Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally recognised qualification for non-native Japanese speakers, sponsored by the Japan Foundation. Levels range from N5 (lowest) to N1 (highest).

In the UK, the test is administered by the SOAS Japan Research Centre, Cardiff University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leicester, and Kings College London on behalf of the Japan Foundation. Application procedures differ between institutions – the information on this page applies to the SOAS venue only.

Only registered candidates are permitted on the exam floor and in the exam rooms. Parents and guardians accompanying candidates must remain in the designated waiting area for the entire duration of the exam, including before the exam and during breaks, and may not enter any other part of the venue. (See the Age restrictions section on this page for information on who needs to be accompanied.)

The SOAS Japan Research Centre does not offer a level check for candidates – please consult your teacher for advice on which level to sit.

Exam dates

The JLPT takes place on the first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of December each year.

Age restrictions

The following age requirements are effective from the December 2026 exam for candidates taking the JLPT at the SOAS venue:

• We do not accept candidates aged 15 years old and under at the SOAS test venue.
• Candidates aged 16 and 17 are permitted to take the exam; however, the following conditions apply:
  • A parent or legal guardian must remain in the designated waiting area within the venue for the entire duration of the exam.
  • Waiting outside the designated area or leaving the premises during the exam period is not permitted.
  • A Parental Consent Form and Liability Form must be submitted after registration. These forms will be sent to candidates via email following successful registration.

Fees and payment

The JLPT costs £100 to sit. You'll be directed to payment after completing the online application form; payment links become available once the form is submitted.

Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable once accepted, except where the exam is cancelled by the Japan Foundation, the Japan Education Exchanges and Services, or the Japan Research Centre at SOAS.

Application schedule

SOAS typically announces the opening dates for JLPT applications as follows:

• July examination: around March
• December examination: around August

However, these dates may vary and announcements can sometimes be made earlier or later than expected. We strongly encourage all applicants to check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.

We cannot take responsibility if you miss the application deadline, even in cases where announcements are made earlier than the usual timeframe.

How to apply

Once registration opens, the application form link will be published on this page. The SOAS JLPT venue accepts online applications only. 

If you have a physical disability or other impairment and require Special Testing Accommodations (STA), please email us immediately after submitting your application.

JLPT guide

Please read the JLPT test guide carefully before applying. There's no need to print or hand in the form included in the guide – the SOAS application is completed entirely online.

Exam format

The exam is entirely multiple-choice, testing candidates' kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening ability. There is no interview or oral component. Past exam questions are not made available.

Exam-day policies

Arrival time: registration takes place in the morning; applicants must be in the exam room at SOAS by 11:00am.

Devices: 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 session, including during breaks. All devices must be switched off for the full duration of the test day. A device found switched on during a break will be treated as misconduct, and the candidate's scores will be invalidated.

Name matching: the name on your application must match your official ID exactly. You may omit middle name(s) if you wish, but you cannot add any name not shown on your ID.

This page will be updated with information on the July 2026 exam results in due course.

This page will be updated with information on the December 2026 exam in due course.