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Free Practice Questions for History Proficiency Test (Rekiken)

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Exam pass rate: 44th sitting (Association): Level 2 Japanese history 53.3% / world history 38.3%; Level 3 Japanese history 60.2% / world history 65.0%; Level 1 Japanese history 36.3% / world history 29.2%.
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Exam Review

Key Facts: History Proficiency Test (Rekiken) Exam

50 min

Official answering time for every Rekiken grade

Rekiken personal application page

50

Question count on Level 2, Level 3, Pre-3, and Level 4 papers

Rekiken personal application page

~60%

Approximate passing mark, adjusted by sitting; papers are out of 100 points

Rekiken personal application page

7,000 JPY

Personal public-venue fee for Level 2 Japanese history or world history

Rekiken personal application page

Both papers

MEXT High School Equivalency history exemption requires Japanese-history 1–3 and world-history 1–3

MEXT notice 文部科学省告示第六号

Rekiken (歴検) is Japan's history certification. Standard Level 2 and 3 papers have 50 questions in 50 minutes with an approximate 60% pass mark; Level 2 costs 7,000 JPY. Japanese and world history are separate papers at Levels 1–3. This 100-question bank is independent English MCQ study, not the official Japanese paper.

Sample History Proficiency Test (Rekiken) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the History Proficiency Test (Rekiken) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following archaeological sites in Aomori Prefecture is widely recognized as a large-scale settled village from the Early to Middle Jomon period featuring pit dwellings and a monumental six-pillar wooden structure? 縄文時代前期から中期の大規模な集落跡で、大型竪穴住居や六本柱の掘立柱建物跡が出土した青森県の遺跡はどれか。
A.三内丸山遺跡 (Sannai-Maruyama Site)
B.吉野ヶ里遺跡 (Yoshinogari Site)
C.登呂遺跡 (Toro Site)
D.岩宿遺跡 (Iwajuku Site)
Explanation: Sannai-Maruyama in Aomori Prefecture is an exceptional settled community dating from circa 3900 to 2200 BCE, fundamentally revising historical understanding of Jomon society from simple nomadic foraging to long-term sedentary village organization.
2Which Chinese dynastic history contains the earliest written account describing the land of Wa (Japan), mentioning that 'the people of Wa are divided into more than one hundred communities'? 「倭人は百余国に分かれており、使者を送ってくる」という記述がある中国の歴史書はどれか。
A.『漢書』地理志 (Book of Han, Treatise on Geography)
B.『後漢書』東夷伝 (Book of the Later Han, Account of the Eastern Barbarians)
C.『三国志』魏書東夷伝 (Records of the Three Kingdoms, Account of the Wajin)
D.『宋書』倭国伝 (Book of Song, Account of the State of Wa)
Explanation: The Treatise on Geography in the Book of Han (漢書地理志) records that in the commandery of Lelang across the sea, the people of Wa were divided into over one hundred small states and periodically sent tribute in the 1st century BCE.
3In 57 CE, the ruler of which country in the Japanese archipelago was granted a gold seal reading 「漢委奴国王」 by Emperor Guangwu of the Later Han Dynasty? 西暦57年、後漢の光武帝から「漢委奴国王」の金印を授けられたとされる国はどれか。
A.奴国 (Na-no-kuni)
B.伊都国 (Ito-no-kuni)
C.邪馬台国 (Yamatai-koku)
D.狗奴国 (Kuna-koku)
Explanation: According to the Book of the Later Han, the King of Na (奴国, located around modern Hakata Bay, Fukuoka) sent envoys with tribute and received a gold seal and ribbon from Guangwu, later discovered on Shikanoshima Island in 1784.
4What key-hole shaped monumental burial mound in Sakai, Osaka, is traditionally attributed to Emperor Nintoku as the largest Kofun tomb in Japan? 大阪府堺市に位置する日本最大の前方後円墳で、仁徳天皇陵として治定されている古墳はどれか。
A.大仙陵古墳 (Daisenryo Kofun)
B.箸墓古墳 (Hashihaka Kofun)
C.誉田御廟山古墳 (Konda Gobyoyama Kofun)
D.高松塚古墳 (Takamatsuzuka Kofun)
Explanation: Daisenryo Kofun (also called Daisen Kofun), measuring approximately 486 meters in mound length, is the largest keyhole-shaped tomb (前方後円墳) in Japan and is part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group UNESCO World Heritage site.
5Who served as Prince Regent (Sessho) alongside Empress Suiko, establishing the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System (冠位十二階) in 603 and the Seventeen-Article Constitution (十七条憲法) in 604? 推古天皇のもとで摂政となり、冠位十二階や十七条憲法を制定して中央集権化を進めた人物は誰か。
A.聖徳太子 / 厩戸皇子 (Prince Shotoku / Umayado)
B.中臣鎌足 (Nakatomi no Kamatari)
C.蘇我馬子 (Soga no Umako)
D.天智天皇 / 中大兄皇子 (Emperor Tenji / Naka no Oe)
