Are you a Japanese Language learner? Planning to move to Japan for study or work? Pondering upon your proficiency of Japanese language? Want to know your improvement upon your Japanese Language skill?
Just hold on! Sit back and relax! I have the answers to all your questions. The answer is JLPT.
JLPT or The Japanese Language Proficiency Test makes sense if you want to take your knowledge of the Japanese Language to the next level or want to become certain about your current proficiency of the language.
There are numerous benefits of studying Japanese language. You can avail numerous opportunities after learning the Japanese Language. But to do so, you must first take the JLPT test to strengthen your possibilities.
By taking the test you can discover your competency level along with getting an official certification which is recognized and accepted globally.
You will find the answers to all of your questions including the more abouts of JLPT, its registration process, question patterns, levels, marking systems and everything.
Table of Contents
About JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test or JLPT, started in 1984 in Japan is a standard and authentic international examination to scale and certify the Japanese language competency and ability of non-native Japanese speakers.
The most renowned Japanese Language Certification exam, JLPT involves various tests of reading, writing, speaking, comprehension, grammar and vocabulary within a time duration of 3 hours.
Global recognition and acceptance
The JLPT is recognized globally as it is authentically designed for the non-native speakers. Almost all the business organizations, private and public firms, schools and universities recognizes the JLPT certificate. The exam is conducted by JEES (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services) and it is specially designed for a proper analysis of the non-native Japanese speakers.
Pros of JLPT
The list of advantages of taking the JLPT is a bit long. Here’s a list of the important ones:
All about the process
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test or JLPT is held twice a year in Japan on the first Sundays of July and December respectively. The exam is conducted by the Japan Foundation for tests overseas and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services for tests in Japan.
First started in 1984, JLPT consists of five levels. Until 2009, it had only four levels. JLPT certificates do not expire or become invalid over time.
The Basic Structure of JLPT:
| Level | A summary of linguistic competence required for each level |
| N1 | Advanced Level: The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances. Reading One can read writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on a variety of topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehend both their structures and contents. One is also able to read written materials with profound content on various topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers comprehensively. Listening One can comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a broad variety of settings, and can follow their ideas and comprehend their contents comprehensively. One is also able to understand the details of the presented materials such as the relationships among the people involved, the logical structures, and the essential points. |
| N2 | Pre-Advanced Level: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. Reading One can read materials written clearly on a variety of topics, such as articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines as well as simple critiques, and comprehend their contents. One is also able to read written materials on general topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers. Listening One can comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations and news reports, spoken at nearly natural speed in everyday situations as well as in a variety of settings, and can follow their ideas and comprehend their contents. One is also able to understand the relationships among the people involved and the essential points of the presented materials. |
| N3 | Intermediate Level: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. Reading One can read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics. One is also able to grasp summary information such as newspaper headlines. In addition, one is also able to read slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations and understand the main points of the content if some alternative phrases are available to aid one's understanding. Listening One can listen and comprehend coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near-natural speed, and is generally able to follow their contents as well as grasp the relationships among the people involved. |
| N4 | Elementary Level: The ability to understand basic Japanese. Reading One can read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji. Listening One can listen and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents, provided that they are spoken slowly. |
| N5 | Basic Level: The ability to understand some basic Japanese. Reading One can read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. Listening One can listen and comprehend conversations about topics regularly encountered in daily life and classroom situations and can pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly. |
The Passing marks for JLPT:
| Level | Overall pass mark | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) | Reading | Listening |
| N1 | 100 points | 19 points | 19 points | 19 points |
| N2 | 90 points | 19 points | 19 points | 19 points |
| N3 | 95 points | 19 points | 19 points | 19 points |
| Total possible | 180 points | 60 points | 60 points | 60 points |
| N4 | 90 points | 38 points | 19 points | |
| N5 | 80 points | 38 points | 19 points | |
| Total possible | 180 points | 120 points | 60 points | |
FAQs:
There are no particular requirements of JLPT. Any non-native Japanese speakers irrespective of any age from anywhere around the world can take the JLPT.
If you want to take the test, you will have to register at least two or three months prior to the test. Take a sneak peak at the official website for the exact dates. The registration process can be completed by email. Moreover, you can visit your nearest centers along with your passport photo and photo ID to fill out the complete application form.
The exam is scheduled twice a year in July and December respectively. However, in some locations the tests are scheduled only once a year. In India, the exam is conducted biannually.
The exam consists of two shifts:
Morning: 10 am to 12 noon
Afternoon: 2 pm to 5 pm
As of January 2023, there have been registered 47 testing venues in Japan and 274 overseas.
There are 8 JLPT test centers in India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Shantiniketan and Salem.
The results are announced within two months from the test date. Upon clearing the exam, the examinee will receive a score card and a COP (Certificate of Proficiency).
The JLPT score remains valid for a lifetime. Unlike other Language proficiency tests such as TOPIK, TEFL, DELF etc., JLPT comes with a lifetime validity.
The cost is nominal compared to other Language Proficiency Tests. It varies upon from which country are you going to sit for the examination. For example, the fee is $60 to $75 in the USA, whereas in India it ranges between Rs. 1000 to 1600.
The test has no such limitations. You can take the test as many times as you want.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test comprises of five levels: N5, N4, N3, N2 and N1. N5 can be considered as the beginner’s level for the test and N1 is the advanced level. As the Japanese language is a bit intimidating, a good preparation along with proper study plan and dedication is necessary.
