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JLPT- Frequently asked questions
Thinking of taking the JLPT? The list of questions and answers below will provide you with sufficient pointers to prepare for the JLPT exam in India.
What is the JLPT?
The JLPT stands for "Japanese Language Proficiency Test." In Japanese, it is known as "Nihongo Nouryoku Shiken."
What is the objective of the JLPT?
The objective of the JLPT is to evaluate and certify the proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers. This evaluation focuses on reading and listening comprehension as well as overall understanding of the language at various levels.
How many levels of proficiency are there?
There are 4 Levels of proficiency-with Level 4 being 'entry' level and ascending up to Level 1 which is near-native fluency. In Japanese, these levels are known as: Level 4 (Yon-Kyuu), Level 3 (San-Kyuu), Level 2 (Ni-Kyuu) and Level 1 (Ik-Kyuu).
Where is the JLPT held?
Thinking of taking the JLPT? The list of questions and answers below will provide you with sufficient pointers to prepare for the JLPT exam in India.
When is the JLPT held?
The JLPT for all four levels is held at the same time on the first Sunday of December, each year.
Who administers the JLPT?
Within Japan, the JLPT is administered by the Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ). Outside Japan, it is administered by the Japan Foundation in association with local host institutes in designated cities and test centres.
What are the eligibility criteria to take the JLPT?
The most important pre-requisite to take the JLPT is that the examinee must be a non-native Japanese.
Is the JLPT certification recognized worldwide?
Yes, the JLPT certification is the most widely recognized and internationally accepted certification of Japanese language proficiency focusing on reading and listening skills. The JLPT however, does not test an examinee on speaking or writing ability.
Where can one take the JLPT in India?
In India, as of 2006, the test centres are located in New Delhi, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai
Is there an examination fee, and if yes, how much is it?
Yes, there is a fee for the "Application Form & Guidebook," as well as the JLPT examination fees. The fee amount varies each year and is marginally different depending on the city of choice.
*Note: For JLPT 2006, the "Application Form & Guidebook" cost Rs.50.00 and the examination fees for taking the test in Chennai was Rs.350.00 (For a total of Rs.400.00)
Is it required to take the four JLPT levels in succession?
No, there is no such prerequisite. The candidate may appear for any level without necessarily having qualified or passed a lesser level of proficiency.
Is the JLPT an objective type test or will some writing be required?
Yes, the JLPT is entirely an objective type paper. For each question, FOUR answer choices are provided. The candidate is required to choose ONE correct answer and fill-in the corresponding number in the answer sheet. The answer sheets are then scanned and scored by computer
The candidate is not required to write any Japanese
What are the details of the four JLPT level categories?
| Brief description of each JLPT level |
| Grammar | Advanced | Intermediate | Higher Elementary | Elementary |
| Kanji | 2000 + | 1200 | 300 | 103~150 (recommended) |
| Vocabulary | 10,000 + words | 6,000 words | 1,500 words | 800 words |
| Four skills (Reading/Writing/ Listening/Speaking) | Comprehensive | General discussion | Daily use | Simple/Basic survival |
| Hours of study | 900 hrs | 600 hrs | 300 hrs | 150 hrs |
| Achieved level | Comprehensive | Intermediate | Second-half of Beginner's | First-half of Beginner's |
What is the content of the JLPT paper, total time and total marks?
The JLPT content for each of the four levels is as follows:
Level 1 (Highest level):
- Vocabulary (Moji-Goi): 45 minutes / 100 points
- Listening (Chou-kai): 45 minutes / 100 points
- Reading & Grammar (Dokkai-bunpou): 90 minutes / 200 points
- Total: 180 minutes / 400 points
- Pass mark: 70% (280/400)
Level 2:
- Vocabulary (Moji-Goi): 35 minutes / 100 points
- Listening (Chou-kai): 40 minutes / 100 points
- Reading & Grammar (Dokkai-bunpou): 70 minutes / 200 points
- Total: 145 minutes / 400 points
- Pass mark: 60% (240/400)
Level 3:
- Vocabulary (Moji-Goi): 35 minutes / 100 points
- Listening (Chou-kai): 35 minutes / 100 points
- Reading & Grammar (Dokkai-bunpou): 70 minutes / 200 points
- Total: 140 minutes / 400 points
- Pass mark: 60% (240/400)
Level 4 (Elementary level):
- Vocabulary (Moji-Goi): 25 minutes / 100 points
- Listening (Chou-kai): 25 minutes / 100 points
- Reading & Grammar (Dokkai-bunpou): 50 minutes / 200 points
- Total: 100 minutes / 400 points
- Pass mark: 60% (240/400)
When will the JLPT results be announced?
All candidates will receive a score sheet with the breakup of marks obtained in each of the three sections described above for each level. Successful candidates will also receive a JLPT level certification
The test results are usually announced around mid-February of the ensuing year.
Nihongo Bashi's Tips on preparing for the JLPT:
1. Kanji needs to be reviewed and consolidated from the basics (Level 4), through compound/multiple reading in Level 2. Continuous (even daily) review is necessary, throughout the course of study
2. Use of Kanji flash cards, either available ones or self-made is useful to review Kanji at all available time
3. Reading speed needs to be increased, for all levels. For the advanced levels (2 & 1), reading speed is critical, combined with Kanji proficiency to successfully complete the reading comprehension segment of the test. Therefore, the student has to read all kinds of material, in greater volume and variety (magazines, newspaper, Internet sites, etc.)
4. The audio test/segment usually poses the greatest challenge for students who are not living in Japan or not used to everyday Japanese conversation. The only solution to overcoming this challenge (worth 100 marks) is to gain access to Japanese radio or TV channels (eg. NHK) and to keep listening to native speakers of the language. The Internet too is an excellent resource for 'sound bytes/clips' of Japanese conversation
5. There are several sites available on the Internet for doing audio exercises for all four levels of JLPT
6. Apart from just the required vocabulary it helps if the student is familiar with idiomatic usages and colloquial or plain forms of speech These would occur in the audio segment of the test, as well as the Dokkai-bunpou (reading/comprehension)
7. A lot of dialogue in the listening segment (Choukai) of the test uses plain forms of speech (eg. Between family members, friends, boss-to-subordinate, etc.). Familiarity with plain speech would help
8. The key to passing the JLPT is repetition and review of all available resources, especially sample past papers which are now also available as a practice kit from test centres
9. In the listening section (Chou-kai), there are TWO parts:
a. Part-1: The candidate listens to a snippet of dialogue, usually between a man (Otoko no hito) and a woman (Onna no hito). Before the dialogue begins, the relevant question is also asked. The candidate is then expected to listen to the dialogue and CHOOSE THE CORRECT PICTURE out of four picture options
*Note: The question will be REPEATED at the end of the dialogue, so there is not need to worry if you don't remember what the question was. Instead, pay careful attention to what is being spoken
b. Part-2: The candidate listens to a snippet of dialogue, usually between a man and a woman. Before the dialogue begins, the relevant question is also asked. The candidate is then expected to listen to the dialogue and ALSO THE FOUR ANSWER OPTIONS which are read out. THERE ARE NO PICTURES IN THIS PART. The correct answer is then marked in the answer sheet
*Note: The question will be REPEATED at the end of the dialogue, so there is not need to worry if you don't remember what the question was. Instead, pay careful attention to what is being spoken
Nihongo Bashi wishes all JLPT test takers in India the best and "Ganbatte Kudasai!" Find out more about all our Japanese education and training programs in India, including full-time and executive programs in Japanese management.
Related Links:
Nihongo Bashi to offer JLPT preparatory training online
JLPT Training Audios
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