If you are studying Japanese seriously you are bound to one day encounter the feared JLPT. Especially if you dream of one day working in Japan. We walk you through everything you need to know about the Japanese Language Proficiency test.
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardized test used to assess and certify the language proficiency of non-native speakers of Japanese. It is offered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.
The JLPT consists of five levels of difficulty. Level N5 being the most basic and level N1 being the most advanced. The test covers various aspects of language ability, including vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening comprehension. The JLPT is used by many universities, employers, and other organizations as a measure of Japanese language proficiency.
More about the JLPT
Reading and listening
The JLPT is divided into two parts: A written test and a listening test.
The written test consists of three sections.
Vocabulary and Grammar: This section tests your knowledge of Japanese vocabulary and grammar. It includes multiple choice questions where you fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase, as well as choosing the correct answer from a list of options.
Reading: This section tests your reading comprehension skills with a variety of texts. For example, advertisements, news articles, and conversation transcripts. You then have to answer questions about what you’ve read.
Kanji: This section tests your knowledge of kanji. It includes questions that ask you to identify the correct kanji based on its meaning or pronunciation, or to choose the correct kanji from a list of options.
The listening test consists of a single section that tests your listening comprehension skills. It includes a variety of audio clips, such as conversations, news reports, and announcements.
Test time
The length of time allowed for the JLPT depends on the level you are taking and the section of the test. Here is a general breakdown of the time allowed for each level and section:
N5: Approximately 120 minutes for the written test and 30 minutes for the listening test.
N4: Approximately 150 minutes for the written test and 35 minutes for the listening test.
N3: Approximately 180 minutes for the written test and 40 minutes for the listening test.
N2: Approximately 180 minutes for the written test and 45 minutes for the listening test.
N1: Approximately 180 minutes for the written test and 60 minutes for the listening test.
These time estimates are approximate and may vary depending on the specific test administration and the year in which you are taking the test. It is always best to check the official JLPT website for the most up-to-date information on test length and format.
How many times per year can you take the JLPT?
The JLPT is usually offered twice a year, in July and December. However, the exact number of test administrations per year can vary depending on the country or region in which you are taking the test. Some countries may offer the JLPT only once a year, while others may offer it more frequently.
Official list of where and when you can take the JLPT around the world.
How many kanji for each level of JLPT?
The number of kanji that you will need to know for each level of the JLPT varies depending on your level of proficiency.
- For the N5 level, you will need to know approximately 100 kanji.
- For the N4 level, you will need to know approximately 300 kanji.
- For the N3 level, you will need to know approximately 600 kanji.
- For the N2 level, you will need to know approximately 1,000 kanji.
- For the N1 level, you will need to know approximately 2,000 kanji.
List of all kanji needed for each JLPT level. (kanshudo.com)
JLPT kanji textbooks (amazon)
Can I find example tests of the JLPT online?
Yes, you can find example tests for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) online. Try the JLPT Official Practice Workbook, or try old complete test from previous years.
Buy JLPT practice textbooks on Amazon
When and where do I get the JLPT results?
The results of the JLPT are typically released about a month after the test date.
There are several ways to access your JLPT results, depending on the country or region in which you took the test.
Online: Depending on where you took the test and if you registered online, you can view your JLPT results online by logging in to your account on the official JLPT website.
For example: In 2023, People who registered and took the test in Japan in december got the result on January 23rd.
By mail: In some countries, your JLPT results will be mailed to you.
At a test center: In some countries, you may be able to pick up your results in person at the test center where you took the JLPT.
Check with the Japan Foundation website for specific information on how to access your results.
JLPT and working in Japan
The JLPT is widely recognized as a measure of Japanese language proficiency and is often used by universities, employers, and other organizations as a requirement for admission or employment. Therefore, taking the JLPT and obtaining a good score may be important if you are considering working in Japan or pursuing further education in Japan.
Generally the companies that require foreigners to pass JLPT in order to apply for work will only accept JLPT N2 or N1.
That being said, the JLPT is not the only way to demonstrate your Japanese language skills. Some employers may also accept other types of language proficiency tests. For example, the Test of Practical Japanese (TOPJ) or the Japanese Language Ability Test (JLAT). Some may prefer to assess your language skills through an interview. Always research the requirements when looking for a job in Japan.
Useful links
