Questions and answers about the JLPT
Why should I take the JLPT?
The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most recognized Japanese language test for non-native speakers of Japanese. You use it to prove to schools, employers and others that you are good at Japanese. It is also a good tool to test your language level and see which areas you need to improve.
If you want to study a full degree at a Japanese university, however, you may be required to take a test called EJU instead.
At what levels is the JLPT given?
The JLPT has 5 levels, from the lowest level N5 to the most advanced level N1. N5-N4 measures basic Japanese for easier everyday language. The N3 level is a bit more demanding and leads the way to the more advanced levels N2 and N1. The JLPT test levels are similar to the European Language Council levels A1 (N5) to C1 (N1).
To pass N3, the intermediate level, students usually need about 800 study hours in Japanese, i.e. roughly a one-year course at a Japanese language school. N2 requires at least 1200 study hours over 1.5 years at a language school and N1 usually requires at least 1600 hours, 2 years of language school studies.
What result is required to study further in Japan?
You can get a maximum of 180 points on the JLPT test, where the points are divided between the different language skills reading comprehension, listening comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. How many points are required to be approved varies between different levels, but it is somewhere between 80 and 100 points.
To study in Japanese, e.g. at a Japanese university of applied sciences Senmon Gakko, you are required to pass at least level N2. For studies at top-ranked universities and advanced jobs in Japan, N1 is often required.
When is the JLPT test given?
In Japan it is given twice a year. The July test is only given for advanced levels of N1 and N2, and the December test is for all levels. The application period for the December test is usually from September to October. In Sweden, the test is given once a year in July for all levels.
Where can I take the JLPT test?
The JLPT test is usually taken in Japan in conjunction with your language studies there. However, you can also take the JLPT in other countries.
Where can I read more about the JLPT?
You can find more information on JLPT's official website.
How do I prepare for the JLPT?
To pass the JLPT test, you need to learn Japanese at the highest possible level. You can study the basic levels in Sweden with the help of university studies and/or self-study with the help of JLPT preparation books. If you really want to become good at Japanese, however, there are no shortcuts. Then you must study at a language school in Japan. It also makes learning so much more rewarding, and it's the only way to learn Japanese as it's really spoken in Japan today.
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