The Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), conducted a Community Service activity through guidance on the supervision procedures for the July 2026 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) organized by the Medan Committee. The activity was primarily aimed at high school teachers who served as JLPT examination supervisors in North Sumatra.

The activity was conducted as an effort to improve the understanding and preparedness of supervisors in carrying out their duties carefully and in accordance with established procedures. The JLPT is a Japanese language proficiency certification test for non-native speakers that has become a global standard for Japanese language competency certification. The JLPT certificate is required, among other purposes, for pursuing further studies, working in Japan, and obtaining career opportunities at Japanese institutions and companies.

In administering the JLPT examination, the Medan Committee collaborates with high school Japanese language teachers in North Sumatra as examination supervisors. Along with the administration of the examination, there are increasingly diverse forms of participant misconduct, requiring supervisors to be prepared and attentive to maintain the objectivity and credibility of the examination results.

The guidance was conducted through lectures and discussions on JLPT examination supervision procedures. The materials covered JLPT supervision standards and the levels tested, procedures for distributing question and answer sheets, procedures for collecting question and answer sheets, and a simulation of preparing a supervisor’s report. Through this activity, supervisors were expected to develop a common understanding and be able to carry out their duties in accordance with the standard operating procedures established by The Japan Foundation.

The Community Service activity was conducted both offline and online. The offline session was held on July 1, 2026, from 14:30 to 16:00 at Yayasan Sultan Iskandar Muda Medan, while the online session was held on July 3, 2026, from 16:00 to 17:00. Both sessions discussed the supervision procedures for the first JLPT examination period of 2026 through lectures and discussions.

The activity involved lecturers and students from the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, FIB USU. Alimansyar, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., served as the team leader, with Rani Arfianty, S.S., M.Phil., Prof. Hamzon Situmorang, Ph.D., Adriana Hasibuan, S.S., M.Hum., and Irwan, S.S., M.Si., as members. The activity also involved students Jonathan Tono, Hanna Pertiwi Duha, Julia Salsabila, Shofia Agusrini, and Nazwa Salsyabila as members of the organizing team.

During the guidance session, participants received information on JLPT N4 and N3, the procedures for carrying out the duties of the chief examination supervisor, as well as instructions for completing and checking answer sheets. The visual materials used also presented examples of completing answer sheets, the procedures for distributing and collecting answer sheets, and matters that need to be considered when preparing supervisors’ reports.

This Community Service activity provided benefits to the high school teachers who served as supervisors for the July 2026 JLPT. Through lectures and discussions, the teachers received guidance on supervision procedures while strengthening their understanding of how to carry out their duties. With a better understanding of the procedures, supervisors are expected to perform their duties carefully and consistently.

This Community Service activity also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4—Quality Education, SDG 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals. The activity strengthens the capacity of examination supervisors while supporting the quality of education and the credibility of certification. In addition, the activity demonstrates synergy among higher education institutions, secondary education institutions, high school teachers, and The Japan Foundation.

Through the guidance activity on the supervision procedures for the July 2026 JLPT organized by the Medan Committee, the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, FIB USU, continues to expand its contribution to society, particularly in the field of Japanese language education. The activity is expected to support the quality, objectivity, and credibility of JLPT administration in North Sumatra while strengthening inter-institutional collaboration in supporting the Japanese language learning and assessment ecosystem.