Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
About this exam
Five levels N1–N5. The world's largest Japanese proficiency test.
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 institutionN4 or above
Pass the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N4 or above
- Study abroad — Vocational and specialised training schoolsN1・N2
Pass JLPT N1 or N2
Levels
| Level | Can-do summary | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | Can understand Japanese used in a broad range of situations | C1 |
| N2 | — | B2 |
| N3 | — | B1 |
| N4 | — | A2 |
| N5 | Can understand basic Japanese | A1 |
Upcoming sessions
| Session | Registration | Exam date | Results | Countries & venues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Session 2 | Aug 17, 2026 – Sep 7, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | — | Japan — 全国47都道府県の会場 ／ China ／ Vietnam +12 more countries/regions |
Main countries: Japan ・ China ・ Vietnam and others (varies by session)。 Per-session countries and venues are in the table above.Cross-exam calendar →
Fees
| Scope | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | ¥7,500 | In Japan |
| Vietnam | ₫600,000 | Reference fee |
Prepare for Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Free sample questions, mock tests and level-by-level e-learning are in preparation.