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The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in 2012
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been offered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) since 1984 as a reliable means to evaluate and certify the Japanese proficiency of non-native speakers. Over time, test applicants became diversified, and use of JLPT results has expanded, therefore, the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services introduced a revised version of the test in 2010.
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Revised to measure communicative competence required to perform tasks
Emphasizing both practical Japanese communicative competence and knowledge of the Japanese language, the test measures language knowledge which includes vocabulary and grammar, and the competence required to perform communicative tasks using such language knowledge.
Level |
A Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level |
Corresponding Levels of New and Old Tests |
N1 |
The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 1 test, but designed to measure slightly more advanced abilities. |
N2 |
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 2 test. |
N3 |
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. |
Positioned at a level bridging the old Level 2 and Level 3 tests. (Newly established) |
N4 |
The ability to understand basic Japanese. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 3 test. |
N5 |
The ability to understand some basic Japanese. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 4 test. |
As for the criteria of the old test, it is as follows;
Level |
Criteria |
1 |
The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2.000 Kanji and 10.000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 900hours. |
2 |
The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows around 1.000 Kanji and 6.000 words, and has the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600hours and after completion of an intermediate course. |
3 |
The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows around 300 Kanji and 1.500 words, and has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300hours and after completion of an elementary course. |
4 |
The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows around 100 Kanji and 800 words, and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 150 hours and after completion of the first half of an elementary course. |
Test Sections and Test Time
With Levels N1 and N2, “Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)” and “Reading” are treated as one test section. With Levels N3, N4 and N5, “Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)” and “Language Knowledge (Grammar) ▪ Reading” are treated as two separate sections
Level |
Test Sections (Test time) |
N1 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) ▪ Reading (110min) |
Listening (60min) |
N2 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) ▪ Reading (105min) |
Listening (50min) |
N3 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (30min) |
Language Knowledge (Grammar) ▪ Reading (70min) |
Listening (40min) |
N4 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (30min) |
Language Knowledge (Grammar) ▪ Reading (60min) |
Listening (35min) |
N5 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (25min) |
Language Knowledge (Grammar) ▪ Reading (50min) |
Listening (30min) |
How is pass or fail determined?
A determination of pass or fail cannot be made if you do not take any section of the test. To pass the test, examinees are required to have (1) the minimum acceptable total score (to be announced later) and (2) a minimum acceptable score in each Scoring Section (to be announced later).
Scores of Each Section in each level:
(With Levels N4 and N5, “Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)” and “Reading” are graded as one section.)
Level |
Scoring Sections |
Range of Scores |
N1
N2
N3 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)
Reading
Listening
 Total Score |
0~60
0~60
0~60
0~180 |
N4
N5 |
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) ▪ Reading
Listening
 Total Score |
0~120
0~60
0~180 |
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• To see the pattern of the Test questions and answers, and to try solving some sample questions:
- You can use the "New Japanese – Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions" available on the Official Worldwide JLPT Website: www.jlpt.jp
The Sample Questions cover all question styles for all levels.
Test Date: July 1st (Sunday), 2012 Test site (Scheduled): The Examination Halls Complex, Cairo Univ., Giza
Application Period: March 4 (Sunday), 2012 – April 5 (Thursday), 2012
Test Fees: N1 - ŁE120 / N2 - ŁE 100 / N3 - ŁE 100 / N4 - ŁE 80 / N5 - ŁE 80
Mail Services: Test Voucher and Test Result delivery service is available through mail. For domestic: ŁE30 / Overseas: ŁE200
For more information about the Test, please visit the Official Worldwide JLPT Website: http://www.jlpt.jp/
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