BJT explained: the 0 to 800 score, the J5 to J1+ levels, the 2026 fee, and why there is no pass or fail
The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) measures Japanese for work. There is no pass or fail: you get a score from 0 to 800 and one of six levels, and it runs on computers through Pearson.
It has 80 multiple-choice questions and takes about two hours. Everything below is from the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation's BJT site and its fee notice, read on 5 November 2026.
The levels
The foundation calls this a rough guide, not a certificate of a level you pass. The BJT is meant to give about the same score each time if your ability has not changed, so you can use it to track progress.
- J1+600–800Sufficient in any business situation
- J1530–599Appropriate in a wide range of situations
- J2420–529Appropriate in a limited range
- J3320–419Some communication in a limited range
- J4200–319Minimal communication in a limited range
- J50–199Virtually no ability in business situations
On the day
Three parts: listening, listening and reading, and reading. All are multiple choice with four options.
You cannot go back in the first two parts, because they run with the audio. In reading you can go back within the time limit.
There is no break. Be seated 15 minutes before the start: if you arrive late you cannot take the test. Bring two forms of ID, at least one with a photo.
You get a paper score report as you leave. Three days later you can print the certificate from your account.
Fee, refunds and how long it lasts
¥8,000 in Japan for applications from 1 April 2026, up from ¥7,000. The foundation says prices outside Japan differ and were revised too.
If you paid by credit card, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the test for a full refund. With a voucher there is no refund, but you can reschedule within the time limit.
Groups buying 10 or more vouchers get 10% to 30% off, and vouchers last a year from purchase.
The certificate never expires, the foundation says. An employer or school can still ask for a recent one.
BJT or JLPT?
The foundation notes that immigration authorities look at BJT scores as well as the JLPT when evaluating some applications. Our reading: the JLPT is pass or fail at a level, and the BJT gives a score on one scale. If an employer or authority names one, take that one. If nobody has named either, ask before paying.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Asking what score passes the BJT.
Asking the employer or school what score it wants.
The BJT has no pass or fail.
Planning to review your listening answers at the end.
Answering each one as it comes.
Parts 1 and 2 run with the audio, and you cannot go back.
Arriving at the start time.
Being seated 15 minutes before.
Late arrivals cannot take the test.
Questions
What is a good BJT score?
There is no pass mark. In the foundation's guide, 420 to 529 is J2, 530 to 599 is J1 and 600 or more is J1+.
How much does the BJT cost?
¥8,000 in Japan for applications from 1 April 2026. Prices outside Japan differ.
How long is the BJT?
About two hours, with 80 multiple-choice questions and no break.
Does a BJT certificate expire?
No. The foundation says the score certificate never expires.
Is the BJT on paper?
No. It has been computer-based since April 2017, through Pearson.
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