The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken), or JLPT, is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability.
[6] The JLPT was first held in 1984 in response to the growing demand for standardized Japanese language certification.
[14][15] Beginning in December 2025, JLPT score reports will include an official indication of corresponding CEFR levels.
[18] Overseas, the Japan Foundation co-proctors test administration with local cultural exchange and/or educational institutions, or with committees specially established for this purpose.
[21] No Test Content Specification is published as it is discouraged to study from kanji and vocabulary lists.
Self-reported study hour comparison data for students residing in Japan, published by the Japanese Language Education Center: (e.g. speakers of Chinese) (no prior kanji knowledge) The application period is usually around early March until late April for July's examination and around early August until late September for December's exam.
Results for the December test are announced the following February for examinees in Japan, and March for overseas candidates.
[29] As of 2021, the regions with the most test takers were Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
[61] The subject matter covered at each level of the examination was based upon the Test Content Specification (出題基準, Shutsudai kijun), first published in 1994 and revised in 2004.
This specification served as a reference for examiners to compile test questions, rather than as a study guide for candidates.
The first section (文字･語彙, moji, goi) tests knowledge of vocabulary and various aspects of the Japanese writing system.
Questions include prompts to fill in blank parts of the text and requests to paraphrase key points.
There was also a desire to measure abilities more advanced than those targeted by the current Level 1 test, hence the top-level exam was modified.