So many tests in Japan!

[JerseyBoy]

Don't you think there are just so many tests in Japan? As I was preparing the regular Japanese resume´ and was going through career and job web sites in Japan, I see there are just so many tests listed. Since many career websites in Japan list those tests, I am assuming there are some values to those tests.
Just out of curiosity, I checked up TOEIC (because many Japanese job position announcements list it up as one of the requirements) and I found the test is so elementary (based on the example questions). I know this simple test does not represent the rest of the tests. But, I started doubting how the rest of the tests could be effective in gauging test-takers' actual competency and understanding in the subjects they are being tested on.

 

[Ewok85]

There are allot of different associations, groups, etc in Japan that exist purely to hand out certification and rake in the money. I forget the details but when gyms got popular in the 80's a number of different 協会 popped up offering certification and courses for personal trainers etc. Ofcourse none of them were essential or required by law, and they are extremely expensive, but you would be hard off finding a person who works in a sports gym and does not have them due to pressure from various government agencies.

(If that makes sense?)

 

[JimmySeal]

There are a lot of tests in Japan, but TOEIC is an American test administered by ETS that's offered in Japan. I think the only big Japanese-made English test is the 窶ｰpﾅ津ｪﾅ椎ｸ窶凖ｨ. I'm not sure exactly how they're different but apparently 1窶ｹ窶ｰ involves a pretty tough interview portion.

 

[epigene]

Personally, I don't think you need to prove your English proficiency with any test (Eiken or TOEIC). It should be clear from your college education and career in the US. If you are told you must absolutely take TOEIC and submit a score, you can just wow them with a perfect score!

Both Eiken and TOEIC evaluate English language skills for non-native speakers but do not cover people with native or near-native English competence like you. Regarding which one you should take, I'd say TOEIC is for working adults. Eiken is viewed today as a test for students (although it is not necessarily true--it's only that the Japanese people in general believe TOEIC is for international "business" communication).

Other than that, there may be tests to evaluate skills in your business field, but most of them are a waste of time, as the others say. I think your resume and recommendation letters will speak louder than those test scores!

 

[pipokun]

I don't know what I can do after taking the Prof. level of
Train Timetable Test.

 

[JerseyBoy]

(If that makes sense?)

Yes, it does. There are many associations in Japan (as in any other country in the world) which want to present themselves above the rest of the packs by creating those tests to screen out their members.

When I see so many tests listed on the online job sites in Japan, I get an illusion that all of those tests are somehow valuable to many employers in Japan (once they are listed on the job sites, they look authentic). Some of the tests or certifications listed there seem very simple general business subjects. Some of them seem to be created for the sake of just making those tests.

Of course, the tests and certifications for the professional fields (such as legal, medical, accounting, financial, and other areas) would be needed.

 

[ET_Fukuoka]

Japan loves it's tests!! LOL