The Japanese Language Proficiency Test 2025
Announcements
15-03-2025: Due to the large number of issues, we are closing registrations for now. We will reopen them on 29 March at 13:00. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience.
15-03-2025: The site is currently experiencing issues due to the large number of people visiting it. If you are experiencing issues, please try waiting a bit, without refreshing the page. Secondly, many people report the website saying registrations are full. Registrations are not full yet. We are looking into why this is happening.
24-02-2025: Registrations for the 2025 JLPT will open later than initially announced. They will open 15 March at 13:00.
Information
In 2025, the JLPT will take place on 6 July (Sunday). Registration will open on March 29 13:00 (CET).
Registration, including payment, will be fully online. The link will be on this page. The registration form requires only basic information (name, address, etc.), previous JLPT experience (past attempts and whether you passed), and how you use Japanese in your daily life.
In addition, you will need a passport-style photo (max. 2MB) on which your face is clearly visible. The test fee is €120 (+ payment processor fees), which you will be able to pay online.
Practical information
- Please do not wear any clothing that features Japanese or Chinese writing. Please take the same into account for any stationary you intend to use.
- Please use a pencil no harder than HB (preferably B or 2B). Harder pencils may cause legibility problems in the marking of your test.
- Use of mechanical pencils is discouraged.
How the test is structured
Examinees can choose from a total of five levels, ranging from N1 (most difficult) to N5 (easiest). The test consists of various sections such as grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading comprehension. Sample questions are available here:
N1, N2, N3, N4, N5
Q & A
Q: For whom is the test intended?
A: Anyone who is a non-native speaker of Japanese can take the JLPT. In addition, native speakers of Japanese can take the test if they have either received primary or secondary education outside Japan, or if they require a JLPT certificate for Japan's national exams.Participants do not have to be affiliated with Leiden University in order to take the test.
Q: How are the different levels of the test structured?
A: For each level, the test has a slightly different structure. Below is a brief overview of the test contents and times.
| Level | Test sections | Test time |
| N1 | Vocabulary, grammar & reading | 110 minutes |
|
Listening |
55 minutes |
|
| N2 | Vocabulary, grammar & reading | 105 minutes |
|
Listening |
50 minutes |
|
| N3 | Vocabulary | 30 minutes |
| Grammar & reading | 70 minutes | |
|
Listening |
40 minutes |
|
| N4 | Vocabulary | 25 minutes |
| Grammar & reading | 55 minutes | |
|
Listening |
35 minutes |
|
| N5 | Vocabulary | 20 minutes |
| Grammar & reading | 40 minutes | |
| Listening | 30 minutes |
Q: Can I take the test for more than one level simultaneously?
A: No. Examinees can only take one level at a time.
Q: Is there any study material available?
A: Please refer to the JLPTs book information website for a list of study materials for all levels. For Leiden University students are encouraged to take a look in the Asian Library collection.
Q: Is this test only for students of Leiden University?
A: No. The JLPT Leiden is open to anyone interested in participating.
Q: I am not Dutch / do not live in the Netherlands. Can I participate?
A: Yes you can. On the day of the test, all instructions by staff will be available in English. We will also send test certificates abroad afterwards.
Q: The test fee is higher than previous years. Why is that?
A: Indeed, the test fee used to be €100 but has been increased to €120. This is due to inflation, as well as the JLPT being reclassified as an 'external' activity of the University of Leiden, meaning associated costs are no longer tax exempt.
Q: Is the test fee refundable?
A: Return of payment is only possible in highly exceptional cases. See the Test Guide (below) for details.
Q: Do you organize the test in December?
A: No, we do not. We do not have the capacity for it since the university's exam period is also in December.
Are there any special testing facilities available, such as test sheets with a bigger font size, or time extension?
Yes, but you will need to provide a attending physician statement in English or Japanese. The deadline for requesting special testing facilities is identical to the regular application deadline.
Any questions?
Please refer to the Test Guide for more information. Any questions can be forwarded to jlpt@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Anyone who require special facilities is requested to contact the administration using the above e-mail address. We will also send everyone a reminder about this.