What is Iken?

Iken (Prova Di Abilità Linguistica) is a test of Italian language proficiency for Japanese natives adminstered by the NPO Associazione Linguistica Italiana and is widely recognized in Japan.

Iken has been in use since 1995 and is currently offered twice a year in 13 locations around Japan as well as in Rome and Milan. The level 2 certificate is said to be sufficient enough for basic reporting and interpretation, and anything above is usually recognized for hiring and business.

The test is composed of a listening and writing section with the addition of composition and oral interviews for advanced levels.