What is JLPT?

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, or JLPT, evaluates and certifies the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers. Since 1984, the Japan Foundation as well as the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services have offered the JLPT. In 2009, there were as many as 770,000 examinees around the globe, making JLPT the most broadly used Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

Popular and Widely Accepted

Over the years, JLPT test applicants have become more diverse and many individuals, companies, schools, and organizations currently use the test as a tool to increase students’ motivation, and as an effective means to check the language proficiency of their workers and students. JLPT is known to be the world’s most widely accepted, respected and popular Japanese language test.

Test Levels

The JLPT has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5, with Level N5 as the most basic, and Level N1 the most difficult. Each level consists of different test modules, all of which closely measure one’s Japanese proficiency. The older version of the test, administered in 2009, only offers four levels (Level 1, 2, 3, 4). The new test offers N3, an additional level between Level 2 and Level 3.

• N1: This level is relatively the same as the original Level 1.
• N2: This level is relatively the same as the original Level 2.
• N3: This is a new level with measured difficulty in between the original Level 2 and Level 3.
• N4: This level is relatively the same as the original Level 3.
• N5: This level is relatively the same as the original Level 4.

Determining Passes and Fails

The JLPT is a pass or fail test. Each section has a minimum score which must be met, and after all section scores are accumulated, the test has a total minimum score which examinees must either meet or exceed in order to pass. Those who pass receive a certificate.

Taking the test in Toronto

The JLPT is held once a year in Canada (twice a year in East Asia). Every year, the Canadian exam takes place on the first Sunday in December. Canadian testing centres are in Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton. In Toronto, the JLPT is held at York University: http://buna.yorku.ca/jlpt/. There is an application period which usually begins at the end of August and runs until late September.