The Japan External Trade Organization held its sixth annual business Japanese language test in 15 countries Saturday, with a record 2,800 candidates taking the test.

JETRO officials say the test, which was administered in 31 cities this year, has attracted increasing attention overseas, particularly among non-Japanese speakers interested in Japanese information technology.

JETRO held tests in Mumbai, India, this year, apparently because Japanese companies are interested in hiring Indian software programmers.

Information on the JETRO test is available in English on the JETRO Web site www.jetro.go.jp/it/e/bj/test.html