What sort of test is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is held in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers.

Are there any special qualifications needed to take the JLPT?

The JLPT is open to all non-native Japanese speakers.

Can elementary school or junior high school students take the JLPT?

Yes, they can. There are no age restrictions for the JLPT.

How often is the JLPT going to be administered?

Twice yearly, in July and December. However, certain countries/areas will only offer the test in December and not in July. Please check "List of Overseas Test Site Cities and Local Host Institutions" for July test availability.

When will the JLPT be held in 2011?

In 2011, the tests will be conducted on Sunday, July 3 and Sunday, December 4. （However, certain countries/areas will only offer the test in December and not in July. Please check "List of Overseas Test Site Cities and Local Host Institutions" for July test availability.）

Where can we take the JLPT?

You can take the test in major cities all over Japan. If you are planning to take the test outside Japan, you can find cities where the test is offered in "Local Host Institutions of JLPT." In addition, if you are planning to take the test in Taiwan, see The Language Training & Testing Center website.

Can I apply to take only some sections instead of all sections?

No, you cannot.

At the time of registration, I will not be in the country where I want to take the test. What should I do?

Please make sure to apply with the institution conducting the test in the country where you plan to take it. Registration methods differ by country. Please contact the local institution. If you cannot apply for the test by yourself, please ask a friend or acquaintance in the country where you want to take the test for help with registration.

Do all examinees take the same test and their level determined based on their scores?

No. Test questions differ according to level. Different questions are provided to measure the Japanese-language competency of examinees as accurately as possible. Please choose a suitable level when taking the test.

How should I decide on which test level to take?

Please refer to "N1～N2: A Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level" and "Comparison of New and Old Tests."
"A Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level" explains levels in the new test. "Comparison of New and Old Tests" explains approximate equivalence of levels between the new and old tests. You can also get an idea of levels from question examples in "New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions."

With the old test, levels were explained in terms of the total number of hours spent studying Japanese and how many kanji or words had been learned. The new test's levels are not explained in this way. Why is this?

The new test places importance not only on a learner's (1) knowledge of the Japanese language including vocabulary and grammar but also on their (2) competence at using the knowledge in practical communication. For this reason, it measures overall Japanese language ability (communicative competence required to perform tasks), which is a combination of (1) and (2). Thus, the explanation on level has changed for the new test. Each level is now described in terms of what, how and in what situations learners can "listen" and "read." Knowledge of the Japanese language (vocabulary and grammar) for "listening" and "reading" is of course necessary, although it is not mentioned in the explanation.

I passed Level 3 in the old test. Which test level should I take with the new test?

Because Level 3 in the old test is basically the same level as N4 in the new test, taking the one-level higher N3 test is suggested. N3 is a newly introduced level that falls between Level 2 and Level 3 in the old test. You might try N2 if you wish to try a slightly more difficult level. Please review question examples in "New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions" to find out which level would better suit you.

What is the new level N3?

When compared to the old test's levels, N3 falls between Level 2 and Level 3. Many of those who passed Level 3 of the old test have commented that "Level 2 is difficult to pass." To respond to this situation, N3 was created as a level between Level 2 and Level 3 of the old test.
Please refer to "N1-N3: A Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level." N1 and N2 are levels where learners can listen to and read "Japanese used in a variety of circumstances." N4 and N5 are levels where learners can listen to and read "basic Japanese" that is studied in class. N3 is a level that falls between N1/N2 and N4/N5 and bridges the gap.

I heard that N4 of the new test is basically the same level as Level 3 of the old test. In what ways are they the same?

Difficulty (passing mark) is basically the same. Those who could pass Level 3 of the old test will likely pass N4 of the new test. However, please note that test sections and scoring sections are different.

What sections does the new test include?

The new test measures "communicative competence required to perform tasks." This ability is comprised of (1) knowledge of the Japanese language including vocabulary and grammar and (2) competence at using the knowledge in practical communication. The new test measures the knowledge described in (1) above through a section called "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)" and the competence described in (2) above through two sections called "Reading" and "Listening."

Does the new test include a composition or conversation test?

No, neither is currently included.

What are test sections and test times?

Please refer to "Test Sections and Test Times."

Why is the test section "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)・Reading" for N1 and N2 divided into two sections -- "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)" and "Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading" -- for N3, N4 and N5?

Because there are fewer test items in vocabulary and grammar that can be included in levels N3, N4 and N5, placing Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading in the same section may inadvertently provide hints for answers. In order to avoid such a situation, two separate test sections -- "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)" and "Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading" -- are offered for N3, N4 and N5.

Can I pass by studying the way I have been doing? Should I change the way I study?

