The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) measures your ability to function in a Japanese corporate environment — not just textbook fluency. The syllabus is divided into three core sections: Listening, Reading, and Grammar/Vocabulary. Below is what each section covers, typical weightage estimates, and how to prepare effectively.
Listening Section (approx. 40% of total score)
This section tests your ability to understand spoken Japanese in business contexts — meetings, phone calls, presentations, and casual office chatter.
Key topics
- Business meetings: Agendas, proposals, objections, confirmations.
- Phone conversations: Taking messages, scheduling, handling complaints.
- Announcements & instructions: Internal memos, safety briefings, procedural updates.
- Casual workplace talk: Small talk with colleagues, after-work drinks (nomikai).
Weightage estimate
Listening typically accounts for 35–45% of the total score. The number of questions ranges from 30 to 40, depending on the test version.
Study tips
- Listen to Japanese business podcasts (e.g., NHK Business News, ビジネス日本語).
- Practice with real phone call simulations — record yourself taking a message.
- Use BJT mock tests to get used to the speed and accent variety.
Reading Section (approx. 35% of total score)
This section evaluates your ability to read and comprehend business documents: emails, reports, contracts, memos, and notices.
Key topics
- Emails: Formal and semi-formal correspondence, request/response patterns.
- Reports & proposals: Structure, key data points, conclusions.
- Contracts & agreements: Terms, conditions, legal disclaimers (basic level).
- Notices & announcements: Internal memos, policy changes, event details.
Weightage estimate
Reading usually makes up 30–40% of the score. Expect 25–35 questions.
Study tips
- Read Japanese business news daily (Nikkei, Toyo Keizai).
- Practice skimming for key information — BJT reading questions often test speed.
- Build a vocabulary list of common business kanji (e.g., 契約, 見積もり, 納期).
Grammar & Vocabulary Section (approx. 25% of total score)
This section tests your knowledge of business-specific grammar patterns and vocabulary. It overlaps with the other sections but has its own dedicated questions.
Key topics
- Keigo (honorifics): Sonkeigo, kenjougo, teineigo — correct usage in business settings.
- Business expressions: お世話になっております, 恐れ入りますが, 拝見しました.
- Particles & sentence structure: Especially those used in formal writing.
- Industry-specific terms: Finance, manufacturing, IT, logistics (varies by test).
Weightage estimate
Grammar & Vocabulary typically accounts for 20–25% of the score. Around 15–20 questions.
Study tips
- Master keigo — it’s the single most tested grammar point.
- Create flashcards for 100–150 common business phrases.
- Take a free BJT demo mock to identify your weak areas: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>
How the BJT is scored
The BJT uses a scaled score from 0 to 800, not a pass/fail system. Higher scores correspond to higher proficiency levels (J1 to J5). The official portal — BJT — Business Japanese Proficiency Test fees were last revised in early 2026 — provides detailed level descriptors.
Study plan overview
| Week | Focus | Time per day | |------|-------|--------------| | 1–2 | Keigo & business vocabulary | 30 min | | 3–4 | Listening drills (podcasts, mock tests) | 45 min | | 5–6 | Reading comprehension (emails, reports) | 45 min | | 7–8 | Full mock tests & review | 60 min |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Neglecting keigo — even if your grammar is strong, incorrect honorifics cost points.
- Reading too slowly — practice timed reading sessions.
- Ignoring casual workplace language — listening section includes informal exchanges.
Where to next?
- Take a free BJT demo mock to benchmark your current level: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>
- See BJT mock-test packs and pricing: <a href="/plans">View plans →</a>
- Read our guide on BJT vs. JLPT: which test is right for your career?