Historical Proficiency Test
Unlike studying for an entrance examination, this test is designed to help students acquire knowledge and understanding of living history. One standard is Level 5 for elementary school students and Level 4 for junior high school students.
History is not just about the past.
When you watch newspapers and TV, you will see various events happening every day. Some are tragic, such as wars and terrorist attacks, and others are glamorous, such as the Olympics, but unlike natural disasters, many of these events do not just happen one day. In fact, they often happen as they are meant to happen in the course of history. Some of the endless conflicts between peoples originated from events that took place thousands of years ago, and if we are ignorant of these events, we will not be able to find clues to solving them.
Studying history is important not only to learn about the past. It is also important to study history in order to acquire better wisdom and ideas about how humanity should live toward the future. If we learn about this living history, we will gradually come to understand that events in our immediate surroundings and news from distant countries are all connected to each other from somewhere.
Some schools evaluate level 2 or higher as an admissions preference.
The History Proficiency Test was started with this idea in mind. Therefore, the questions are different from those on school tests or entrance examinations. The questions are not designed to test memorization, but rather to make students think about the background of world events, or about topics seen and heard in TV historical dramas or quiz shows, so that students can study while having fun.
Moreover, an increasing number of universities and vocational schools are giving preferential treatment to students who have obtained a level 2 or higher qualification. We encourage you to give it a try.
Examination Information
| What are the eligibility requirements? | No age limit. Anyone can take the exam. |
|---|---|
| What is the test date? | Conducted twice a year (usually in July and December). However, only Level 1 is held once a year. (Level 5 is also held once a year at a public venue.) |
| What is the examination fee? | "Level 5 (Basic History) 1,800 yen, Level 4 (Basic History) 2,000 yen, Level 3 (Japanese History/World History) 3000 yen each, Level 2 (Japanese History/World History) 3,500 yen each, Level 1 (Japanese History/World History) 7,000 yen each." |
| Can I take the group exam? | If you apply as a group, you may take the examination at the venue (sub-site) of each applying group. |
contact information (for inquiries) (e.g. corporate phone number)
Historical Proficiency Test Association
http://www.rekiken.gr.jp/
