Information On Japanese-Language Proficiency Test(JLPT)

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test(JLPT) is a famous examination that measures and certifies the Japanese language proficiency.

Many people who study Japanese language set the goal of acquiring the JLPT certification as their milestone.

It can show your language level and is used in various situations such as graduation from university, job hunting, etc.

To pass the JLPT, it is important not only to study Japanese language but also to know the examination information such as examination sections, required learning time, required number of vocabulary, test method, test time, passing score, scoring method, procedures for taking an examination, etc.

In this page, you can find useful information about the JLPT.

Official Name

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

Organizers

The Japan Foundation

Japan Educational Exchanges and Services

Purpose

Measure and certify Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers

Target

Non-native speakers. There is no limitation of age and nationality.

*If native speakers want to take an examination, need to contact JLPT Application Center (tel. 03-6686-2974, Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) website).

Overview

The JLPT is an examination to measures (1) knowledge of Japanese language vocabulary and grammar and (2) ability to use the knowledge in actual communication.

It measures not only knowledge but also the ability to use in actual situations.

The JLPT is composed of 3 sections,

“Language Knowledge(Vocabulary / Grammar)” section to measure (1),

“Reading” section to measure (2),

“Listening” section to measure (2),

and measures comprehensive Japanese language communication competence.

Advantages

Recognition as academic credit

Recognition as graduation certification

Preferential treatment in job hunting

Preferential treatment in a raise in salary or promotion, etc.

Dates

July and December of every year

Levels

JLPT has five levels, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5.

*N1 is the highest level, N5 is the easiest level.

Linguistic Competence of Each Level

Learning Time/Required Vocabulary

The following is rough figures of learning time, required vocabulary and required kanji.

But they depend on circumstances of learners such as;

Test Places

Japan

47 prefectures across Japan

*The venue for examination won’t be decided until just before the examination and will be noticed in test voucher.

Overseas

More than 90 countries and regions

Detail of places

*There are countries or regions that hold examination only in July or December

*There is a possibility that the examination will be canceled for some reasons.

Test Method

Computer-graded answer sheet

*There is no section of speaking and writing.

Application Fee

Japan

6,500 yen(tax included)

*You can pay by credit card(single payment), bank transfer(Pay-easy) or convenience store payment

Overseas

Depend on the country or region

*You need to contact local host institutions of each country or region

Test Time

Passing Score

You need to satisfy the following 2 conditions to pass the examination.

(1)Total score needs to be at or above the passing score

(2)Score of each section needs to be at or above the passing score

The passing score of total score is around 50% of max score, and the passing score of each section is around 30% of max score

Scoring Method

“Scaled Scores” method is adopted.

With “Raw Scores” method, which are obtained simply by adding the allocated points of correctly answered questions, test scores are dependent on the difficulty of examination.

If difficulty of examination questions differs, test scores will vary for examinees with the same Japanese language proficiency.

“Scaled Scores” method is based on a statistical test theory called Item Response Theory (IRT).

This characteristic allows examinees with the same Japanese language proficiency to receive the same scores regardless of when they take the test.

“Scaled Scores” can be identical for two examinees even when the number of questions they correctly answer or their answering pattern does not match.

On the other hand, “Scaled Scores” may not be identical even though the number of correctly answered questions is the same when answering patterns are different.

Test Result

Test result is available on the Internet(JLPT website).

All examinees will receive “Score Report”.

Successful examinees will receive a “Certificate of Proficiency”.

In Japan, “Score Report” for the test in July will be sent in early September and “Score Report” for the test in December will be sent in early February.

To examinees outside of Japan, “Score Report” will be sent via local host institutions, and “Score Report” for the test in July will arrive in early October and “Score Report” for the test in December will arrive in early March.

Number of Examinees / Pass Rate

The following data are number of examinees, number of successful examinees and pass rate from 2019 on.

2022 July

2021 December

2021 July

2020 December

2019 December

2019 July

Procedures for Taking an Examination

The procedures are different depending on test places.

It is not allowed that “you apply in overseas and take an examination in Japan” or “you apply in Japan and take an examination in overseas”.

You can’t take more than 2 levels at the same time.

Japan

You can apply for an examination on JEES website

*You can apply only via the Internet since 2020

Overseas

Sample Questions

Sample questions are introduced in JLPT website.

Official Practice Workbook

Official practice workbooks are introduced in JLPT website.

They are composed of questions selected from among those used in tests since 2010.

You can buy or check in PDF.

Source

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Worldwide Official Website（https://www.jlpt.jp/)

Japan Educational Exchanges and Services(JEES) website (https://info.jees-jlpt.jp/)