Empowering Future ALTs for Broader Educational Impact!
October 26, 2025 (Sunday)
【Application period】Until October 13, 2025 (Monday)
Why Take the ALT+ Specialist Certification?
As the number of foreign residents in Japan continues to rise, there is an increasing demand for ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) who can support not only English education but also a broader range of subjects, including Mathematics and Science. Many foreign students in Japan face challenges in keeping up with their classes due to language barriers, while Japanese teachers often struggle to provide sufficient support due to limited English proficiency.
To address this, the ALT+ Specialist Certification is designed to empower foreign ALTs and aspiring ALTs to expand their roles beyond just English instruction. This certification allows ALTs to support students in core subjects like Mathematics and Science based on the 学 習 指 導 要 領 (Gakushuu Shidou Youryou – Japanese National Curriculum Standards), drawing on their own academic backgrounds and native language strengths. By earning this certification, foreign educators can stand out as versatile, multi-subject teaching professionals, making a greater impact in the classroom and helping students thrive in Japanese educational settings.
Elementary School Math and Science Single Subject Test
The Language Proficiency Testing Association, a general incorporated association conducting examinations to assess English proficiency in Japan’s early childhood and school education sectors, will administer science and mathematics (arithmetic) examinations (ALT Special Examinations) for foreign nationals who are currently working or aspiring to work as ALT (Assistant Language Teachers) in elementary, junior high, and high schools.
- Broader Teaching Opportunities: Move beyond English and support students in Science, Mathematics, and other critical subjects, providing more comprehensive educational support.
- Career Advancement: Differentiate yourself as an ALT Plus and enhance your career prospects in Japan’s evolving educational landscape.
- Professional Recognition: Gain a certification that highlights your subject matter expertise and Japanese language proficiency, making you a valuable asset to schools and educational institutions.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Help bridge the gap for foreign students struggling with subject content due to language barriers, fostering a more inclusive and effective classroom experience.
This assessment evaluates the ability to support students with insufficient Japanese comprehension by explaining classroom content delivered in Japanese by their homeroom teacher in English.The questions are designed to assess your understanding of lesson content and flow, your ability to provide age-appropriate explanations, and your communication skills. Advanced specialized knowledge is not required.
Exam Format and Details
Test Subjects
- Elementary school math
- Elementary school science
Eligibility
Current ALTs, aspiring ALTs, and other foreign educators both in Japan and abroad.
Test Dates
| 1st Session | 4th Sunday in March |
| 2nd Session | 4th Sunday in October |
Application Period
| 1st Session | 1st Monday in March |
| 2nd Session | 2nd Monday in October |
Fee
| One subject | 4,000 yen |
| Certificate Card (optional) | 3,000 yen |
Test Times
| Math (Arithmetic) | 10:00am – 11:30am |
| Science | 1:30pm – 3:00pm |
Test Format
- English and Japanese Combined Format. Japanese kanji in test questions and explanations include hiragana furigana.
- For the 2025 academic year, only writing is assessed; listening and English composition are not included.
- These will be included starting in the 2026 academic year.
- Mark Sheet: Four-choice format
Scoring System
| Number of questions | 50 questions |
| Total points | 100 points total |
| Point allocation | 2 points per question |
Question Structure
| Section | Number of questions | Total points |
|---|---|---|
| Word Selection | Total 10 questions Japanese→English (5 questions) English→Japanese (5 questions) | 20 points |
| Blank Filling | 16 questions | 32 points |
| Sentence Rearrangement | 4 questions | 8 points |
| True/False Judgment | 4 questions | 8 points |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 questions | 32 points |
| Total | 50 questions | 100 points |
Passing Criteria
Take the next step in your teaching career.
Gain the skills, confidence, and certification needed to make a lasting impact in Japanese schools. Become an ALT+ Specialist today and expand your horizons!
