JLPT

 Frequently  Asked  Questions  

• 1．About the test
• 2．Levels
• 3．Test sections, test times and test questions
• 4．Studying for the test
• 5．Scores and determination of pass or fail
• 6．Test results (Score Report and Certificate of Proficiency)
• 7．JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List

1．About the test

What sort of test is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is held in Japan and abroad to evaluate and
certify Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers.

Are there any special qualifications needed to take the JLPT?

The JLPT is open to all non-native Japanese speakers.

Can elementary school or junior high school students take the JLPT?

Yes, they can. There are no age restrictions for the JLPT.

I have a physical disability. Can I take the JLPT?

Yes, you can. We make special testing accommodations for examinees with disabilities.
You will need to submit " Request Form for Special Testing Accommodations " along with
their application form upon registration.

How often is the JLPT going to be administered?

Twice yearly, in July and December. Outside Japan, the test may be held only in July or
December in some cities. Please check "List of Overseas Test Site Cities and Local Host
Institutions" for the test schedule in your city.

When will the JLPT be held in 2017 ?

In 2017, the tests will be conducted Sunday, December 3 at Langara College（Outside
Japan, the test may be held only in July or December in some cities.

Where can we take the JLPT?

You can take the test in major cities all over Japan. If you are planning to take the test
outside Japan, you can find cities where the test is offered by connecting to the Japan
Foundation website and selecting the country you intend to be in for examination day.

Can I apply to take only some sections instead of all sections?

No, you cannot.

At the time of registration, I will not be in the country/area where I want to take the
test. What should I do?

Please make sure to apply with the institution conducting the test in the country/area where
you plan to take it. Registration methods differ by country. Please contact the local
institution. If you cannot apply for the test by yourself, please ask a friend or acquaintance
in the country/area where you want to take the test for help with registration.

Who conducts the JLPT?

The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

Japan Educational Exchanges and Services conducts the test in Japan, and the Japan
Foundation conducts the test overseas with the cooperation of local host institutions.
In Vancouver, the JLPT is co-hosted with Langara College. .

2．Levels
Do all examinees take the same test and their level determined based on their
scores?

No. Test questions differ according to level. Different questions are provided to measure
the Japanese-language competency of examinees as accurately as possible. Please
choose a suitable level when taking the test.

How should I decide which level to take?

Please refer to "Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level." In addition,
you can check specific levels by going over "Sample Questions." If you have taken the old
test through 2009 or have information about it, this can give you an idea of what to expect,
since the current test corresponds to the old test in terms of passing lines.

<Reference> Level correspondence between current and old tests

N1 Approximately the same level as the old level 1 test.

N2 Approximately the same level as the old level 2 test.

N3 Positioned a level bridging the old level 2 and level 3 tests.

N4 Approximately the same level as the old level 3 test.

N5 Approximately the same level as the old level 4 test.

When the JLPT was revised in 2010, the form of test items was changed or newly
added. How were current test levels matched with old test levels?

Based on statistical analysis, the passing line for the current test is designed to match that
of the old test. This means that examinees with the Japanese-language competence to
pass Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the old test can pass N1, N2, N4 and N5 in the current test.
The passing line for N3, a level added in 2010, is designed to fall between Levels 2 and 3
of the old test, based on statistical analysis of the Japanese-language competence
required to pass these levels.

I passed Level 3 in the old test. Which test level should I take with the current test?

Because Level 3 in the old test is basically the same level as N4 in the current test, taking
the one-level higher N3 test is suggested. N3 is a newly introduced level that falls between
Level 2 and Level 3 in the old test. You might try N2 if you wish to try a slightly more
difficult level. Please review "Sample Questions" to find out which level would better suit
you.

What is the level N3?

N3 is the newly established level when the JLPT was revised in 2010.When compared to
the old test's levels, N3 falls between Level 2 and Level 3. Many of those who passed
Level 3 of the old test have commented that "Level 2 is difficult to pass." To respond to this
situation, N3 was created as a level between Level 2 and Level 3 of the old test.
Please refer to "A Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level." N1 and
N2 are levels where learners can listen to and read "Japanese used in a variety of
circumstances." N4 and N5 are levels where learners can listen to and read "basic
Japanese" that is studied in class. N3 is a level that falls between N1/N2 and N4/N5 and
bridges the gap.

