An interesting way to motivate yourself to study Japanese is to take the internationally recognised Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This test has a variety of levels from begineer to advanced with the high levels being the standard for employment with Japanese Companies or for study at Japanese universities. The J.L.P.T. used to have a four level system, with level four being the lowest and level one being the highest. The jump from level three to level two however was considerable and the test did not cater for speaking skills.

The system has undergone recent change however and there are now currently five levels numbered N5 - N1, with N5 being the entrance level. The new system incorporates a speaking test and an additional level that bridges the existing gap between levels three and two.

If you are studying Japanese I recommend you take this test to give you a target to work towards and so that you can have a measure of your ability. I have prepared students for different levels of the test and have a variety of materials that can assist you in your study.