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Japanese Language Proficiency Test

 Administration of JLPT
 

Objective
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is conducted to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of non-native speakers of Japanese.

Each year, the JLPT has met with an enthusiastic response from the public. Examinees numbered more than 350,000 in 2005, in as many as 45 countries.

Test is offered once a year on the first Sunday of every December.

Contents of the Test
The test has four different levels (Level 1 being the most proficient level and Level 4 the beginner level); the examinee can choose the level that best matches his or her ability and training. Each test is made up of three sections: writing-vocabulary (100 points); listening (100 points); reading-grammar (200 points). The passing scores are 70% or higher for Level 1, and 60% for Level 2, 3, and 4. Please click on "Contents of the Test" below to view the test specifications.

Passing Scores for the JLPT
Level 1: 280/400 total points (70%)
Levels 2-4: 240/400 total points (60%)

Cost (These costs cover registration and issuing of the score reports only. All other costs, such as transportation and accommodation are the responsibility of the test taker. The registration fees posted below refer to the 2006 JLPT. The registration fees for future examinations may be raised.)
Levels 1&2: $50
Levels 3&4: $40

Attention
JLPT test takers who are interested in having their results sent to Japanese colleges or universities should note that The Japan Foundation no longer provides this service. It is now the responsibility of individual test takers to directly contact and make arrangements with Japanese colleges and universities to have their scores requested from the organization handling such JLPT matters, The Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). Please see their website for further details: http://www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/en/index.htm. The Japan Educational Exchanges and Services provides services and various kinds of support for all students in Japan to promote international understanding and exchange.