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BJT vs JLPT N1 vs NAT-TEST for Japan’s HSP visa: points (400 = +10, 480 = +15), booking and retakes

· 4 min read

The short version

For Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) counts BJT 480+ as +15 points and BJT 400+ as +10 points, the same as JLPT N1 and N2. The two BJT tiers do not stack: 480 replaces 400. BJT is booked at Pearson VUE test centres on most days, while the JLPT is held twice a year. Candidates reported in November 2026 that N1 and NAT-TEST seats were hard to get, and that this is why applicants are moving to BJT. That is a report, not an organiser or ISA statement.

What the ISA says

  • Points: the ISA points table gives +15 for JLPT N1 or an equivalent and +10 for N2 or an equivalent. Its notes name BJT 480+ and BJT 400+ as examples. The N2-equivalent points are not given to an applicant who already gets the N1-equivalent points or the points for a Japanese university degree. Points table · List of qualifying Japanese ability
  • Equivalents: the ISA Q&A (Q15 and Q16) says other tests judged equivalent, "for example" BJT 480+ and 400+, count. It names no other test. ISA Q&A
  • Total: the Q&A refers to a 70-point total. Language points are only one row of the table, so check the whole table for your case.
  • NAT-TEST: none of the ISA pages above names NAT-TEST. If you plan to rely on it, ask the ISA first.
  • Recency: the ISA sheets we read state no recency rule for BJT or JLPT results. Confirm current ISA practice for your own application.

The three tests side by side

BJTJLPT N1 and N2NAT-TEST
HSP points (ISA)480+: +15, 400+: +10N1: +15, N2: +10Not named by the ISA pages we read
DatesPearson VUE centres; bookable from the next day if seats are freeTwice a year, in July and DecemberCheck its own site
CertificateNever expiresNever expires; some employers set their own limitCheck its own site

Booking and retakes for BJT

  • Booking: Pearson VUE test centres, any day subject to the centre's hours and seats. If a seat is free you can book from tomorrow. The latest availability is shown during booking. FAQ
  • Fee: 8,000 yen including tax in Japan (the English homepage and FAQ).
  • Retake: one sitting every 3 calendar months, counted in months and not days. See our post on the retake rule.
  • No pass or fail: BJT reports a score from 0 to 800 and a level from J5 to J1+. J2 is 420 to 529, and J1 starts at 530.
  • Results: the score certificate never expires. FAQ

A reasonable order

  • If you are near 400: book BJT, because the test dates are flexible and a 400+ score gives +10 points.
  • If you could reach 480: plan a second sitting after the 3-month interval, and use the first sitting as your measurement.
  • If you hold or plan N1 or N2: the points are the same tiers, and the choice is about dates and what you can pass.

LangBytes is not affiliated with the organisers or the ISA. This is a summary of public sources, not immigration advice.

Sources