What is the JLPT

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What is the JLPT

The JLPT, Japanese Language Proficiency Test, is a Japanese language skills test for non-native speakers. The test is held in December, only once a year. It is often required by universities or companies that you can show a certain JLPT level in order to enter.

The test consists of four levels, with the tests covering reading, listening, kanji, vocabulary and grammar.

Level 4 - Beginner
Requires knowledge of about 100 kanji and 800 words
Level 3 - Intermediate
Requires knowledge of about 300 kanji and 1500 words
Level 2 - Advanced
Requires knowledge of about 1000 kanji and 6000 words
Level 1 - Expert
Requires knowledge of about 2000 kanji and 10000 words

Test Content and Requirements Summary

Level	Kanji	Vocabulary	Listening	Hours of Study	Pass Mark
4	~100 (103)	~800 (728)	Beginner	~150	60%
3	~300 (284)	~1,500 (1409)	Basic	~300	60%
2	~1000 (1023)	~6,000 (5035)	Intermediate	~600	60%
1	~2000 (1926)	~10,000 (8009)	Advanced	~900	70%

Exam Sections

Part One: Characters (Kanji) and Vocabulary - 100 points The first part of the exam has an average of between 35 and 45 questions that require knowledge of kanji characters and vocabulary. That is, identifying the right kanji character; selecting the correct katakana and hiragana reading; and choosing the most appropriate word for a given sentence.
Part Two: Listening Comprehension - 100 points Consists of two sections. The first, involves identifying the correct picture from a selection of four, based on a given conversation. In section two, a conversation is also heard but four possible answers are given orally.
Part Three: Reading Comprehension and Grammar - 200 points Approximately 20 to 30 questions regarding grammatical constructions, and 20 to 30 questions based on reading comprehension are given in Part Three. These may include fill-in-the-blank parts of a conversation and answering problems or paraphrasing.

Duration of answering time for each section

Level	Kanji and Vocabulary	Listening Comprehension	Reading Comprehension and Grammar	Total
4	25 min	25 min	50 min	100 min
3	35 min	35 min	70 min	140 min
2	35 min	40 min	70 min	145 min
1	45 min	45 min	90 min	180 min

How to Apply

The last application date for the 2008 test has already passed. So for the ones who haven't applied yet, the only alternative is unfortunately to wait to the 2009 exams, which will be held in December world wide, and additionally in July in Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan. This year's exam is held December 7 (Sunday), 2008.

How to apply:

Go to the official JLPT Site to find more information on how to apply for the JLPT tests.

Practise

You can practise for the JLPT here on StudyJapanese. The Flash Card Trainer contains all vocabulary for the first three levels of the test. We also have some articles covering the actual test.

If you have any tips or questions on how to pass the test, please join the JLPT Forum and let us know.

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Comments (4)

:oops: :x :lol: :? :o :o :( :) :) :D ;) :( :o :o :shock: :? :x :x :p :p :cry: :evil: :twisted: :roll: :!: :idea: :idea: :mrgreen: :| :arrow: :idea: :!: :evil: :? :o :D :? :lol: :p :cry: :twisted: :!: :?: :arrow: :arrow: :| :mrgreen:

I think starting at thirteen gives me a good advantage on learning ;)

Except for a couple of places, the test is only given once a year outside of Japan, each December. So you've got plenty of time before the next opportunity to take any of these.

You do understand that one only takes one level of the test at a time, right?

Ganbatte ne!

OMG!..
how am i suppose to do apply for the JLPT?!!
the requirements are heavy!!..i can't do that!!! :(

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