Announced by Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2026-10-01)Pre-launch information — may change
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
About this exam
Five levels N1–N5. The world's largest Japanese proficiency test.
Recognition & use Widely accepted for study, work and residency
Residence statuses this exam can support
A Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) result can be used toward the Japanese-language requirement for the following residence statuses. Levels shown are guidelines and vary by institution and job.
- Work as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)N4 or above
Pass the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N4 or above
- Move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled WorkerN4 or above
(If changing fields or not completing (ii)) Pass JLPT at N4 or above
- Get a job under Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International ServicesN2 or above
JLPT N2 or above (treated as CEFR B2-equivalent)
- Obtain the Business Manager status of residenceN2 or above
JLPT N2 or above (B2-equivalent on the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education)
- Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institutionN5 or above
Pass the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N5 or above
- Study abroad — Vocational and specialised training schoolsN1・N2
Pass JLPT N1 or N2
Levels
| Level | Can-do summary | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances. | B2–C1 |
| N2 | The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. | B1–B2 |
| N3 | The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. | A2–B1 |
| N4 | The ability to understand basic Japanese. | A2 |
| N5 | The ability to understand some basic Japanese. | A1 |
JLPT exam dates 2026
| Session | Registration | Exam date | Results | Countries & venues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Session 2 | Aug 17, 2026 – Sep 7, 2026 (in Japan) | Dec 6, 2026 | — | Japan — Venues in all 47 prefectures ／ China ／ Vietnam +20 more countries/regions |
Outside Japan, check the application period with the host institution where you take the test. How to register (outside Japan) →
The 2027 schedule has not been officially announced yet. We will post it as soon as it is released (official: jlpt.jp). Official site ↗
JLPT main test countries: Japan ・ China ・ Vietnam and others (varies by session)。 Per-session countries and venues are in the table above.Cross-exam calendar →
Country pages: Bangladesh ・ Bhutan ・ China ・ Hong Kong ・ Indonesia ・ India ・ Kyrgyzstan ・ Cambodia ・ South Korea ・ Sri Lanka ・ Myanmar ・ Mongolia ・ Malaysia ・ Nepal ・ Philippines ・ Pakistan ・ Thailand ・ Taiwan ・ Uzbekistan ・ Vietnam
JLPT fees
| Scope | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | ¥7,500 | In Japan |
For fees outside Japan, check with the local test organizer.
Recent changes
All news →- Announced by Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2026-10-05)
JLPT December exam closed for all levels (N1–N5); Immigration Services Agency recommends JFT-Basic for SSW and Employment for Skill Development
- Immigration Services Agency of JapanPre-launch information — may change
Employment for Skill Development starts April 2027 — step-by-step Japanese requirements
Practice questions (free)
Prepare for Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Free practice questions are available. Try 10 questions — no sign-up needed.