[Nyororin]

I have passed 1. It`s not native level by any stretch. No test could accurately measure that, and regardless - 1 doesn`t require full points to pass.

The universities I attended and those I looked into all required JLPT1 for admittance unless you were entering a Japanese language study course. Only then was 2 an option.

Translation and interpretation relies a lot more on other qualifications than on JLPT. I am sure there are excellent translators and interpreters out there with only 2 - but I (and any company I can think of) would never choose to hire one based on that alone. JLPT1 has the advantage in every way.

I also have NEVER heard that you could get a Japanese teaching certificate with only a 2. You have to take the classes to do so, and you need the 1 to take the classes. It`s kind of like the work visa. Even if your job doesn`t need a degree, you need one to get the visa... You may not need a 1 to get the certification, but you need it to take the classes that are necessary for the certification.

Level 2 is great as something to aim for, a good way of gauging your progress, and good for gaining confidence. But in the work market, it is pretty useless.