Taking JLPT?

Is it worth taking JLPT?

My answer is yes and no. I guess it comes down to two things – recognition and finding out how good your Japanese is. The JLPT is the only standardized test to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers.  However, there is a problem with the JLPT.  The problem being the test doesn’t cover spoken Japanese.  If you are already a good speaker of Japanese, but can’t read Japanese then your abilities won’t be recognized. If your goal is to become a good speaker of Japanese then it may not be worth your while to study for and take the test.

If you goal in becoming proficient in Japanese includes learning to read Japanese and understanding Japanese grammar then taking the test is worthwhile. Studying for the test will put you on the fast track to learning to read Kana and Kanji.