JLPT Language Test
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Nihongo Noryoku Shiken
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an exam held both in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify the proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers. It’s an internationally recognized qualification, often used to gauge a speaker’s ability by potential educators and employers. It provides an effective way to motivate yourself to study during your stay in Japan, and is also a valuable addition to a resume or CV.
The test is held twice every year, on the first Sunday of July and December. Test sites are decided according to the address you provide in your application, but there are a number of locations around Fukuoka prefecture, so it is likely you will not have to travel far on the test day.
Application
The application booklets for the July exam (Levels N1, N2, N3 only) are available from around mid March at all major bookstores (Junkudo in Tenjin, Kikuya in Kokura), for 500yen per booklet.This will give you very detailed instructions on what to do, from filling out your application to receiving your certificate. Applications must then be sent between the end of March and the end of April. The deadlines are very strictly adhered to, so applications postmarked after the due date stated will not be accepted. The test fee is 5,500yen.
The December test booklets are available from mid July, with the application period from August to mid-September.
The above dates are merely guidelines. If wanting to sit the JLPT test, please check the accurate dates and times for the test you wish to take, to ensure you do not miss the deadlines. The information for the next test can be found here.
Levels and scoring
As of July 2010, the JLPT test has five different levels of examination.
Level N5 is the easiest and Level N1 is the most difficult. Each test is comprised of writing and vocabulary, listening, and reading and grammar questions. The test is completely multiple choice (four possible answers), so there’s no writing or speaking required. The questions classified as writing involve choosing the correct word or grammar to complete a sentence, or choosing which kanji is used in a particular word.
The passing score is usually 70% or higher for level N1, and 60% or higher for levels N2, N3, N4 and N5. This means you need to get an overall (combined) score of over 60% or 70%, not just in one section.
Contents of the Test
Information regarding the new structure for the JLPT can be found, in detail, here.
Resources
Specific JLPT textbooks are available at all major bookstores.
The Meguro Language School post a lot of free material geared specifically towards passing the JLPT. Scroll down to near the bottom of the page.
You can also check your level according to JLPT grading here.
The Kanjj box application on Facebook has online vocabulary and kanji quizzes specifically made to help those studying for all levels of the JLPT. You can also compare your scores to other people studying for the same level as you, and see how you’re doing! Just search for “kanji box” on the applications page.
After signing up (for free) you can find vocabulary flashcards aimed at studying for the JLPT, then either print them out or do online drills and quizzes. Here are some links for JLPT flashcards:
Manythings.org is a great resource for all levels, with links to other useful sites.