Continuing to study in your accustomed manner should not lead to any problems. However, considering that the new test places importance on both knowledge of the Japanese language and the competence to use the knowledge in practical communication, we suggest using the "New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions" available on the Official Worldwide JLPT Website. The Sample Questions cover all question patterns for all levels, and they will help you prepare for the test.

For the old test, "Test Content Specifications" showing kanji and vocabulary used in the test was published. Will a similar list be published for the new test?

The new test places importance not only on a learner's knowledge of the Japanese language but also on their competence at using the knowledge in practical communication. The ultimate goal of Japanese-language study is not memorizing vocabulary, kanji and grammar items but to actually use them for communication. For this reason, a list of vocabulary, kanji and grammar items will not be released.
　　To replace "Test Content Specifications," "New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions" is available. It covers all question patterns used in all levels and will help you prepare for the test.
　　In addition, because new test levels correspond to old test levels, "Test Content Specifications" and questions from the old test can be used as a reference.

After the new test is conducted several times, will past questions become available on a website?

Past test questions will not be made public exactly as they originally appeared. However, in "New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions" all question patterns used in all levels are published. 　A new collection of sample questions will be available in 2012 which includes test items taken from actual tests conducted in 2010 and 2011. It will have the same number of test items as the actual tests. After that, a workbook will be published periodically, consisting of past test items.

How can I receive test results?

The Scoring Sections and range of scores are shown in "Scoring sections and range of scores for each level."

Why are the test scores for Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading listed separately in the score report for levels N1, N2 and N3 but listed as a combined score in levels N4 and N5?

Why are the test scores for Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading listed separately in the score report for levels N1, N2 and N3 but listed as a combined score in levels N4 and N5? We have determined that combining Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading is appropriate for N4 and N5, as the required proficiencies for these two sections overlap considerably at these basic levels.

Why has the scoring method of the new test changed?

It is to more accurately show the Japanese-language competency of examinees.
No matter how carefully test questions are designed, their difficulty changes each time and in comparison to previous tests. With the scoring method of the new test, the same competency results in the same score regardless of question difficulty level or test occasion. The same scale is always used to calculate scores for the same-level test. This scoring method can show you the degree of improvement in competency compared to previous test results. It also facilitates setting goals for the next test.

See the more detailed explanation about scaled scores(PDF/71KB)

Can we compare the scores of the new test and the old test?

Since the content of the new test and the scoring method are different from the old test, the scores from the new test cannot be compared to those of the old test.

How is pass or fail determined?

In order to pass, (1) total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark) and (2) score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass mark).

Why does passing the test require (1) the minimum acceptable total score and (2) a minimum acceptable score in each scoring section?

It is our hope that Japanese learners acquire well-balanced ability in the Japanese language.

How many scores do I need to pass?

In order to pass, (1) total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark) and (2) score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass mark). If there is even one scoring section where the score is below the sectional pass mark, examinees are determined to have failed, no matter how high the total score he/she might have.

Scoring sections of N1-N3 and N4-N5 are different. Overall pass marks and sectional pass marks for each level are shown in the table below.

※The above standards were adopted beginning with July test in 2010 (December test in 2010 with N4 and N5).

What will happen if I don't take a test section?

Examinees will be judged to have failed if they miss a test section. Although they will receive a Score Report, it will not show scores for any test section, including those that have been taken.

When and how do I receive test results?

A Score Report will be mailed to all examinees. In Japan, Score Reports for the first (July) test will be sent in early September and Score Reports for the second (December) test will be sent in mid-February. To examinees outside of Japan, Score Reports will be sent via local host institutions, and examinees will receive a report for the first (July) test in mid-September and a report for the second (December) test in early March. If you do not receive a report by the end of the scheduled month, please contact the local institution in the city where you took the test.

Can I receive the test results by e-mail or over the phone?

No, you cannot. We cannot respond to any inquiries regarding the test results via telephone or e-mail for any reason.

There is a mistake in my Score Report/Certificate of Proficiency.

Procedures for reissuing a Score Report or Certificate of Proficiency due to mistakes in name and birthday vary by country/region where you have taken the test. If you took the test in Japan, please inquire at JLPT Application Center, and if you took the test outside Japan, please inquire at the local host institution in the city where you took the test or with the Japan Foundation.

■Japan

• JLPT Application Center
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00-17:000
• Tel: 03-5220-3431　　Fax: 03-6212-6565

■Overseas

The Japan Foundation or local host institution where you have taken the test.

Does the new test certificate expire at some point?

No. However, some companies and schools that use test results have a validity period for the test certificate.

Does the old test certificate become invalid once the new test begins?

No, it will continue to be valid.

I have lost my Score Report/Certificate of Proficiency.

No reissuance is possible.