Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The next exam is Sunday 7 December 2025.

The JLPT December 2025 session is now fully booked. If you have a confirmed place, you should have received a Test Voucher. Details regarding the 2026 examination will be announced next year.

The JLPT is an internationally recognised qualification for Leaners of the Japanese language.  

In the UK, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is available at the University of Edinburgh, and also in SOAS London, King’s College London, and the University of Leicester. 

There are two major changes for the December 2025 exam: 

  • New rules for Mobile Phones / Other Electronic Devices
  • New Exam Timetable

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is held in Japan and abroad to evaluate and certify Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers. The JLPT is an in-person test and cannot be completed online.

You may only take one assessment at a time. The JLPT has five levels that you will need to complete and pass. Each level builds upon the last. The levels are labelled N1-N5, with N1 being the most difficult.

The JLPT is open to all non-native Japanese speakers. Eligibility extends to holders of Japanese citizenship. In Edinburgh, the JLPT is open to applicants over 16.

The fee to sit this exam at the University of Edinburgh is £100. No refund will be given under any circumstances once payment has been accepted. No transfer to another test level is possible once payment has been accepted. 


New Rules for Mobile Phones and Other Electronic Devices

No mobiles or electric devices can be used throughout the exam. You are also not permitted to use your mobile phone or other electronic devices during the breaks. Upon entering the exam room, you will be asked to switch off all devices and store them in your bag. 

Your bags will be kept in the designated area of the exam room, and no one is allowed to access their bags at any time during the day. A clear plastic bag will be provided for you to store your food and water. 

Using any such devices during the exam or break times will be considered misconduct. 

New Exam Timetable

The following is an estimated schedule. If you plan to use public transport before or after the exam, please allow plenty of extra time. Neither the Japan Foundation nor the University of Edinburgh can take responsibility for any delays. 

Registration on the exam day will begin at 10:30 am. Please make sure to arrive at the test site by 10:30 am. Candidates who have requested Special Testing Accommodations may have a different schedule, and the coordinator will contact those candidates directly.

There is no lunch break. However, there will be a 20-minute break between test sections for N1 and N2, and a 15-minute break for N3, N4, and N5. Please ensure you bring some food or snacks with you, so that you can eat during the breaks.

N1Arrival and registration10:30
 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading (110 mins)11:50 - 13:40
 Listening (55 mins)14:05 - 15:00
   
N2Arrival and registration10:30
 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading (105 mins)11:50 - 13:35
 Listening (50 mins)14:00 - 14:50
   
N3Arrival and registration10:30
 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (30 minutes)11:50 - 12:20
 Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading (70 mins)12:40 - 13:50
 Listening (40 mins)14:10 - 14:50
   
N4Arrival and registration10:30
 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (25 minutes)11:50 - 12:15
 Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading (55 mins)12:35 - 13:30
 Listening (35 mins)13:50 - 14:25
   
N5Arrival and registration10:30
 Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (20 minutes)11:50 - 12:10
 Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading (40 mins)12:30 - 13:10
 Listening (30 mins)13:30 - 14:00

 

 


Please download a copy of the JLPT Test Guide 2025 here >. Please read the guide carefully before you apply. 

Please note, we only accept online registrations; the guide is for your reference only.


Special Testing Accommodations (STA) forms for the 2026 test, will be updated in August 2026.

  • Instruction Request for Special Testing Accommodations >
  • STA Request Form 2026 >
  • STA Consent Form for EEA and UK Applicants 2026 >

Which test should I sit if I study Japanese at the Centre for Open Learning

N1 - This is for proficient users, we do not offer courses at this level in Japanese

N2 - After taking Japanese Upper Intermediate Step 1 to Step 6 courses (not offered in 22-23)

N3 - After taking Japanese Intermediate Step 1 to Step 6 courses (not offered in 22-23)

N4 - After taking Japanese Elementary Step 1 to Step 6 courses

N5 - After taking Japanese Beginners Step 1 to Step 6 courses

If you are unsure at all, please discuss with your teacher who will be able to assist you. Please note, it is not permitted to change the test site or test level after the application has been made.

 

How much does the exam cost?

The fee to sit this exam at the University of Edinburgh is £100. No refund will be given under any circumstances once payment has been accepted. No transfer to another test level is possible once payment has been accepted.

 

How long is the exam?

Test durations can change. Please refer to the JLPT website for up-to date timings.

 

When and how do I receive test results?

The test results will be available online via the JLPT Official Website

Test results in English

Test results in Japanese

You will access these results using the unique password you will be sent after you register.

All examinees will receive their own Score Report. Successful examinees will also receive a Certificate of Proficiency. For examinees outside of Japan, Score Reports will be sent via local host institutions (The University of Edinburgh). Examinees will receive a report for the December test in early March. If you do not receive a report by the end of the scheduled month, please contact jlpt@ed.ac.uk.

 

Does the JLPT certificate expire

The JLPT certificate never expires.

 

Does the test site have a family waiting room? 

Yes, we do have a waiting room in the building. Unfortunately, there are no facilities such as a café or vending machines available.


Applications for the December 2025 JLPT are now closed.


Contact Information:

If you have any further questions visit the Japan Foundation website here >

Please contact our JLPT Coordinator at COL if you have any questions: jlpt@ed.ac.uk

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