Not sure if everyone knows about this, but there is a new exam(started in 2007/2008, I think) in Japan that is similar to the JLPT, except that it is meant for native Japanese speakers. It tests the ability of native speakers to use "proper" Japanese.

It is called "Nihongo Kentei".

Official website:
http://www.nihongokentei.jp/

The examples go from 6-kyuu to 1-kyuu.

Here are the official textbooks

Beginner (5-kyuu and 6-kyuu)
http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/guest/cg...=02&LANG=J

Intermediate (3-kyuu and 4-kyuu)
http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/guest/cg...=02&LANG=J

Advanced (1-kyuu and 2-kyuu)
http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/guest/cg...=02&LANG=J

For all books related to the exams (official textbooks, problem sets, grammar guides, etc)
http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/guest/cg...E8&AREA=02

Anyway, I've been thinking whether or not I should go for the Nihongo Kentei (and take it in Japan while on homestay), take the JLPT1 instead or take both.

They even test keigo (http://www.yesasia.com/us/nihongo-kentei.../info.html)

Also, they released a Nintendo DS game called "Nihongo Kentei DS".

Even though the JLPT is more widely recognized this might be a better option for some people since the test is aimed at native speakers.

Since it's aimed at native speakers, I think it's quite useless for most of us. There's only like 5 native speakers here. I doubt any companies would care that you did well on a test just because it was for natives. What's important is how recognized it is.

I'm interested in this test cos I heard about it whilst looking up all the various kentei there are In Japan.

I guess it cant hurt as a motivator and if you have JLPT1 aswell as Nihongo Kentei1 then you're in a better position right?

If I remember this test tests output yeah?

I haven't seen what level 1 of the test looks like, but to even mention it in the same sentence as the JLPT like this:

mezbup Wrote:I guess it cant hurt as a motivator and if you have JLPT1 aswell as Nihongo Kentei1 then you're in a better position right?

is bonkers.

The official study guides have only multiple choice and true/false questions so I'd figure that's what's on the test. I've only seen level 5, so maybe it's different on the higher levels.

As tests go, it seems that the Kanji Kentei is more widely known than the Nihongo Kentei, so that might be one to go for if you're looking for something extra.

If this test gains a lot of recognition though, it might be good for people who want to demonstrate native-like skills to potential employers (translators & interpreters come to mind.)