Overview
Kanken, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test, measures how well a person can read and write kanji and use them in words. It has 12 grades, from Grade 10 (the kanji taught in the first year of elementary school) up to Grade 1 (about 6,000 characters, including ones outside everyday use). The test is run by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test Foundation, which describes it as backed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Who can apply
There is no age limit and you pick the grade you want to attempt. The foundation says test-takers range from very young children to people in their hundreds.
Levels or stages
The test has no stages. Each grade is a separate exam, and you can take any one of them directly.
| Grade | Rough level | Kanji scope | Full marks | Pass mark (about) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University and general | About 6,000 | 200 | 80% |
| Pre-1 | University and general | About 3,000 | 200 | 80% |
| 2 | High school graduate | 2,136 | 200 | 80% |
| Pre-2 | High school | 1,951 | 200 | 70% |
| 3 | Junior high school graduate | 1,623 | 200 | 70% |
| 4 | Junior high school | 1,339 | 200 | 70% |
| 5 | Elementary year 6 | 1,026 | 200 | 70% |
| 6 | Elementary year 5 | 835 | 200 | 70% |
| 7 | Elementary year 4 | 642 | 200 | 70% |
| 8 | Elementary year 3 | 440 | 150 | 80% |
| 9 | Elementary year 2 | 240 | 150 | 80% |
| 10 | Elementary year 1 | 80 | 150 | 80% |
Exam pattern
Questions test reading and writing kanji, the meaning of kanji and compound words, correcting wrong characters, radicals and stroke order. Kanken is offered in three ways: on paper at public venues, on a computer at a test centre, and on a tablet at home (Kanken Online). The foundation says Grade 1 and Pre-1 are held only at public venues. Pass marks are given as approximate percentages of full marks.
Fees
These are the paper-exam fees listed by the foundation, tax included. Fees for the computer and online formats are on their own pages.
| Grades | Fee |
|---|---|
| 10, 9, 8 | 3,200 yen |
| 7, 6, 5 | 3,700 yen |
| 4, 3, Pre-2 | 4,200 yen |
| 2 | 5,200 yen |
| Pre-1 | 6,200 yen |
| 1 | 6,700 yen |
Important dates
For the 2026 academic year, the third paper session is on 14 February 2027. Registration for it runs from 4 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the schedule pages for other sessions and for the computer and online formats.
How to apply
Register through the examinee "My Page" account on the operator's site and pay online. Accepted payment methods include credit card, convenience store payment, ATM bank transfer and PayPay. You can create the account before the registration window opens.
After the exam
Results are available online about 30 days after the exam date. Certificates and notification documents are mailed within 40 days.
Preparation tips
Choose the grade whose kanji list matches what you already study, and move up one grade at a time.
Practise writing, not only recognising, since a large part of the test is writing kanji correctly.
Learn stroke order and radicals, as these are tested directly.
Is there an age limit for Kanken?
No. You can sit any grade regardless of age.