the Kanji Kentei's higher levels go far beyond what the JLPT tests.

Preparation and Resources

To prepare for the Kanji Kentei, many people use official workbooks and past exam papers. There are also apps and websites that offer practice quizzes. For learners of Japanese, it is often recommended to first pass the JLPT N1 or N2 before attempting the Kanji Kentei, as the exam assumes a high level of fluency.

For those interested in practicing kanji, our kanji list and JLPT quizzes can be helpful. The Stroke Order game is also a fun way to reinforce proper writing.

Conclusion

The Kanji Kentei is a rigorous and respected test of kanji knowledge. While it is not necessary for most learners, it offers a clear benchmark for those who wish to master the characters. Level 1 is a formidable challenge that even most native speakers cannot conquer, making it a true test of dedication and expertise.