I heard that N4 of the current test is basically the same level as Level 3 of the old test.
In what ways are they the same?

The passing standard is basically the same. Those who could pass Level 3 of the old test
will likely pass N4 of the current test. However, please note that test sections and scoring
sections are different.

I heard that N1 of the new test is a little more advanced than Level 1 of the old test.
Does this mean N1 is harder to pass than Level 1 of the old test?

No. The passing standard is basically the same for N1 and Level 1. Those who could pass
Level 1 of the old test will likely pass N1 of the new test.

3．Test sections, test times and test questions

Does the JLPT include a conversation or composition test?

No, neither is currently included.

What are test sections and test times?

Please refer to our Tab marked ‘Schedule”

Why is the test section "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)・ Reading" for

N1 and N2 divided into two sections -- "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)" and
"Language Knowledge (Grammar)・ Reading" -- for N3, N4 and N5?

Because there are fewer test items in vocabulary and grammar that can be included in
levels N3, N4 and N5, placing Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
in the same section may inadvertently provide hints for answers. In order to avoid such a
situation, two separate test sections -- "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)" and
"Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading" -- are offered for N3, N4 and N5.

What kinds of questions are in the JLPT?

They are summarized in "Composition of test items." "Sample Questions" covers all
question patterns for all levels. Please take a look at it.
Are all JLPT answers computer scored?

Yes, the JLPT uses a multiple-choice computer-scored answer sheet. There are four
choices for most questions, although some "Listening" questions have only three choices.
T
もんだい
he last question in "Listening" for N1 and N2 has a note saying, "こ の 問 題 に は
れんしゅう
練習 は あ り ま せ ん 。 (No practice available for this question.)" What does this
mean?

Other "Listening" questions have examples to help examinees understand the form and
how to answer. The last question does not have this kind of example with which to
practice.

Does the JLPT include questions that require cultural knowledge of Japan?

No question specifically asks cultural knowledge of Japan. Some questions may refer to
cultural aspects, but all questions can be answered without cultural knowledge.

Can I keep the test paper after I take the test?

No, you cannot take the test paper with you. If you do, you will automatically fail the test.

Who owns copyrights of the JLPT test questions?

Test question copyrights are held by test organizers, the Japan Foundation and Japan
Educational Exchanges and Services.

4．Studying for the test

Are questions of past tests published?

Exactly the same test questions are not published. However, "Japanese-Language
Proficiency Test Official Workbook" was published in March 2012. It includes test items
taken from actual tests conducted in 2010 and 2011, and have almost the same number of
test items as the actual test. Sample questions based on past test questions will be
published regularly in the future. The publication schedule will be announced on the official
JLPT website.
Why is "Test Content Specifications" no longer available after the 2010 revision of
the JLPT?

We believe that the ultimate goal of studying Japanese is to use the language to
communicate rather than simply memorizing vocabulary, kanji and grammar items. Based
on this idea, the JLPT measures "language knowledge such as characters, vocabulary and
grammar" as well as "competence to perform communicative tasks by using the language
knowledge." Therefore, we decided that publishing "Test Content Specifications"
containing a list of vocabulary, kanji and grammar items was not necessarily appropriate.
As information to replace "Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each
Level" and "Composition of test items" are available. Please also refer to "Sample
Questions."
In addition, since levels of the current test correspond to those of the old test through 2009
in terms of passing lines, old test questions and "Test Content Specifications" for the old
test can provide useful information.

Can I listen to audio of listening comprehension question examples?

Yes, you can. You can download audio files from "Sample Questions."
In addition, the following books come with audio CDs.
・"New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guidebook: An Executive Summary and
Sample Questions, N1-N3 edition (945 yen, tax included)
・"New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guidebook: An Executive Summary and
Sample Questions, N4-N5 edition (840 yen, tax included)
・"Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Official Workbook (N1/N2/N3/N4/N5)" (735 yen
for each level, tax included)

5．Scores and determination of pass or fail

How can I receive test results?

The Scoring Sections and range of scores are shown in "Scoring sections and range of
scores for each level."
In test results, "Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)" and "Language Knowledge
(Grammar) ・ Reading," which are separate test sections in N4 and N5, are combined
as one scoring section. Why is this?

