1. About Japanese-Language Proficiency Test
Q1 What sort of examination is the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is held in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers. It has been offered by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (formerly Association of International Education, Japan) and the Japan Foundation since 1984.
For more detailed information, including a summary of linguistic competence required for each level and statistics, please refer to the JLPT website which is jointly managed by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services and the Japan Foundation.
Q2 Do I need to take the JLPT to be considered eligible for entry into a Japanese university or technical school?
This depends on a school which you are making an application to. Please confirm with them first and take either the JLPT or the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) by following their advice.
Q3 How many times per year is the JLPT held?
It is held twice a year – in July and in December.
Q4 Are there any restrictions as to who can take the JLPT?
There is no age limit or restriction on nationalities. You may take the JLPT even if you have Japanese nationality as long as you are a non-native Japanese speaker. There are, however, some exceptional circumstances when even native Japanese speakers are asked to take the JLPT. This is usually when you need to file an application to the Japanese national license examination and/or you have received primary and/or secondary education abroad. For more details, please contact the JLPT Application Center (tel. 03-6686-2974).
Q5 I am a naturalized citizen of Japan and have Japanese nationality. May I still take the JLPT?
As long as you are a non-native Japanese speaker, you may take the JLPT regardless of your nationality.
Q6 Where are the JLPT test sites
The JLPT will be held in 47 prefectures in Japan. However, as we cannot confirm the exact locations until just before the test date, we will notify you when we send out your test voucher.
* Please be aware that the test site different from the one you want such as one in a neighbor prefecture might be specified depending on the number of applications or other reasons.
Q7 Can I take the JLPT outside of Japan?
Yes, you can. For details, please contact the Japan Foundation Center for Japanese-Language Testing (e-mail. jlptinfo@jpf.go.jp) or for Taiwan, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the Interchange Association, Japan (tel. 03-5573-2600).
Q8 I have a disease / a personal injury / disabilities etc. What should I do?
Please call the JLPT Application Center (03-6686-2974) as soon as the application period starts to obtain a “Request Form for Special Accommodations” and apply for the special testing accommodations by mail. We provide necessary arrangement for your special needs by e.g. providing Braille papers enlarged print papers, special seating arrangement, headphones and extended answer time depending on your needs. However, please note that in some cases it may not be possible. Also most importantly we can only offer you special assistance if you have notified us when you send an application.
Q9 Can you tell me the address and telephone number of JLPT Application Center?
The address is 〒100-0003 東京都千代田区一ツ橋1-1-1 パレスサイドビル6F東コア 日本語能力試験受付センター.
The telephone number is 03-6686-2974.
