The JLPT.
What is JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, or JLPT, is a standardized test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers.
There are 5 levels: N5 being the lowest level up to N1 which even native Japanese struggle to pass. Each level gets exponentially challenging.
For example, all the characters you see here are the kanji (漢字) you need to master to pass N5. N4 has another 500 kanji, N3 has another 1500, and so on. This is only kanji, we still have listening, reading and grammar to tackle.
To work or study tertiary education in Japan, one needs an N2 certificate.
A survey by the Japan Foundation reveals that 33% of applicants took the test just to measure their own level of proficiency.
In short, taking the JLPT is the only way to know if your Japanese is any good.
Where, when, how?
In Australia, the test is held on the first Sunday of December every year.
(Brisbane gets July too!)
Enrolling for the JLPT is the students’ own responsibility - we are not allowed to apply on the students’ behalf. Be aware that enrolments for the JLPT are only accepted during a strict time period each year between July-September.
Test fee is usually around $100.
Please see the JLPT page for the host institutions of each state.
So, how long does it take to pass the JLPT?
If you are a total beginner and learning part time, you’ll need to set aside at least 1 year to pass the N5 level.
It really, really depends on your ability, habit, and determination.
The best time to start is last year.
The next best time is today.
We run JLPT preparation course all year round.
We start from grammar between February to June, listening and reading from July to September, and mock exams from October to November. Kanji and vocabulary will be drilled constantly during the whole year.
Our October mock exams are a good way to assess your Japanese language skill against the official levels. We will test you just like JLPT – each component will take 25 to 30 minutes, and we will provide feedback after to help you tackle the official test.