Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
So you’ve heard a bit about this JLPT thing, what’s it all about?
Website: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/
The JLPT is broken into five levels, with N5 being the easiest and N1 being the most difficult. Each level is offered as a separate test, and while there are scores on them they are generally viewed as pass/fail tests, with scores being secondary – it’s rare for people to take the same test level after passing it for a higher score (though people do occasionally do so at the N1 level). Each test level will test in the areas of language knowledge (kanji/vocabulary/grammar), reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. In order to pass you must get at least a 20/60 in each section, as well as getting 80–100 (depending on level) out of 180 on your overall score.
The JLPT is broken into five levels, with N5 being the easiest and N1 being the most difficult. Each level is offered as a separate test, and while there are scores on them they are generally viewed as pass/fail tests, with scores being secondary – it’s rare for people to take the same test level after passing it for a higher score (though people do occasionally do so at the N1 level). Each test level will test in the areas of language knowledge (kanji/vocabulary/grammar), reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. In order to pass you must get at least a 20/60 in each section, as well as getting 80–100 (depending on level) out of 180 on your overall score.
How do I take it?
The JLPT is held twice a year, once in July and again in December. Registration is open for about one month, during April for the summer test and during September for the winter test. Registration is done on the JLPT website (its in English). It costs ¥5,500, due at the time of registration, which can be paid by credit card (the simplest option) or convenience store payment (7-11 is simplest). If you need help, ask an RPA. A few weeks before the test date you’ll receive a test voucher in the mail with instructions about the schedule and location (which is assigned, not selected).
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there on the test date, as you must go by public transit (parking is not allowed) and there will be hundreds of other test takers all trying to get there at the same time.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there on the test date, as you must go by public transit (parking is not allowed) and there will be hundreds of other test takers all trying to get there at the same time.
What do the different test levels show?
They show that you’re able to pass that level of JLPT. While the JLPT offers good study targets in order to encourage steady progression in the language, it’s difficult to say that passing any given level means that you are equipped to tackle “such and such.” There are charts on the JLPT website that show self-reported information from people who passed each level commenting on what they personally are able to do, but passing doesn’t mean that you can do that, and failing doesn’t mean you can’t. In general, only N2 and N1 are seen as requirements for jobs, though of course you can put any level on your resume.
There are some general connections which can be drawn.
N5 correlates to the end of Genki 1, and means you can probably get a little bit of communication done with a lot of gestures and a patient partner, you’ve got a leg up on your average tourist.
N4 correlates to the end of Genki 2 and places you solidly in the upper beginner category. You can have basic conversations and generally understand what’s going on around you, though you’ll still have very noticeable gaps in your ability to understand and be understood.
N3 is generally seen as intermediate, and puts your grammar knowledge about even with your average 5th or 6th grade elementary school student. You’ll still have huge gaps in your vocabulary, but with determination, effort, and a good dictionary you can probably begin to read comics, novels, newspapers and magazines, and you’ll start being able to have much more interesting and personal conversations.
N2 is upper intermediate, and starts introducing grammar and kanji taught in Japanese junior high schools. This is generally seen as being a worthwhile certification to hold, and can qualify you for some jobs that require Japanese proficiency. At this point you can handle most native material with some effort and a dictionary. All of your friends will think your Japanese is amazing and you’ll constantly be told that you are ぺらぺら. However, you will be dreadfully aware of the shortcomings in your Japanese knowledge. Don’t let it get to you, read up on the Dunning-Kruger effect and remember how far you’ve come.
N1 is advanced. You can probably handle pretty much any situation that crops up, though it might take you some time to collect your thoughts. You’ll be able to have fairly deep conversations, though you may still be using awkward phrasing and meandering sentences. You should be able to read nearly any newspaper or magazine article, and though you’ll still constantly see words you don’t know, you’ll often be able to grasp their meanings through context and kanji knowledge. There’s still a long way to go on the road to fluency, but you’re well on your way. Having the N1 is a seriously good thing when it comes to seeking employment in Japan, and can open many doors that might have otherwise been closed.
There are some general connections which can be drawn.
N5 correlates to the end of Genki 1, and means you can probably get a little bit of communication done with a lot of gestures and a patient partner, you’ve got a leg up on your average tourist.
N4 correlates to the end of Genki 2 and places you solidly in the upper beginner category. You can have basic conversations and generally understand what’s going on around you, though you’ll still have very noticeable gaps in your ability to understand and be understood.
N3 is generally seen as intermediate, and puts your grammar knowledge about even with your average 5th or 6th grade elementary school student. You’ll still have huge gaps in your vocabulary, but with determination, effort, and a good dictionary you can probably begin to read comics, novels, newspapers and magazines, and you’ll start being able to have much more interesting and personal conversations.
N2 is upper intermediate, and starts introducing grammar and kanji taught in Japanese junior high schools. This is generally seen as being a worthwhile certification to hold, and can qualify you for some jobs that require Japanese proficiency. At this point you can handle most native material with some effort and a dictionary. All of your friends will think your Japanese is amazing and you’ll constantly be told that you are ぺらぺら. However, you will be dreadfully aware of the shortcomings in your Japanese knowledge. Don’t let it get to you, read up on the Dunning-Kruger effect and remember how far you’ve come.
N1 is advanced. You can probably handle pretty much any situation that crops up, though it might take you some time to collect your thoughts. You’ll be able to have fairly deep conversations, though you may still be using awkward phrasing and meandering sentences. You should be able to read nearly any newspaper or magazine article, and though you’ll still constantly see words you don’t know, you’ll often be able to grasp their meanings through context and kanji knowledge. There’s still a long way to go on the road to fluency, but you’re well on your way. Having the N1 is a seriously good thing when it comes to seeking employment in Japan, and can open many doors that might have otherwise been closed.
JLPT N1, N2, and N3 Grant from CLAIR
If you pass JLPT N3 or higher (expanded to include N1 and N2 as of 2018), you most likely qualify for CLAIR's JLPT Grant, which pays you back the money you spent on the test. Details about how to apply for the grant can be on CLAIRs official website. They update the information shortly after JLPT results come out, so keep your eyes open.