FAQ
JLPT Test Guide
  1. The test for N1, N2 and N3 will be conducted in the afternoon and test for N4 and N5 will be conducted in the morning. Candidate can sit for 2 tests of different levels in one day provided that the 2 tests are not conducted at the same time. Online enrolment for two tests that conducted at the same time is not acceptable. Please note that test venue of morning session and afternoon session may be different.
    Test duration (For reference only): N1-N3: 1:25pm ~5:30pm,  N4-N5 :8:15am ~12:00pm
  2. Test fee should be paid by specified methods.
  3. Candidate who intends to apply for 2 tests of different levels must fill in two separate forms and submit with two separate payment slip.
  4. JLPT 2023(Jul) candidates can check their results online in late August before applying for the JLPT 2023(Dec).
  5. Test Centers will be assigned to candidates through a computer allocation system. Requests for change of test centers will NOT be considered. Please note that test fees, once paid, are not refunded. Addresses of the test centers will be sent to candidates together with the Test Voucher.
  6. Announcements during the test will be made in Cantonese and supplemented with some Japanese.
  7. Candidates must observe HKSAR/Macau SAR government’s latest epidemic prevention measures and the venue’s house rules during admission for the test. Candidate who fails to comply with such rules may be barred from entering the venue, in which case their application fees would not be refunded.
  8. Since the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is conducted in various parts of the world on the same day, no supplementary test could be offered. Under exceptional circumstances beyond our control, such as typhoon signal, black rainstorm warning, act of nature, civil commotion...etc., the test must be cancelled. In this situation, candidates may opt to sit for the next test without re-enrollment or request refund of 50% of test fee paid. Our Society shall not be liable for any claim for loss due to such cancellation.
  9. If you require special arrangements in the examination due to physically challenged, you must contact our office before enrolment deadline at Tel: 2866-9991.
  10. Test fee once paid for a specific level is not refundable or transferrable nor can it be used for enrolment for change of test level. No subsequent request for change of test venue or test level will be entertained.
  11. We reserve the right to reject any applicant without giving reason. In case of any dispute, the Society reserves the right of final decision.
Updated on 1 August, 2023
FAQ : About the JLPT
  1. What is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) ?
  2. How often is the JLPT going to be administered?
    Twice yearly, on first Sunday in July and December. However, the July test will only be taken place in certain countries/areas including Hong Kong.
  3. Are there any special qualifications needed to take the JLPT?
    The JLPT is open to all non-native Japanese speakers. There is no age limit on candidates taking the JLPT.
  4. Can physical disability take the JLPT?
    Yes. Please provide the copies of doctor's proof upon registration. Special arrangements such as "enlarged test booklets", "booklets in Braille", "extended test time", "separated room"...etc. would be arranged to meet individual needs as far as possible.
  5. Which level should I take?
    The JLPT has five different levels of difficulty. N1 is the highest level and
    N5 is the lowest level. Please refer to the contents and criteria of the JLPT. click here.
  6. How is the test level equivalent to the school grade in Japan?
    The standard is different. It cannot be compared.
  7. What is the format of the test?
    Levels N1 and N2 have TWO test sections each: (1) Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading, and (2) Listening.
    N3, N4 and N5 have THREE test sections each: (1) Language Knowledge (Vocabulary), (2) Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading, and (3) Listening. You can refer to The Japan Foundation for sample questions .
  8. Can I / Should I bring my own equipment (e.g. headphone) for the Listening Test?
    No. Not necessary / Not allowed.
  9. Is anything like "Test Content Specifications" going to be published for the new test?
    The "Test Content Specifications" which includes the lists of vocabulary, kanji, and grammar will not be published for the new test.
  10. Why aren't the "Test Content Specifications" going to be published?
    The goal of learning Japanese is not to memorize vocabulary, kanji, and grammar, but to become capable of using them as a means of communication. The new test is to measure both "Japanese language knowledge, including vocabulary and grammar," and "the competence required to perform communicative tasks using language knowledge.' Therefore, we determined that it is not appropriate to publish "Test Content Specifications" which includes the lists of vocabulary, kanji, and grammar. On the other hand, as the new levels N1, N2, N4, N5 are approximately the same as old levels 1, 2, 3, 4, the "Test Content Specifications" of the old test could be a reference for preparing for the new test.
  11. What score do I need to obtain in order to pass the JLPT?
    In order to pass, (1) total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark) and (2) score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass mark). If there is even one scoring section where the score is below the sectional pass mark, examinees are determined to have failed, no matter how high the total score he/she might have.
