There's already an amazing thread about someone's experience with the new gaimen kirikae process that started on October 1st, so this post is only about the written test itself and how I prepared to pass it on the first try. Because the process is still new, there isn't much information or discussion about the written test specifically, so I'm writing this for anyone who's about to take it and wants an idea of what to expect.
In short, what I did was read the JAF Rules of the Road book (around 80 pages) and then take ten full Honmen practice tests using an Android app called "KariHonmen." I didn't pass a single one of those practice tests, but they prepared me well.
For the longer explanation: I knew the written test had changed significantly. It used to be about ten very easy questions, but now it's fifty questions and you need around 45 points, I think, to pass. I was never told my score after I passed. Since I couldn't find any dedicated practice materials for the new test, I figured the most logical approach was to study Honmen-level material. Honmen is considered the toughest written test category in my knowledge, so I assumed the new gaimen kirikae test wouldn't be harder than that. It turns out the difficulty of the actual test felt very close to the Honmen practice tests I had done, basically the same level in my opinion.
I read through the JAF book over the course of a week, a couple of hours at a time. As for the KariHonmen app, I was skeptical at first because I didn't want to rely on something unreliable or inaccurate. But in my experience, it was solid. Out of hundreds of questions, only a couple felt weird or poorly worded, but there's an option to leave feedback on questions, so I'm sure the app will only get better from here.
That's pretty much it. If you read the JAF book and practice with Honmen-level questions, you'll be in a very good position for the new gaimen kirikae written test. If anyone has specific questions, I'm happy to answer.
by Monkerio