PJC Bridge Certified by Immigration Services Agency as Proficiency Test for "Japanese Language Education Reference Framework A2 Equivalent or Higher"

Certify Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shigeru Takizawa) is pleased to announce that its Japanese language proficiency test, "Practical Japanese Communication Bridge" (hereinafter, PJC Bridge), has been certified by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan as a proficiency test for the "Japanese Language Education Reference Framework A2 equivalent or higher," as stipulated in the notification standards for Japanese language education institutions.

PJC Bridge is a Japanese language proficiency test for non-native Japanese speakers, measuring Japanese language ability equivalent to CEFR A1-B1 (JLPT N5-N3 equivalent). It has previously been treated by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan as a certification test for "A1 equivalent or higher," required for studying at Japanese language education institutions in Japan, and has been adopted by Japanese language education institutions and related organizations in 15 countries, mainly in Asia. With this new certification as a proficiency test for "A2 equivalent or higher," it now supports both levels.

This new certification will expand the options for Japanese language learners to prove their Japanese language proficiency. Furthermore, for Ministry of Justice designated schools (see Note 1), the addition of an option to certify A2 level is expected to improve convenience in reporting learning outcomes.

(Note 1)
"Ministry of Justice designated schools" refers to Japanese language education institutions that meet the standards set by the Ministry of Justice. These institutions are obligated to report to the government the number of graduates who have achieved "Japanese Language Education Reference Framework A2 equivalent or higher," and thus require means to objectively certify learning outcomes.

PJC Bridge is characterized by its group examination system, which allows Japanese language education institutions to conduct tests at any time and place. Additionally, certificates are issued approximately one week after the exam, enabling quick and flexible proficiency certification for both learners and educational institutions.

■ Main Features of PJC Bridge

・Measures Japanese language proficiency equivalent to CEFR (Note 2) A1-B1 (JLPT N5-N3 equivalent)

・Can be used as a certification test for "Japanese Language Education Reference Framework A1 equivalent or higher," required for studying at Japanese language education institutions in Japan

・Can be used as a certification test for "Japanese Language Education Reference Framework A2 equivalent or higher," as stipulated in the notification standards for Japanese language education institutions

・Proven track record of adoption by Japanese language education institutions in 15 countries, mainly in Asia

・Group examination system allows tests to be conducted at any time and place

・Certificates issued approximately one week after the exam

(Note 2)
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international common standard for measuring foreign language acquisition status and operational ability.

Certify Inc. will continue to contribute to the further development of the Japanese language education environment by meeting the diverse needs of Japanese language learners and Japanese language education institutions through PJC Bridge.

■ Immigration Services Agency of Japan website
Regarding various reports based on the notification standards for Japanese language education institutions
(https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyuukokukanri07_00218.html)

■ List of examinations for proving Japanese language proficiency at A2 equivalent or higher level in relation to "Student" residence status based on "Japanese Language Education Reference Framework" (PDF)
(https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001370592.pdf)

■ PJC Bridge Official Website

(https://www.sikaku.gr.jp/c/pjc/bridge/)

【Company Profile】

Company Name: Certify Inc.

Business Overview: Development and sponsorship of certification exams related to business abilities and skills, development and sales of study guides corresponding to sponsored exams, development and provision of online examination service "Smart Nyushi®"

Established: June 2001

Location: Kayabacho Ekimae Building, 2-11-8 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Shigeru Takizawa, Representative Director

URL: https://sikaku.gr.jp/