    Examinees will be judged to have failed if they miss a test section. Although they will receive a Score Report, it will not show scores for any test section, including those that have been taken.
  12. Are results of the new test used as a reference for entrance exams of universities in Japan?
    In general, universities in Japan use the results of “Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students” conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization as a reference. JLPT results are sometimes used for international students from countries where “Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students” is not conducted. Please inquire directly at the schools to which you are applying.
FAQ : Enrolment
FAQ :Before applying the JLPT
  1. Where can I apply for the JLPT?
    Enrolment will be accepted on-line only. Starting from 2022, enrolment centre service will be terminated.
  2. How to apply for the JLPT?
    We accept on-line enrolment. After you fill in the enrolment form, confirm the information and submit it successfully, you will be able to receive an email confirming the acceptance of your application. You will be notified of your registration number in the email. Please follow the instructions and arrange the payment by using PPS / make payment at designated convenience stores. We will notify you by email upon receipt of your payment.
    An official receipt together with the test voucher will be sent to you by post.
  3. When will the JLPT take place this year?
    2 July 2023 (Sunday)
    3 December 2023 (Sunday)
  4. Can I apply two different levels of the test?
    Yes, but please be reminded that you cannot sit for two different levels of the test which are conducted at the same time. For those who want to apply two different levels of the test are requested to submit two separate enrolment forms and two separate payments.
  5. Can I assign a specific test center for sitting the test?
    No, test center will be assigned to candidates through a computer allocation system. Requests for change of test centers will NOT be considered. Please note that registration fees, once paid, are not refunded.
  6. I want to take the test in Japan, can I enroll here?
    No. Please refer to: http://www.jees.or.jp/jlpt//
  7. I have enrolled in other country, can I take the test in Hong Kong?
    No. Test organizer is different according to each country. If you want to take the test in Hong Kong, you must enroll through our Society.
  8. Can I still apply for the test after enrolment deadline?
    No. No application will be accepted after enrolment deadline for whatever reason.
FAQ: When applying
  1. Do I have to fill in my identity card number?
    Yes, you must fill in the identity card number and name printed on your identity card. On the test day, you have to present the same identity document indicated on the enrolment form for identification purpose.
    Non-Hong Kong citizens may fill in the passport number or entry permit number(candidates from Mainland China).
  2. How to pay for the test fee?
    We accept PPS payment or make payment at designated convenience stores. You will be notified of the payment details by email. Please complete the PPS payment/payment at designated convenience stores within the specific period.
  3. I still haven’t received the “confirmation email” within 24 hours, what can I do?
    Please check the “Spam email” folder first. Or you can login the “Candidate Login” page. Copies of all the emails sent by us have been saved inside the page. If you still have problem in reading the “confirmation email”, please contact us immediately. Otherwise, late payment will cause cancellation of application.
  4. I have paid the test fee by PPS/internet banking/cash at designated convenience stores already. Why “Application has not completed” is still shown inside the “Candidate Login” page?
    We cannot update the payment status until we have received data from the bank. For payment made thru PPS/Internet banking/convenience stores, Updates inside the "Candidate Login" will be done before 11pm on next working day. Please note that Saturday, Sunday and Public holiday are not being counted as working day.
  5. When can I receive the test voucher?
    Test voucher will be sent to candidates at around 3 weeks before the test day. If you still have not received the test voucher on 15 November / 15 June, please contact us. (Tel:2866-9991)
FAQ: After the application
  1. What should I do if I find error in the information I submitted?
    Candidates can check and amend their personal information via "Candidate Login" on our web-site within a specific period. Otherwise, you can notify us about the amendment either by letter or email. Request by phone will not be accepted. Please note that you must update your correspondence address if there is any subsequent change.
  2. Can I receive the test voucher earlier?
    No.
  3. I do not live in Hong Kong. How can I receive the test voucher?
    We will send the test voucher to your Hong Kong / Macau correspondence address given on the enrolment form.
  4. What should I do if I have not received the test voucher?
    Please contact us. (Tel 2866-9991)
  5. The data shown on the test voucher is wrong, what should I do?
    Please contact us. (Tel 2866-9991) No revision could be made after the test.
  6. I lost my test voucher. What should I do?
    Please contact us. (Tel 2866-9991)
  7. I moved after registration. What should I do?
    Please update your information on-line. Or write to us either by letter or email.
  8. Can I change the test level after registration?
    No.
  9. After registration, I found that I cannot take the test due to some reasons. Can I have the test fee refunded?
    No. Test fee paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  10. I lost the receipt. Can it be re-issued?
