The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

The JLPT is an internationally known test, held worldwide, to evaluate and certify the proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers.

The test has been held since 1984.

The JLPT is held in July and/or December in Australia, depending on the city. The Melbourne test is hosted by RMIT University’s Languages discipline at the Melbourne City campus.

For more information, visit the Japan Foundation JLPT site.

2021 JLPT in Australia

This year, the July test is offered only in Canberra and is only available to ACT residents.

Visit the Japan Foundation for the most up-to-date information.

2021 dates	Melbourne	Adelaide	Brisbane	Canberra	Perth	Sydney
Sunday 4 July			Cancelled	ACT application only
Sunday 5 December	o	o	o	Not held	o	o

Note: Due to COVID-19 measures, tests may be subject to special application conditions and procedures.

How do I apply / register?

Applications are administered centrally by the Japan Foundation.
For the December test, please check the JLPT Australia website for details between mid-July and early August.

How do I know what level I should be applying for?

Please refer to N1-N5: A summary of linguistic competence required for each level which explains levels in the current test (from 2010) and Comparison of new and old tests which explains approximate equivalence of levels between the new test (from 2010) and old test (until 2009). You can also get an idea of levels from question examples in New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test sample questions.

How much does it cost?

2021 test fees:

N1, N2 and N3: $95 test fee + $6.31 Eventbrite booking fee
N4 and N5: $85 test fee + $5.76 Eventbrite booking fee.

Please see JLPT Australia for information on payments.

What can I do to prepare?

First, please be sure to read the test guide (available on the registration site) to find out what you need for the test.

Continuing to study in your accustomed manner should not lead to any problems. However, considering that the current test places importance on both knowledge of the Japanese language and the competence to use the knowledge in practical communication, we suggest using the New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test sample questions. The sample questions cover all question patterns for all levels and they will help you prepare for the test.

Additionally the following websites and on-line forums may also be of use:

JLPT study material for the JLPT levels N5 to N1, which contains Kanji list, vocabulary list and grammar points for each level.

Disclaimer: The provision of these URLs does not consist of an endorsement by RMIT of the merits or otherwise of the website. RMIT is simply passing on information that may assist you in your preparation.

Enquiries

JLPT Organiser
Japanese Studies
School of Global, Urban and Social Studies
Email: jlpt@rmit.edu.au