Japanese Language Proficiency Test

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. 

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.

If you have successfully registered online and if you are requesting for Special Testing Accommodations (STA), please send the STA form, Consent form (if you are from EEA), and all the supporting documents to jlpt@ed.ac.uk by midday on Monday 25 August.

Please note when you are submitting your medical certificate(s) to support your request, the sentences explaining about the type and extent of your disability and required special arrangement should be either underlined or highlighted in the document.

Instruction Request for Special Testing Accommodations >

STA Request Form 2025 >

STA Consent Form for EEA and UK Applicants 2025 >

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 are open from Monday 18 August at 10:00 until Friday 22 August at 17:00. 

You will be required to pay the test fee of £100 during the application process. You will need a debit or credit card ready. Please be aware that once you make payment, no refunds can be given under any circumstances.

Apply