National Qualification “Japanese Language Teacher Exam” – Hear from Successful Candidates! ― The Path to Certification ― (Thuesday, January 13)

On January 13, 2026, the Global Engagement Center at Ibaraki University hosted an event featuring graduates of the Japanese Language Teacher Training Program who successfully passed the national qualification exam for “Registered Japanese Language Teachers.” The session offered insights into exam preparation, study strategies, and future career paths.

Ibaraki University’s Japanese Language Teacher Training Program is designed for students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Education. The program teaches how to instruct Japanese to non-native speakers, covering not only specialized subjects but also social, cultural, and psychological aspects. Students also gain hands-on experience through teaching practicums on campus and at partner institutions abroad. Since 2024, Japanese language teachers have been recognized as a national qualification, “Registered Japanese Language Teacher,” which certifies professional expertise in Japanese language education. With growing demand for Japanese language education both in Japan and overseas, obtaining this qualification provides a significant advantage for career development.

At this event, two of the three successful candidates—one from the College of Education and one from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences—shared their experiences, including why they decided to take the exam, how they studied, what challenges they faced, and how they plan to use the qualification in their careers.

Their study methods included using commercially available practice books and past questions from the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test, supplemented by online resources such as YouTube and specialized websites. The “Japanese Teacher Hama” channel was particularly helpful. They studied about 30 minutes to an hour daily, making use of spare time. The most challenging parts were listening tasks involving pronunciation and accent patterns, as well as mastering technical terminology. Both noted that their teaching practicum and interactions with non-native learners at Ibaraki University helped them better understand the exam content.

One speaker has secured a position at a Japanese language school and hopes to build practical experience while applying the knowledge gained. The other will begin work as a junior high school English teacher, aiming to support foreign students by leveraging her Japanese language teaching expertise.

Their advice to future candidates: “This national qualification is a strong asset for your career. With the exemption from the basic exam, it’s easier to take on the challenge—don’t miss the opportunity!” and “Even if you feel uncertain, it’s worth trying. Practice books and online resources are enough to prepare.” The Global Engagement Center will continue to organize events that support students interested in Japanese language education. If you are considering this career path, we encourage you to join the program and take the first step toward certification!