Japanese Language Proficiency Test Information

2010 JLPT

Application deadline has been extended until Sunday 5^th September.

Applications for the 2010 JLPT have now opened. Application booklets can be collected from:

v     Japan Seminar House, Inc. (JSH) at 29-35 Moore Road, Vermont, Victoria, 3133; or

v     Kanga Kanga bookstore, Level 5, 145 Russell Street (near the Bourke Street intersection), Melbourne 3000 (Please note Kanga Kanga does not accept applications).

Applications must be submitted directly to JSH and accepted by JSH as of Sunday the 5^th of September. Please ensure that all instructions are read carefully, in particular, that two 3x3 cm photos are attached in the relevant places, that you include the payment, and that a stamped self-addressed envelope is included so that we can return the test voucher that you will require on the day of the exam.

As specified by the Japan Foundation, the application fees are $80.00 for Levels 1-3 and $70.00 for Levels 4 and 5. It may be paid by cheque or money (made out to Japan Seminar House Inc.) or alternatively by cash (only if submitted in person, please do not send cash in the mail).

The JLPT will be held on Sunday December 5, 2010 at Melbourne High School in South Yarra. All applicants are required to bring their test voucher that they received when initially applying, and have their name marked off by twelve noon.

 

Please note that the JLPT format has now changed, effective 2010. There are now five different levels, with Level 1 being the most advanced, though there are no prerequisites (i.e. successful completion of lower levels is not required in order to attempt a more advanced level). All of the pertinent details can be found on the official worldwide JLPT website which also includes sample questions of the new format. The Japan Foundation also provides useful information regarding the JLPT. Some of the main changes include:

v     Increased focus on communicative competence; the new test places importance not only on a learner's knowledge of the Japanese language including vocabulary and grammar but also on their competence at using the knowledge in practical communication.

v     The number of levels has been increased to allow examinees to select a more suitable level. The new level introduced is comparable to a proficiency between Level 2 and Level 3 of the old test.

v     The scoring method has been revised to ensure a more accurate measurement of Japanese-language proficiency. Scores of the old test were raw scores calculated by the number of correctly answered questions. The new test uses scaled scores, where the same competency gains the same score in any session by adopting an equating method.

Level	Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level	Corresponding Levels of New and Old Tests	Test Sections and Durations
N1	The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.	Approximately the same level as the old Level 1 test, but designed to measure slightly more advanced abilities.	Language Knowledge（Vocabulary/Grammar）・Reading 110min		Listening 60min
N2	The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.	Approximately the same level as the old Level 2 test.	Language Knowledge（Vocabulary/Grammar）・Reading 105min		Listening 50min
N3	The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.	Newly established, positioned at a level bridging the old Level 2 and Level 3 tests.	Language Knowledge（Vocabulary） 30min	Language Knowledge(Grammar)・Reading 70min	Listening 40min
N4	The ability to understand basic Japanese.	Approximately the same level as the old Level 3 test.	Language Knowledge（Vocabulary） 30min	Language Knowledge(Grammar)・Reading 60min	Listening 35min
N5	The ability to understand some basic Japanese.	Approximately the same level as the old Level 4 test.	Language Knowledge（Vocabulary） 25min	Language Knowledge(Grammar)・Reading 50min	Listening 30min