The Japan Foundation and Association of International Education, Japan. Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Book Review)

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, developed in 1983, is reviewed. Candidates for a certificate of proficiency choose among four levels; components & criteria for each are described. The test contains three components: characters-vocabulary, listening, & reading-grammar. Most tasks are contextualized & communicative in orientation. Reliability estimates based on the 1994 administration are favorable; however, construct & content validity are questionable. The test is taken yearly by a very large, diverse population, & should be re-evaluated in light of its shortcomings & population. E. Taylor