    No. Receipt cannot be re-issued. A letter of proof on test fee paid could be issued with  HK$50 handling charge within 3 working days. Please contact us for details.
FAQ : Test Day
  1. Can I be late or leave earlier on the test day?
    No admission into the Examination Hall is allowed 10 minutes after the start of the “Language Knowledge” section. For the “Listening” section, no one is allowed to enter the Examination Hall once the question CD is set to run. Candidates who are absent from any section or leave early during the test will obtain no score in all sections.
  2. What can I do if I forget to bring my Test Voucher?
    If you are unable to produce the Test Voucher when participating in the examination, a temporary Test Voucher could be issued on request at the main office of the test venue with a handling charge of HK$100.
  3. What can I do if I forget to bring my Identification document?
    Candidate who are unable to produce a valid identification document will be disqualified from the examination.
  4. Can I use propelling pencils to mark the answers?
    As answers filled in by propelling pencils could not be erased thoroughly by rubbers and the marks left behind may affect proper assessment of the answers, candidates are advised NOT to use such pencils when answering the questions.
  5. Will there be any clock set inside the examination venue?
    You are advised to bring your own watch (must be put on your wrist) as a reference to measure the time for the examination because no clock will be set inside the examination centers. Please note that time for the examination is measured according to the watch of the examination instructor. You are not allowed to use your mobile phone for timekeeping during the examination.
FAQ : Test result and certificate
  1. When can I receive the test result?
    You will receive your test result in March (December Test) and in October (July Test) through a notification letter sent to you by post. Please follow the schedule and present the notification letter together with your identity document to our Shau Kei Wan office to collect the test result. Result will be kept in our office for one year. Please note that all uncollected result will be destroyed after retention period. Test result can also be checked online. Please refer to our web-site for schedule.
  2. I need the test results for admission to school in Japan. Can I get the test results earlier?
    No. Please notify your school about your candidate number and other personal data. Your school can contact the organizer in Japan directly for your result.
  3. Can I check my result via internet?
    Yes. During the online result checking period, you can check your JLPT result at the "Candidate Login" page. Please refer to our website for details. We do not accept telephone enquiry on test result.
  4. Is there any test report and certificate?
    Each candidate will be given a test report. Those who passed will be given a JLPT certificate as well.
  5. Can I request the organizer to double check my test papers?
    No. The organizer- Japan Foundation examine all the papers carefully by checking them many times. Request for additional checking will not be accepted. Neither the Japan Foundation nor our Society will respond to inquiries regarding test scores.
  6. Can we compare the scores of the new test and the old test ?
    Since the content of the new test and the scoring method are different from the old test, the scores from the new test cannot be compared to those of the old test.
  7. Why are the test scores for Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading listed separately in the score report for levels N1, N2 and N3 but listed as a combined score in levels N4 and N5 ?
    The organizers have determined that combining Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading is appropriate for N4 and N5, as the required proficiencies for these two sections overlap considerably at these basic levels.
  8. I lost my JLPT certificate. What should I do?
    No test report or certificate can be reissued. Candidate can only apply for a "Certificate of Result and Scores" for the test.
    For more details, please refer to the website of the Japan Foundation: https://www.jlpt.jp/certificate/index.html
  9. I have changed my name after taking the test. Can I change the name printed on my certificate and score report as well? I can provide document proof.
    No. The organizer will not correct and re-issue certificates or score reports for any reasons.
  10. Does the test certificate expire at some point?
    No. However, some companies and schools that use test results may have a validity period for the test certificate.
  11. Does the old test certificate become invalid once the new test begins?
    No, it will continue to be valid.
  12. If I pass the JLPT level 1 three times, is there any additional special certificate?
    No. No additional special certificate.
FAQ : Other relevant information about JLPT
  1. Any special courses for the JLPT?
    We do not have any courses for the test. Some Japanese language institutions in Hong Kong have organized different courses for the test. For those interested, please refer to the institution links provided on our website.
  2. Do you have any past test papers?
    There are no plans to publish collections of complete copies of tests administered in past year. The "New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions" would be an excellent resource for practice, as the form and content of each test item are presented just like they are on the actual test.
  3. Do you have any sample questions?
    Sample questions can be accessed on the website of the Japan Foundation:https://www.jlpt.jp/e/samples/sampleindex.html
  4. Is there any summary of the JLPT?
    Summary of the JLPT held in Hong Kong and Macau is available on our website. Summary of the JLPT held all over the world is available on the website of the Japan Foundation: http://jlpt.jp/statistics/
  5. Where can I get more information about the new test?
    Please visit the official JLPT website at http://www.jlpt.jp/e/ for more information and updates.