Japanese-Language Proficiency Test - 日本語能力試験
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an exam set by the Japan Foundation to test the standard of proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers. There are 5 levels from N5 (the lowest) to N1 (the highest), with each level covering grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and listening comprehension. There are no speaking or writing elements at any of the levels. The format is multiple-choice, with the candidate having to choose the correct answer from 4 possibilities for each question.
Despite the lack of any test of speaking and writing ability, the JLPT level passed by someone is generally recognized worldwide as a good indication of their ability at the Japanese language. In England the test is held twice each year, in July and December, at SOAS, part of the University of London.
As well as being a valuable qualification, the JLPT provides a useful way of checking your level of Japanese language ability and the various levels can serve as goals to reach as your learning progresses.
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an exam set by the Japan Foundation to test the standard of proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers. There are 5 levels from N5 (the lowest) to N1 (the highest), with each level covering grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and listening comprehension. There are no speaking or writing elements at any of the levels. The format is multiple-choice, with the candidate having to choose the correct answer from 4 possibilities for each question.
Despite the lack of any test of speaking and writing ability, the JLPT level passed by someone is generally recognized worldwide as a good indication of their ability at the Japanese language. In England the test is held twice each year, in July and December, at SOAS, part of the University of London.
As well as being a valuable qualification, the JLPT provides a useful way of checking your level of Japanese language ability and the various levels can serve as goals to reach as your learning progresses.
JLPT Levels
In 2010 the test format was changed slightly and an extra level was added to the original four, to bridge what was generally seen as too wide a gap between the old levels 2 and 3. Prior to 2010 there had been a prescribed list of vocabulary and kanji for each level but that is no longer the case. Various books, web sites and mobile apps contain lists of grammar points, vocabulary and kanji grouped by their JLPT levels, but although some of these may provide useful guidelines, they are by no means official.
In 2010 the test format was changed slightly and an extra level was added to the original four, to bridge what was generally seen as too wide a gap between the old levels 2 and 3. Prior to 2010 there had been a prescribed list of vocabulary and kanji for each level but that is no longer the case. Various books, web sites and mobile apps contain lists of grammar points, vocabulary and kanji grouped by their JLPT levels, but although some of these may provide useful guidelines, they are by no means official.
Level N5
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
Most people would expect to reach this level after a year or two of evening classes plus some practice outside the classroom. Even at this level, there is no romaji (Roman script, as used in English), so a good knowledge of the hiragana and katakana scripts is necessary. You should also be able to read about 100 basic kanji.
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
Most people would expect to reach this level after a year or two of evening classes plus some practice outside the classroom. Even at this level, there is no romaji (Roman script, as used in English), so a good knowledge of the hiragana and katakana scripts is necessary. You should also be able to read about 100 basic kanji.
Level N4
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand basic Japanese.
This is about the level you would expect to reach after finishing a basic Japanese course, which generally takes about three years of evening classes, plus some practice outside the classroom. You need to be able to read hiragana and katakana quite quickly, a good knowledge of basic grammar and the ability to read about 300 kanji.
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand basic Japanese.
This is about the level you would expect to reach after finishing a basic Japanese course, which generally takes about three years of evening classes, plus some practice outside the classroom. You need to be able to read hiragana and katakana quite quickly, a good knowledge of basic grammar and the ability to read about 300 kanji.
Level N3
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.
This level is for people at a middle-intermediate standard, who are able to follow everyday conversations spoken at a fairly natural speed. You would need to have studied some intermediate-level texts and be able to read about 600 kanji.
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.
This level is for people at a middle-intermediate standard, who are able to follow everyday conversations spoken at a fairly natural speed. You would need to have studied some intermediate-level texts and be able to read about 600 kanji.
Level N2
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
This level is for people at a high-intermediate standard, who are able to read written material on general topics, such as newspaper and magazine articles, and can understand a good proportion of natural conversation. You should also be able to read at least 1,000 kanji.
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
This level is for people at a high-intermediate standard, who are able to read written material on general topics, such as newspaper and magazine articles, and can understand a good proportion of natural conversation. You should also be able to read at least 1,000 kanji.
Level N1
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
This level is for people at an advanced standard, who are able to read abstract material and follow lectures at university level. You should be able to read at least 2,000 kanji.
Japan Foundation summary guide: The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
This level is for people at an advanced standard, who are able to read abstract material and follow lectures at university level. You should be able to read at least 2,000 kanji.
JLPT Links
These web sites offer some information and guidance for people who are studying for or considering taking the JLPT.
These web sites offer some information and guidance for people who are studying for or considering taking the JLPT.
JLPT - Japan Foundation
The official web site with information on applying for the test, statistics and sample questions.
The official web site with information on applying for the test, statistics and sample questions.
SOAS
Web site of London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, the venue for the JLPT in England.
Web site of London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, the venue for the JLPT in England.
JLPT Study Page
A collection of unofficial lists of vocabulary, kanji and expressions for JLPT levels N2 to N5.
A collection of unofficial lists of vocabulary, kanji and expressions for JLPT levels N2 to N5.
JLPT Resources
An unofficial collection of word lists, tips and sample questions for all five JLPT levels.
An unofficial collection of word lists, tips and sample questions for all five JLPT levels.
JLPT Boot Camp
This blog, by an American living in Japan, has advice, podcasts and downloadable material, all aimed at making it easier to pass the JLPT.
This blog, by an American living in Japan, has advice, podcasts and downloadable material, all aimed at making it easier to pass the JLPT.