Because many areas of "Language Knowledge" and "Reading" in N4 and N5 at the basic
stage of Japanese-language learning overlap or cannot be easily separated, we believe
giving a combined score for "Reading" and "Language Knowledge" better suits the
characteristics of the learning stage, rather than giving a separate score for "Reading" by
itself.
How are scores for each question allocated within individual scoring sections?

Some tests use a system of totaling pre-determined points for correct answers to calculate
scores. The JLPT uses a scaled score system based on "Item Response Theory" and does
not total allocated points of correctly answered questions. Please see the more detailed
explanation about scaled scores.
The scores I received are different from what I thought I would get. Can I have them
confirmed?

Individual examinees' scores are calculated not only mechanically but also strictly checked
by specialists. As clearly stated in the Test Guide, we do not accept any inquiries regarding
an individual's test results.
The JLPT uses "scaled scores." Scaled scores are calculated based on "answering
patterns" of each examinee, not on "the number of questions correctly answered."
Therefore, scores in the results may be different from what you thought. Please see the
more detailed explanation about scaled scores.
I received my results and know my scores. How do I find out where I stand among all
examinees?

There is a chart ("Cumulative Distribution of Scaled Scores") in the materials of each test
time of "Past Test Data." You can find out where you stand among all examinees who took
the same test by using the scaled scores given in the Score Report and this chart.

※From the JLPT held in July 2016, a percentile rank is indicated on the certificate of
examinees who passed the test overseas (excluding those who were exempt from the
Listening section), showing the percentage of examinees with a score lower than yours in
the six latest tests, including the one you took.
Can we compare the scores of the current test and the old test through 2009?

Since the content of the current test and the scoring method are different from the old test,
the scores from the current test cannot be compared to those of the old test.
How is pass or fail determined? How many scores do I need to pass?

Examinees pass the JLPT when they take all required test sections and (1) have a total
score to be at or above the Overall Pass Mark and (2) all scores of scoring sections are to
be at or above the Sectional Pass Marks. If there is even one scoring section where the
score is below the sectional pass mark, examinees are determined to have failed, no
matter how high the total score he/she might have.

Scoring sections of N1-N3 and N4-N5 are different. Overall pass marks and sectional pass
marks for each level are shown in the table below.

Scores by Scoring Sections

Total score Language Knowledge
Level Reading Listening
（Vocabulary/Grammar）
Range of Overall Sectional pass Range of Sectional Range of Sectional
Range of scores
scores pass marks marks scores pass marks scores pass marks

0～180 100 0～60 19 0～60 19

N1 points points
0～60 points 19 points
points points points points

0～180 90 0～60 19 0～60 19

N2 points points
0～60 points 19 points
points points points points

0～180 95 0～60 19 0～60 19

N3 points points
0～60 points 19 points
points points points points

Scores by Scoring Sections

Total score Language Knowledge
Level Listening
（Vocabulary/Grammar）・Reading
Range of Overall pass Sectional pass
Range of scores Sectional pass marks Range of scores
scores marks marks

0～180 0～60
N4 points
90 points 0～120 points 38 points
points
19 points

0～180 0～60
N5 points
80 points 0～120 points 38 points
points
19 points

※The above standards were adopted beginning with July test in 2010 (December test in
2010 with N4 and N5).
Why does passing the test require (1) the minimum acceptable total score and (2) a
minimum acceptable score in each scoring section?

This is to evaluate if learners have a certain level of ability in all three elements, "Language
Knowledge," "Reading" and "Listening."
What will happen if I don't take a test section?
Examinees will be judged to have failed if they miss a required test section. Although they
will receive a Score Report, it will not show scores for any test section, including those that
have been taken.
If my score does not reach the minimum required in a Scoring Section, can I take
only that section again and pass the JLPT if I get an acceptable score?

No. A judgment of pass or fail is made only for examinees who take all sections each time
the test is given. Therefore, pass or fail cannot be determined if you take only a section
where you previously failed to achieve a minimum score. You will pass the JLPT when you
take the test for all sections on a subsequent occasion and earn (1) the minimum
acceptable total score and (2) a minimum acceptable score in each Scoring Section.

6．Test results (Score Report and Certificate of Proficiency)

When and how do I receive test results?

A Score Report will be mailed to all examinees. In Japan, Score Reports for the July test
will be sent in early September and Score Reports for the December test will be sent in
early February. To examinees outside of Japan, Score Reports will be sent via local host
institutions, and examinees will receive a report for the July test in early October and a
report for the December test in early March. If you do not receive a report by the end of the
scheduled month, please contact the local institution in the city where you took the test.
Can I receive the test results by e-mail or over the phone?

