Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is held in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers.

The JLPT is an in-person test and cannot be completed online.

The JLPT is open to all non-native Japanese speakers. Eligibility extends to holders of Japanese citizenship. In Edinburgh, the JLPT is open to applicants over 16.

You may only take one assessment at a time, but the JLPT actually has five different levels that you will need to complete and pass.  Each level builds upon the last. According to the JLPT website, the levels are labelled N1-N5, with N1 being the most difficult.

Which test should I sit if I study Japanese at the Centre for Open Learning?

N1 - This is for proficient users, we do not offer courses at this level in Japanese

N2 - After taking Japanese Upper Intermediate Step 1 to Step 6 courses (not offered in 22-23)

N3 - After taking Japanese Intermediate Step 1 to Step 6 courses (not offered in 22-23)

N4 - After taking Japanese Elementary Step 1 to Step 6 courses

N5 - After taking Japanese Beginners Step 1 to Step 6 courses

If you are unsure at all, please discuss with your teacher who will be able to assist you.

Please note, it is not permitted to change the test site or test level after the application has been made.

Please note that we only accept Online Applications and the Test Guide is just for your information at this stage.

Download here >

You can find an online application link to register for the exam on the day of the registratio. Applications for the 2023 JLPT December test are now closed.

Please note, we only accept online applications and the registration date will differ between test centres.

The test durations can change so please refer to the JLPT website for up-to-date timings - https://jlpt.jp/e/guideline/testsections.html

The fee to sit this exam at the University of Edinburgh is £100 for 2023. The fee is non-refundable. 

No refund will be given (no transfer to another test can be made either) under any circumstances once payment has been accepted.

The test results will be available online via the JLPT Official Website

English: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/results_online.html

Japanese: https://www.jlpt.jp/guideline/results_online.html

You will access these results using the passcode you have created when you registered.

All examinees will receive their own Score Report. Successful examinees will receive a Certificate of Proficiency. For examinees outside of Japan, Score Reports will be sent via local host institutions (The University of Edinburgh), and examinees will receive a report for the July test in early October and a report for the December test in early March. If you do not receive a report by the end of the scheduled month, please contact jlpt@ed.ac.uk.

Send the form(s) to our JLPT email: jlpt@ed.ac.uk

Please note that the deadline for STA request and Consent forms is on 23rd August at 12 noon.

Download the STA Request Form

Download the STA Consent Form 

The JLPT certificate never expires.