Japanese Language Proficiency Test
OVERVIEW
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally accredited language examination, offered in four different levels, designed to measure a person’s Japanese language skills.
Those who pass the JLPT receive a Certificate of Proficiency and, as a result, are better able to market their Japanese skills in order to further their careers and educational pursuits. Additionally, taking on the challenge of the JLPT provides Japanese language students the opportunity to strive for excellence.
ELIGIBILITY
Anyone may register for the JLPT. However in principle, applicants should be non-native speakers of Japanese.
TEST DATE
December 7, 2008 (Sunday)
TEST SITE (Honolulu)
University of Hawaii at Manoa
REGISTRATION FEES
Levels 1 & 2 -- $50
Levels 3 & 4 -- $40
REGISTRATION PERIOD
August 1, 2008 through September 26, 2008 (5:00PM PDT) – NO EXCEPTIONS
HOW TO REGISTER
You can register for the JLPT through "My account," which is an online registration system for the JLPT in the US. During the registration period, you can create a new account or login using an existing account and register for the test. My account: http://www.jflalc.org/jlpt/
CONTENT OF THE TEST
The test has four different levels and each examinee can choose the level that best suits his or her ability. Each test is made up of three sections including Writing – Vocabulary, Listening, and Reading – Grammar. The contents and criteria of the test are as follows:
Level 1
The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 900 hours.
| Writing-Vocabulary (100 points) : | 45 minutes |
| Listening (100 points) : | 45 minutes |
| Reading-Grammar (200 points) : | 90 minutes |
| Total (400 points) : | 180 minutes |
Level 2
The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows around 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600 hours, which is equivalent to completing an intermediate course.
| Writing-Vocabulary (100 points) : | 35 minutes |
| Listening (100 points) : | 40 minutes |
| Reading-Grammar (200 points) : | 70 minutes |
| Total (400 points) : | 145 minutes |
Level 3
The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows around 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation, and can read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours, which is equivalent to completing an elementary course.
| Writing-Vocabulary (100 points) : | 35 minutes |
| Listening (100 points) : | 35 minutes |
| Reading-Grammar (200 points) : | 70 minutes |
| Total (400 points) : | 140 minutes |
Level 4
The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows around 100 Kanji and 800 words, has the ability to engage in simple conversation, and can read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 150 hours, which is equivalent to completing half of an elementary course.
| Writing-Vocabulary (100 points) : | 25 minutes |
| Listening (100 points) : | 25 minutes |
| Reading-Grammar (200 points) : | 50 minutes |
| Total (400 points) : | 100 minutes |
JLPT information / study session
November 21, 2008 (Friday)
Level 1: Moore Hall 207, University of Hawaii at Manoa (4 p.m.)
Level 2: Moore Hall 111, University of Hawaii at Manoa (3 p.m.)
Level 3: Moore Hall 112 , University of Hawaii at Manoa (3 p.m.)