Explanation: Prince Shotoku (574–622), serving as regent to Empress Suiko, promoted merit-based court advancement through the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System and articulated foundational statecraft principles based on Buddhism and Confucian harmony in the Seventeen-Article Constitution.
6The Isshi Incident (乙巳の変) in 645, which eliminated Soga no Iruka and initiated the Taika Reforms (大化の改新), was spearheaded by which pair of historical figures? 645年に蘇我入鹿を倒して大化の改新への道を開いた「乙巳の変」を中心となって進めた二人は誰か。
A.中大兄皇子 and 中臣鎌足 (Prince Naka no Oe & Nakatomi no Kamatari)
B.聖徳太子 and 蘇我馬子 (Prince Shotoku & Soga no Umako)
C.天武天皇 and 持統天皇 (Emperor Tenmu & Empress Jito)
D.物部守屋 and 蘇我蝦夷 (Mononobe no Moriya & Soga no Emishi)
Explanation: Prince Naka no Oe (later Emperor Tenji) and Nakatomi no Kamatari (later granted the surname Fujiwara) assassinated Soga no Iruka during a court reception in 645, ending the autocracy of the main Soga lineage and launching the Taika political reforms.
7What major succession war broke out in 672 following the death of Emperor Tenji, in which Prince Oama defeated Prince Otomo to ascend the throne as Emperor Tenmu? 天智天皇の死後、皇位継承をめぐって大海人皇子が近江朝廷の大友皇子を破った672年の内乱は何か。
A.壬申の乱 (Jinshin War)
B.平将門の乱 (Rebellion of Taira no Masakado)
C.保元の乱 (Hogen Disturbance)
D.承久の乱 (Jokyu War)
Explanation: The Jinshin War (672) was the greatest civil conflict of ancient Japan. Prince Oama mobilized eastern provincial warriors, routed the Omi court forces of his nephew Prince Otomo, and established an autocratic imperial administration based at Asuka-Kiyomihara Palace.
8Promulgated in 701, which legal compilation established the foundational institutional framework of the Japanese Ritsuryo state (penal and administrative codes)? 701年、刑法にあたる「律」と行政法にあたる「令」が体系的に整備され、日本の律令国家体制の骨格を完成させた法典はどれか。
A.大宝律令 (Taiho Code)
B.養老律令 (Yoro Code)
C.近江令 (Omi Code)
D.御成敗式目 (Goseibai Shikimoku)
Explanation: The Taiho Code (701), compiled by Prince Osakabe and Fujiwara no Fuhito, established the dual system of Ritsuryo law featuring two departments (Dajokan and Jingikan) and eight ministries (Hassho), consolidating centralized imperial rule.
9Which ancient land tenure policy in the Ritsuryo system allocated rice paddies (kubunden) to citizens aged six and older every six years in exchange for taxes (So, Yo, Cho), reverting the land to the state upon death? 戸籍に基づいて6歳以上の男女に口分田を与え、死後には国家へ返還させた律令国家の土地制度は何か。
A.班田収授法 (Handen Shuju Law)
B.三世一身法 (Sanze Isshin Law)
C.墾田永年私財法 (Konden Einen Shizai Law)
D.太閤検地 (Taiko Kenchi)
Explanation: The Handen Shuju system was the cornerstone of public land and public people (公地公民) under Ritsuryo law, distributing taxable kubunden allotments to men and women according to registers compiled every six years.
10Promulgated in 743, which law fundamentally undermined the 'public land, public people' principle by granting permanent private ownership over newly reclaimed agricultural land? 743年に発布され、新たに開墾した土地の永久私有を認めたことで、後の荘園制の契機となった法令は何か。
A.墾田永年私財法 (Konden Einen Shizai Law)
B.三世一身法 (Sanze Isshin Law)
C.荘園整理令 (Shoen Regulation Edicts)
D.惣別補任令 (Sobetsu Honin Edict)
Explanation: Faced with acute grain shortages and declining state revenue, the court issued the Konden Einen Shizai Law in 743. By guaranteeing perpetual private ownership of newly cleared fields, it incentivized noble families and great temples to amass extensive private Shoen manors.

About the History Proficiency Test (Rekiken) Exam

The History Proficiency Test (歴史能力検定, 歴検 / Rekiken) is a Japanese-language history certification run by the Japan History Proficiency Testing Association. Grades run from Level 5 (elementary Japanese history) through Level 1 (beyond school syllabi). From Level 3 upward, Japanese history and world history are separate papers; Pre-3 is Japanese history only; Level 4 mixes both. Every paper lasts 50 minutes and is scored out of 100 with an approximate 60% pass mark. The 45th public sitting is 15 November 2026. MEXT's High School Equivalency Examination notice exempts the history subject only when a candidate holds both a Japanese-history Grade 1–3 pass and a world-history Grade 1–3 pass. The Japan Tourism Agency guideline exempts the National Guide Interpreter written Japanese-history paper for a Japanese-history Grade 1 or Grade 2 pass. OpenExamPrep provides independent English-language multiple-choice study covering Japanese and world history topics. It is not an official translation, not a Level 1 essay simulation, and not a substitute for the Japanese papers.

