Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally recognised qualification for non-native Japanese speakers, sponsored by the Japan Foundation. 

In the UK the test is administered by the SOAS Japan Research Centre, Cardiff University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Leicester on behalf of the Japan Foundation. The highest level is N1, and the lowest is N5.

The JLPT SOAS venue welcomes everyone as long as you can sit the exam on the test day by yourself (we cannot accept any guardians in the test room) regardless of your nationality or age.

The SOAS Japan Research Centre does not offer a level check for candidates. Consult your teacher for advice. Only candidates are allowed to enter the exam floors and rooms. Guardians must stay in the assigned waiting area during the exam (including before the exam and during the break time) and are not allowed to enter any other place at any time.

Exam dates

The JLPT takes place on the first Sundays of July and December every year.

Fees and payment

The JLPT costs £100 to sit. You will be directed to make your payment once you have completed the online application form (payment links will be available after you have completed the form).

You cannot receive a refund (and you cannot transfer to another test either) under any circumstances once payment has been accepted, unless cancellation is made by the Japan Foundation, the Japan Education Exchanges and Services, or the Japan Research Centre at SOAS University of London.

JLPT guide

Read the JLPT test guide carefully before you apply. Please note that there is no need to print out the form in the guide and hand it in in person. The application for JLPT in SOAS is done via online form only.

Application procedure

The SOAS JLPT venue only accepts online applications. When application registration opens, you can find the online application form link on our website. Please apply using the link.

If you have a physical disability or other impairments and need Special Testing Accommodations, please notify us via email immediately after your application. 

Please note that the application process differs for each institution.

Exam format

The exam is entirely in 'multiple questions—answers' format, where candidates’ kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening abilities are all tested. There is no interview or oral paper.

The exact test questions of every exam are not available. 

Your results will be available from 10:00am (JST) on Friday 30 January. You can access your results on the online results section of the JLPT website.

Your results will be available until 5:00pm (JST) on Tuesday 31 March; please make sure to check your results during this period. We will begin mailing physical certificates to domestic addresses between March and April. For international addresses, delivery may take significantly longer, and please note that tracking is not available.

Application opening dates

This year, applicants must first obtain a ticket via Eventbrite. You can obtain a tickets for each level through the following links:

• N1 and N2: opens 12 noon on Monday 16 March
• N3, N4 and N5: opens 12 noon on Tuesday 17 March

The Eventbrite ticket is only to receive the JLPT registration form. It does not complete your registration. We close the Eventbrite tickets once it reaches its maximum capacity, and tickets are allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

After obtaining a ticket, the registration form link will be emailed to the address you entered on Eventbrite. You must submit the registration form within 24 hours. Failure to submit the form means you will not have a seat for the July 2026 exam.

Read the JLPT 2026 Guide

All applicants must read and agree to the JLPT 2026 Guide before applying. If you have questions, please contact us before the application opening date. Due to high volume, we cannot answer enquiries during the registration period.

Name and email requirements

The information you enter on Eventbrite and in the registration form must be correct.

Candidate name: the name entered on Eventbrite must be the candidate’s full legal name (middle name optional). If someone else is applying on the candidate’s behalf, they must enter the candidate’s name, not their own. Incorrect names may delay or invalidate the application.

Email address: you must provide a valid, accessible email address – all registration information will be sent there. We cannot resend the form if emails are blocked or lost due to spam filters or security settings.

After getting a ticket

You will receive the JLPT registration form link from JLPT SOAS. You must submit the form within 24 hours of receiving it. Missing the deadline means you will not be allocated a seat. Ensure you can receive emails from Eventbrite and SOAS.

Waitlist

If tickets are sold out you may join the waitlist. Waitlist notifications are sent between 19 and 25 March. If you do not hear from us, it means no spaces were available.

If selected from the waitlist you will receive the registration form link. You must submit it within 24 hours. Being on the waitlist does not provide priority for the December 2026 JLPT.

Registering multiple candidates

Each candidate must be registered through a separate transaction. Only one ticket can be selected per purchase.

Accessibility and special accommodation

Candidates requiring accommodation must submit their JLPT registration form first, then email us immediately after submitting the form.

Device policy update (effective 2025)

From 2025 onwards, the use of mobile phones and all electronic devices—including smartwatches, cameras, and communication tools—is strictly prohibited from the start of the test until the end of the entire session, including breaks. All devices must be switched off for the duration of the test day. If a device is found turned on during breaks, it will be treated as misconduct and your test scores will be invalidated.

Earlier start time (effective December 2025)

Please note that from the December 2025 test, exam start times will be earlier, and registration will now take place in the morning. Applicants must be in the exam room at SOAS by 11:00am.

Name-matching requirements

The name on your application form must match your official ID. You may omit your middle name(s) if you wish. However, you cannot add any names that are not on your ID.