Skip to main content
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences University of Florida

JapaNESE PLACEMENT TEST

Overview

A placement test assesses a student’s language proficiency level. Its purpose is to help students enroll in the most suitable language course for their abilities. We administer two placement tests each semester: an early test before the semester starts and a regular test during the drop/add period.

Placement Test Requirements

You must take the placement test if you are:

  • New students entering the UF Japanese language program who have:
    • Previously studied Japanese at the high school or college level outside of UF.
  • Returning students from study abroad programs (including summer intensive programs in Japan).

Exemptions from the Placement Test

  • UF students returning from exchange programs at Kansai Gaidai or Aoyama Gakuin.
  • Students with no prior Japanese language experience.
  • Students who have met the UF prerequisite for a specific course (e.g., completed JPN 1131 with a grade of C or higher and wish to enroll in JPN 2230).
  • Students who have passed a Japanese AP or IB test.

Skipping Levels with the Placement Test

Yes, you can use the placement test to skip levels. However, please note the following:

  • Timing: You may only take the placement test for this purpose after taking at least one semester break or summer break.
  • Independent Study: Independent study is expected during absences from Japanese class at UF.
  • Instructor Consultation: It is recommended that you consult with an instructor.

Placement Test Procedure

STEP 1: Registration Form + Online Tests

  1. Complete the registration form.
  2. The registration form includes:
    • Language background questionnaire
    • Online Tests: Speaking Test and submission of TTBJ score
  3. The deadlines for the registration form can be found on the Japanese Studies page .

Speaking Test

  • You will listen to questions in Japanese and submit your answers verbally in Japanese.
  • You will directly submit your recorded answers on the registration form.

TTBJ (Tsukuba University Test)

  • Take SPOT 90, Grammar 90, and Kanji 50 at this link
  • Submit your score report on the registration form.
  • Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher is required. If necessary, download Flash Player and try different browsers.

STEP 2: Interview Test

  • An interview may be required if your placement can’t be determined based on the online tests.
  • The interview will be conducted via Zoom.
  • The date and time for the interview can be found on the Japanese Studies page .
Register Now

Test Results

You will receive an email notifying you of your placement in an appropriate language course. This placement is based on the results of the TTBJ test and speaking test. If you take the interview test, we will let you know the result at the end of the interview.

Please check your email within 24 hours and confirm receipt of the placement notification. You should also indicate whether you intend to enroll in the assigned course.

It is crucial to attend the next class meeting. Failure to do so may result in the loss of your seat in the course.

For questions, please contact Prof. Haruna Kyomoto at kyomotoh@ufl.edu