日本語能力試験
JLPT: the Japanese proficiency test explained
The JLPT is the main Japanese proficiency test, run by the Japan Foundation and JEES. It has five levels (N5 easiest to N1 hardest) and tests only vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening, with no speaking or writing.
The short answer
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has five levels, from N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest), and tests reading and listening only. It is held in July and December in Japan and many other countries.
Provider
Japan Foundation & JEES
Levels
N5 (easiest) – N1 (hardest)
Fee
Japan: set by JEES (7,500 yen reported for 2025, unverified for 2026); abroad set locally, e.g. Taiwan NT$1,800 (N1–N3) / NT$1,650 (N4–N5), Sydney AUD 105 / 95
Test months
July and December (2026: 5 Jul and 6 Dec)
Results
Roughly 2 months: July test results from late August, December test results from late January (online for registered candidates)
Certificate validity
No expiry
Format
Paper-based multiple choice: vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening. No speaking or writing.
Who should take it
Applicants to Japanese universities and employers, anyone after visa points (N1 or N2), and foreign medical professionals who need N1.
Kungfucius says: You can pass N1 without saying a single word of Japanese out loud, and some people do exactly that.