Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

JLPT logo

Japanese Language Proficiency Test

About

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is designed to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of learners of the Japanese language. It is held once or twice a year in many countries on the first Sunday of July and/or December. In Canada, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is offered in Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Vancouver.


Background

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) was first held in 1984 by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) in order to measure and certify Japanese language learners. Although only 7,000 people took the test in its first year, the number of examinees rose to more than a million people by 2018. The JLPT is now the largest-scale Japanese language examination in the world. In addition to measuring Japanese language ability for academic purposes, test results are now also used by employers to assess job seekers’ credentials and evaluate employees for promotion and recognition. Students use the test to demonstrate their language ability when applying to educational institutions, study abroad programs, internships, etc. As the number of students of Japanese language  increased, it became apparent that the test must be revised to meet the diverse and changing needs of Japanese language learners. The New JLPT By evaluating past test outcomes and developments in Japanese pedagogy and test theory over the past 25 years, the Japan Foundation and JEES have revised the content of the JLPT and in 2010 the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test was created. The New Japanese Language Proficiency Test is divided into five levels of ability. Level 1 is the most difficult while Level 5 is the easiest. Each test has three sections: characters-vocabulary, listening, and reading-grammar.


The Japanese Language Proficiency Test Self-evaluation Can-do List

The JLPT Self-evaluation Can-do list is based on the self-evaluation results of test takers on what they think they should be able to achieve in Japanese in order to pass each of the JLPT levels. Therefore, the JLPT Self-evaluation Can-do List is not a syllabus for the content of questions that appear on the test, and it does not serve as a guarantee for Japanese proficiency of those who pass the test. This list can be used as a reference for test takers and individuals to build an image of what a person who passes a certain level can achieve using Japanese. For Japanese proficiency measured by the JLPT and question contents, please refer to reference materials such as “Summary of linguistic competence required for each level”, “Example questions”, “New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guidebook, Section II (in Japanese)” and so on. Refer to the link below for more information on the JLPT Self-evaluation Can-do Test (in Japanese). https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/candolist.html

Test Sites in Canada (2024)

    • Ottawa: Carleton University – December 1, 2024
    • Toronto: York University – December 1, 2024
    • Edmonton: University of Alberta – July 7, 2024 & December 1, 2024
    • Vancouver: Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall – July 7, 2024 & December 1, 2024

How to Register


Please visit the host institution’s website to register for the test.

Test Fee: $100 CAD* (non-refundable and non-transferable)
*Due to inflation, the JLPT test fee in Canada will increase to $100 in December 2024.
Thank you very much for your cooperation and understanding.



Dates:

July 7, 2024

December 1, 2024

Special Assistance/ Arrangements

If you require special arrangements, there is a specific form you must fill out in addition to the JLPT application form. Please check the details with your host institution. You will be informed a month before the test if your request is approved.

Obtaining Your Test Score

Online Score Display System: Beginning with the July 2012 test, the Online Score Display system will be available for examinees to view their test results.

This website will be available for about two months after the test date: until mid-October for the July test and mid-March for the December test. Use the password that you set at registration to access the system. If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to contact the host institution. Online Score Display System: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/results_online.html (results are only available for a limited time online)

Requesting Old Score Reports
If you took the test in Canada prior to this year, you can request a “Certificate of Results and Scores” from your host institution or the Japan Foundation in Tokyo. Please visit the site below for more information. http://www.jlpt.jp/e/certificate/

Links and Resources

For applicants taking the test in the U.S., please contact The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles: http://www.jflalc.org