TOKYOJul 9 (News On Japan) – Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has announced plans to move the National Academic Test, administered annually to all sixth- and third-grade students, fully online from 2027. The traditional paper-based test will be replaced by computer-based tests.
The National Academic Test, which began in 2007, targets about 2 million elementary and middle school students across Japan. Up until now, the test has been administered on paper. However, the ministry has decided to gradually transition to the use of distributed computer terminals, starting with the high school science test in the next school year.
A draft policy presented at an expert meeting today suggests that online testing will be introduced for English in secondary school in 2026, with a full rollout to all subjects from 2027. Due to considerations such as internet connectivity, the tests will not be administered simultaneously nationwide, but spread over several days.
The Ministry of Education mentions several advantages of the online format. For example, the burden on schools is reduced by eliminating the need to distribute and collect test forms. Also, various tools, such as videos and audio, can now be used with test questions.
An official decision on this policy is expected to be made this fall.
Source: TBS
