A new national qualification, "Registered Japanese Language Teacher," will be established in April 2024. This is a national qualification that verifies and proves the qualities and abilities of Japanese language teachers, and is a required qualification for working at an "Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institution." The background to this is that while the number of foreign students studying Japanese is increasing, the number of Japanese language teachers teaching them has not increased much due to reasons such as low recognition, and there is a continuing labor shortage.

　To become a nationally qualified "registered Japanese language teacher," one must pass the "Japanese Language Teacher Examination," which consists of a basic exam and an applied exam, and complete practical training at a "registered practical training institution" registered by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. There are no age, educational background, nationality, or other requirements for eligibility to take the exam.

　In addition, if you complete a training course offered by a registered Japanese language teacher training institution*, you can be exempt from the basic test of the Japanese language teacher examination upon application. In this case, you will need to pass the applied test and complete practical training at a registered practical training institution.

　As a response to current Japanese language teachers, in order to ensure a smooth transition to the new system and reduce their burden, transitional measures have been put in place to exempt them from taking the Japanese language teaching examination and practical training if they meet certain requirements.

<2024 Japanese Language Teachers Examination Schedule>
Test date: Sunday, November 11th
Online application period: Thursday, August 8st to Friday, September 1th
Examination ticket issued: Thursday, October 10st
Test result notification: Friday, December 12th (planned)

*Registered Japanese language teacher training institution
An institution registered by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as one that implements Japanese language teacher training courses to acquire the basic knowledge and skills necessary for Japanese language education. Applications for registration will be accepted from around summer 2024, and registrations are scheduled to be completed after autumn 2024.

reference:[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology] Regarding the Japanese Language Teacher Examination