No, you cannot. We cannot respond to any inquiries regarding the test results via
telephone or e-mail for any reason.
There is a mistake in my Score Report/Certificate of Proficiency.

Procedures for reissuing a Score Report or Certificate of Proficiency due to mistakes in

name and birthday vary by country/area where you have taken the test. If you took the test
in Japan, please inquire at JLPT Application Center, and if you took the test outside Japan,
please inquire at the local host institution in the city where you took the test or with the
Japan Foundation.

■Japan
• JLPT Application Center

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30-17:30

 • Tel: 03-6686-2974 Fax: 03-6845-2544
■Overseas

The Japan Foundation or local host institution where you have taken the test.
Request with the Japan Foundation
Please send the following documents by mail to the Japan Foundation.

Reissuance application form＋Original Score Report or Certificate of

Proficiency＋Copy of ID (passport, etc.)

＋Letter of proxy(applies only if application is done by proxy)

Address:
The Japan Foundation Center for Japanese-Language Testing
4-3 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Does the JLPT certificate expire at some point?

The JLPT certificate never expires. Results of the old test through 2009 also continue to be
valid. However, companies and educational institutions that refer to test results sometimes
set a time limit on the certificate. Please inquire at individual companies and educational
institutions, as necessary.
I have lost my Score Report/Certificate of Proficiency.

They cannot be reissued, but as a replacement, "Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

Certificate of Result and Scores" can be issued. Please see "Certificate Issuance" for how
to apply.
Are results of the new test used as a reference for entrance exams of universities in
Japan?

In principle, universities in Japan use the results of "Examination for Japanese University
Admission for International Students" conducted by the Japan Student Services
Organization as a reference. JLPT results are sometimes used for international students
from countries where "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International
Students" is not conducted. Please inquire directly at the schools to which you are
applying.
7．JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List
How are "Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level" and "JLPT
Can-do Self-Evaluation List" different?

"Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level" shows the level of abilities
required for each level of the JLPT. On the other hand, "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List"
indicates activities that successful examinees of each level think they "can do in
Japanese." In other words, it does not refer to passing of a level's standard but is based on
examinees' self-evaluation. It can be used as a reference to get an idea of "what can be
done in Japanese by successful examinees of a particular level."
Are all examinees who pass a level able to do the activities listed in "JLPT Can-do
Self-Evaluation List"?

No. Because the list shows results of successful examinees' answers to the question "do
you think you can …," activities listed may not necessarily be possible for all those who
pass the level. However, since the survey was conducted with as many as 65,000
examinees, the list is believed to show overall tendencies and set aside extreme
differences by individual.
The JLPT does not include conversation or composition. Why does "JLPT Can-do
Self-Evaluation List" include descriptions of Speaking and Writing skills?

"JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List" summarizes what activities (listening, speaking,

reading and writing) successful examinees of each level can do in Japanese, based on a
questionnaire survey. It is not a syllabus (question outline) of the test. The list is prepared
based on a survey, which also encompasses questions on speaking and writing skills, in
order to provide prospective examinees and others with comprehensive information on
what successful examinees think they "can do," regardless of test section or content.
How was the Can-do survey for "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List" conducted?

Please refer to "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation Survey Reports: Final Report" for details.
(The reports are written in Japanese.)
How is "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List" different from "JLPT Can-do Self-
Evaluation Survey Reports: Interim Report"?

"JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List" was prepared based on a continuing survey following
"JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation Survey Reports: Interim Report" and included a larger
number of survey respondents. While the survey items are identical for both surveys,
methods of analysis and result calculation differ. Please refer to an upcoming publication,
 "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation Survey Reports: Final Report" for details. (The reports are
written in Japanese.)
Is Can-do for "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List" the same as Can-do for "JF
Standard for Japanese-Language Education"?

No. "JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List" and "JF Standard for Japanese-Language
Education" were prepared under different circumstances, and they differ in development
purposes, methods and procedures. For Can-do for JF Standard for Japanese-Language
Education, please refer to the "JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education" website.
For relationships between the JLPT and JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education,
please refer to "Reports on Association Survey on JF Standard for Japanese-Language
Education and JLPT."