The Japanese Language Proficiency Test in Leiden
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test 2026
Announcements
None
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
Practical information
On the day of the test:
- 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.
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: 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 and before the test materials have shipped. 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.
Q: I am not Dutch / do not live in the Netherlands. Can I participate?
A: Yes you can. We will send test certificates abroad, so you can simply register with a non-Dutch address.
Q: Are there any special testing facilities available, such as test sheets with a bigger font size, or time extension?
A: 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. You can request this via email.
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.