Exam sponsor: Japan History Proficiency Testing Association (歴史能力検定協会). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Six grades (5, 4, Pre-3, 3, 2, 1). Public venues once a year; the 45th sitting is 15 November 2026. Group venues run 12–15 November 2026. Level 5 also has a 2026 online sitting. Official language is Japanese.

Time Limit

50 minutes of answering time for every grade, from Level 5 through Level 1.

Passing Score

About 60% correct, adjusted by sitting; each paper is out of 100 points.

Exam / Certification Fees

2,900 JPY (Level 5) to 8,000 JPY (Level 1) for personal public venues; Level 3 is 5,000 JPY and Level 2 is 7,000 JPY (tax included).

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 44th sitting (Association): Level 2 Japanese history 53.3% / world history 38.3%; Level 3 Japanese history 60.2% / world history 65.0%; Level 1 Japanese history 36.3% / world history 29.2%.. This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25% of this local practice set

Ancient & Classical Japan (古代・中世)

Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun, Asuka, Nara, Heian, and Kamakura topics used on Japanese-history papers. Official papers do not publish domain weights.

25% of this local practice set

Medieval & Early Modern Japan (近世)

Muromachi, Sengoku, unification, and Edo bakuhan, foreign relations, and urban culture.

25% of this local practice set

Modern & Contemporary Japan (近代・現代)

Meiji Restoration through postwar politics, including the 1955 System and major treaties.

25% of this local practice set

World History & Global Relations (世界史・対外関係)

World-history paper topics and Japan's external relations. Official Levels 1–3 require a separate world-history sitting.

Preparing for the History Proficiency Test (Rekiken) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: About 60% correct, adjusted by sitting; each paper is out of 100 points.
  • Assessment: Six grades (5, 4, Pre-3, 3, 2, 1). Public venues once a year; the 45th sitting is 15 November 2026. Group venues run 12–15 November 2026. Level 5 also has a 2026 online sitting. Official language is Japanese.
  • Time limit: 50 minutes of answering time for every grade, from Level 5 through Level 1.
  • Exam / certification fees: 2,900 JPY (Level 5) to 8,000 JPY (Level 1) for personal public venues; Level 3 is 5,000 JPY and Level 2 is 7,000 JPY (tax included). Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

History Proficiency Test (Rekiken): Suggested Study Strategy

1Build parallel timelines that place Japanese eras next to Chinese dynasties and European events, because world-history papers and Japanese external-relations items both reward that habit.
2Learn official cultural-period names (Hakuho, Tempyo, Kokufu, Kitayama, Higashiyama, Genroku, Kasei) with one landmark work or site each.
3Memorize the provisions of named codes and treaties (Taiho Code, Goseibai Shikimoku, Buke Shohatto, Treaty of Shimonoseki, Treaty of Portsmouth) rather than only their dates.
4If you want the MEXT equivalency exemption, plan both a Japanese-history Grade 1–3 pass and a world-history Grade 1–3 pass; one paper does not complete that rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Rekiken pass exempt High School Equivalency Examination history?

MEXT's skill-test notice exempts the High School Equivalency Examination history subject only when the candidate holds both a Rekiken Japanese-history Grade 1, 2, or 3 and a Rekiken world-history Grade 1, 2, or 3. One Level 2 pass is not enough by itself.

Does Rekiken exempt the National Guide Interpreter Japanese-history paper?

The Japan Tourism Agency guideline states that a pass in Rekiken Japanese history Grade 1 or Grade 2 exempts the written Japanese-history paper of the National Guide Interpreter Examination. World-history Rekiken is not that exemption.

How is the official Rekiken test formatted?

Every grade has 50 minutes of testing. Level 5 is 40 three-option items. Levels Pre-3, 3, and 4 are 50 four-option items (Level 2 is 50 items with some short-answer). Level 1 is 30 items including short-answer and essay. Official papers are in Japanese.

Can examinees choose between Japanese history and world history?

Yes at Levels 1, 2, and 3: those are separate papers and separate fees. Pre-3 is Japanese history only. Level 4 combines basics of both. Level 5 is introductory Japanese history.

Does OpenExamPrep offer official Rekiken questions?

No. OpenExamPrep publishes independent English-language multiple-choice study. It is not an official translation, not a Level 1 essay simulation, and not a substitute for the Japanese papers.