About the STBJ exam

What is the Standard Test for Business Japanese (STBJ)?

The Standard Test for Business Japanese (STBJ) is one of the Japanese language proficiency tests required for working in Japan. The test was first administered in 2007 and is now officially accepted by educational institutions in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea.

The STBJ is recognized by the Immigration Bureau of Japan as a test of Japanese language proficiency for admission to Japanese language education institutions in Japan. A score of 350 or higher on the STBJ is considered equivalent to A1 level or higher according to the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education.

Where can this test be used?

It can be used by those who intend to work in Japan and students who will be attending school to demonstrate their Japanese language skills/proficiency.

How is it different from other Japanese language tests?

The unique feature of STBJ is that it not only tests Japanese vocabulary and grammar skills, but also business terms and etiquette.

In which countries is it being held?

The Standard Test for Business Japanese (STBJ) exam is widely held in countries such as China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It is now available in Myanmar as well.

In which months can I answer?

The exam is held six (6) times a year, once every two (2) months. The exam dates are announced on the website.

What system should I use to answer?

As it is paper-based, you will have to take the exam at designated exam halls. The exam venue and time will be announced separately.

What is the question format like? What skills are mainly tested?

The exam consists of a total of (7) questions and the time limit for answering is (1) hour and (35) minutes. Questions (1) to (5) are questions for testing Listening Skills. Questions (6) are for testing Reading Skills and Questions (7) are for testing Vocabulary, Grammar and Speaking Skills.

Test Format

What levels are set?

STBJ sets levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Japanese Language Proficiency. It is set from A1 to C1 level.

You will receive your exam results within two (2) to three (3) weeks after taking the exam. Certificates will be available within two (2) weeks after receiving your results.

When will I know the exam results?

Compare of STBJ and JLPT

Business which accepts STBJ

1. トヨタ自動車 (Toyota Motor Corporation) – manufacturing, engineering, office roles

2. ソニーグループ (Sony Group) – technology, business, global operations

3. 日立製作所 (Hitachi) – IT, engineering, corporate positions

4. 三菱商事 (Mitsubishi Corporation) – trading, international business

5. 三井物産 (Mitsui & Co.) – global trading and logistics

6. NTTグループ (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) – telecom, IT, research

7. 楽天グループ (Rakuten Group) – e-commerce, tech, business operations

8. ソフトバンク (SoftBank Group) – technology, investment, telecom

9. パナソニック (Panasonic) – electronics, manufacturing, business roles

10. 本田技研工業 (Honda Motor Co.) – automotive, engineering, administration