JLPT
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
What is the JLPT?
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. In 2011, there were as many as 610,000 applicants throughout the world.
Over time, test applicants became diversified, and use of JLPT results has expanded to include employment screening and evaluation for promotions and pay raises. Many outstanding suggestions for improvement were also submitted by a wide variety of individuals around the world.
Please download and read the 2024 JLPT pamphlet to learn more!
THE JLPT WAS REVISED IN 2010!
To ensure the continuing relevancy and accuracy of the JLPT, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services introduced a revised version of the test in 2010. This new test will take full advantage of the most advanced research in Japanese pedagogy and testing theory, and reflects the vast wealth of data accumulated since the original JLPT was launched over 20 years ago.
Points of Revision
- Revised to measure communicative competence required to perform tasks.
Emphasizing both practical Japanese communicative competence and knowledge of the Japanese language, this test measures language knowledge which includes writing, vocabulary, and grammar, and the competence required to perform communicative tasks using such language knowledge. Answers will be machine-scored as in the current test. Note that the new JLPT will not include sections to measure speaking or writing proficiencies directly.
- Revised to increase the number of levels from 4 to 5.
The new test increases the number of test levels from 4 (level 1, Level 2, Level, and Level 4) to 5 (N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5). Similar to the former Levels, N1 is the most advanced, and N5 is a more beginner level; the examinee can choose the level that best matches his or her ability and training. Each test is made up of three sections: writing-vocabulary, listening, and reading-grammar.
- The list below shows the corresponding levels of the new test to that of the old test:
N1 - Approximately the same level as the former Level 1 test, but designed to assess slightly more advanced abilities.
N2 - Approximately the same level as the former Level 2 test.
N3 - Positioned at a level bridging the former Level 2 and Level 3 tests. (Newly established)
N4 - Approximately the same level as the former Level 3 test.
N5 - Approximately the same level as the former Level 4 test.
*"N" stands for both "Nihongo" and "New"
Please visit the official JLPT website for more information and updates.
General Information
Date of Exam
December 1, 2024 (Sunday)
Exam Registration
Registration will be open on Monday, September 9 at 10 am (MDT) and close on Friday, September 27 at 4 pm (MDT).
How to Apply
Exam Venue
The JLPT in Edmonton will be held at the University of Alberta (North Campus), Building (Edmonton Clinic Health Academy). For a campus map, please click here.
Examination Fee
$100 CAD for all levels.
Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
Eligibility
Open to learners of Japanese as a foreign language (This test is not designed for native speakers of Japanese).
Exam Schedule
| All Applicants | ||
| 10:00-10:50 | Registration | |
| 10:50-11:00 | Move to Classroom | |
| Level N1 | ||
| 11:00-11:10 | 10 min | Instructions |
| 11:10-13:00 | 110 min | Language Knowledge/Reading |
| 13:30-14:25 | 55 min | Listening |
| Level N2 | ||
| 11:00-11:10 | 10 min | Instructions |
| 11:10-12:55 | 105 min | Language Knowledge/ Reading |
| 13:25-14:15 | 50 min | Listening |
| Level N3 | ||
| 11:00-11:10 | 10 min | Instructions |
| 11:10-11:40 | 30 min | Vocabulary |
| 12:00-13:10 | 70 min | Grammar |
| 13:35-14:15 | 40 min | Listening |
| Level N4 | ||
| 11:00-11:10 | 10 min | Instructions |
| 11:10-11:35 | 25 min | Vocabulary |
| 11:55-12:50 | 55 min | Grammar |
| 13:15-13:50 | 35 min | Listening |
| Level N5 | ||
| 11:00-11:10 | 10 min | Instructions |
| 11:10-11:30 | 20 min | Vocabulary |
| 11:50-12:30 | 40 min | Grammar |
| 12:55-13:25 | 30 min | Listening |
Test Voucher
Test vouchers will be sent out to all the applicants via email by Friday, October 11. If you have not received your test voucher by October 11, please contact us at ptjc@ualberta.ca.
Regulations
- Please bring one piece of photo ID with you to the examination.
- Please bring a copy of your test voucher with you to the examination.
- The back side of the test voucher must be blank (for example, you cannot print it on the back of used paper)
- There can be no writing, etc. anywhere on the test voucher (for example, you cannot write the directions to the test site, etc. on it)
- Please be sure to turn off cell phones and alarm watches before the test begins. If your cell phone or alarm sounded or vibrated during the test, you will be immediately DISQUALIFIED.
- Academic dishonesty will result in immediate DISQUALIFICATION.
Contact
ptjc@ualberta.ca
Prince Takamado Japan Centre for Teaching and Research
201 TELUS Centre, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R1
Study Materials
PTJC Resources
The Prince Takamado Japan Centre has books and materials available for students to borrow by visiting the PTJC (valid ONEcard is required). Come in and sign out these valuable study aids today!
Check out our Resources page for more details.
Library Resources
Sample JLPT tests from previous years as well as study guides are available from the University of Alberta Rutherford Library, 5th Floor.
University of Alberta Libraries website: https://www.library.ualberta.ca/ (search for "Japanese Language Proficiency Test")
Online Resources
JLPT Study Page
This is a webpage with study materials for JLPT levels N5 to N2.
Official JLPT Website
This page has sample questions for levels N5 to N1.
Coming to Edmonton
Please note that the testing site is at the University of Alberta, North Campus.
Accommodation
Staying on the U of A campus is possible year round. For people interested in the JLPT held the first weekend in July there are more options as dormitory space is open to visitors, but guest rooms are still available in December. For details, please check out the website.
Getting to the University of Alberta
For participants coming by car, please check out the campus map to figure out your route. Parking information is available here.
For participants coming outside of the Alberta region, it is most convenient to arrive from the Edmonton International Airport. There are several methods of getting to the U of A from the airport.
By Public Transit
The Route 747 Bus travels between the airport and Century Park LRT Station. From there, the LRT (subway) can be taken to the U of A or to other stations that may be closer to your chosen accommodation.
By Shuttle Bus
The most convenient method to get from the Edmonton International Airport to the U of A is the Edmonton Sky Shuttle. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be booked through online reservation, or by telephone at 780-465-8515. Rates are subject to change so please visit http://edmontonskyshuttle.com for full details.
By Taxi
An Airport Taxi Service is also available, but the rates are significantly higher than other options.