Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験)
Currently available in 4 levels, called 級 (kyuu), where 4 is the easiest level and 1 the hardest. In 2010, a new level will be added between level 3 and level 2 since the gap has been considered too big.
The test can be taken twice a year in some Asian countries including Japan and Korea, but can only be taken once a year in December in the rest of the world.
The test has several parts, including kanji reading and listening abilities, all of the parts being made up of multiple choice questions. There is no production on the JLPT tests; the test-takers need to speak or write no Japanese of their own.
To pass the first three levels, 60% correctly answered questions are needed. For JLPT1, 70% is needed.