JLPT Test in Singapore: Everything You Need to Know

Are you currently confused about how to find complete information about the JLPT exam in Singapore? Is it really hard to find up-to-date information about JLPT in Singapore these days? Especially with the Covid-19 pandemic, the implementation of the JLPT also has new standards and regulations. In fact, many of them have been thwarted for health reasons.

In this article, we want to help you understand complete and up-to-date information about the JLPT exam in Singapore. We have collected various important and up-to-date information, regarding the technical aspects of administering the JLPT, costs, guidelines for administering the test, and even places where you can prepare for the JLPT exam as well as possible.

And, at the end, we’ll also give you a sure-fire way to improve your score on the JLPT! There is no need to worry! Everything you need to prepare for the JLPT Singapore exam is right here! Alright, let’s get this discussion started.

1. About JLPT (日本語能力試験)

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) was first administered in 1984.^[1] That first year, the JLPT was administered in 15 countries with approximately 7,000 participants.^[1] The number of JLPT participants continued to grow until 2011 when the number of test takers reached approximately 610,000 people from 62 countries around the world.^[1]

Then, in 2017, the JLPT exceeded 1 million participants and continued to grow until 2019, when it will reach approximately 1.36 million participants.^[2] This makes the JLPT the largest Japanese language proficiency test in the world.

In addition, the JLPT is designed to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of foreign speakers.^[3] Although not uncommon, the JLPT is also taken by native Japanese speakers with specific personal goals. However, the JLPT is a necessity for foreign workers and students who want to build a career and settle in Japan. Then, the advantage of having it, which is very prestigious, is also always targeted by many foreigners.

On the other hand, you know that there are 2 main organizations that work really great for JLPT in Japan and overseas. They are (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services) JEES and Japan Foundation.^[4] JEES administers the JLPT exam in Japan.^[4] Meanwhile, the Japan Foundation organizes the JLPT exam in cooperation with local institutions.^[4]

4 Key Characteristics of JLPT

The JLPT is a very prestigious exam among non-native speakers. The JLPT also has 4 special features that make it different from other Japanese language proficiency exams. The following are the 4 main features of the JLPT exam:

1. The JLPT measures the communicative competence needed to perform tasks under certain conditions in everyday life. This exam does not only focus on vocabulary and grammar knowledge. However, the JLPT also tests the extent to which the candidate understands how to use the vocabulary and grammar knowledge directly in actual communication.
2. JLPT offers 5 levels (N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5). It is hoped that the JLPT can truly measure a person’s proficiency as accurately and completely as possible. Therefore, each level has specific and specially designed items. Broadly speaking, JLPT N1 and N2 measure understanding of the Japanese language in various real-life situations. JLPT N4 and N5 measure basic skills learned and used in class. Meanwhile, JLPT N3 is the intermediate level that bridges these 2 groups.
3. The JLPT has a special way of measuring test results, by using a scaled score. This exam uses a scaled score to provide equity and produce a score that is more accurate and fair in reflecting a person’s language ability at the time of exam.
4. The JLPT also has a “JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List”. This self-assessment checklist provides students with a reference for truly representing test results. This list can be used as a basis for getting an idea of how far and what applicants can do when they reach a certain level.

For more complete information on the four main features of the JLPT exam, please see the information below:

2. About JLPT Test in Singapore

The JLPT exam in Singapore is held twice a year: on the first Sunday of July and December.^[5] In Singapore, the JLPT is organized by the Japan Foundation & Japan Education Exchanges & Services (JEES) in collaboration with the Japanese Cultural Society of Singapore. You can take this JLPT exam to measure your Japanese proficiency and also to improve cultural understanding between nations.

In addition, compared to other countries, JLPT is held quite frequently in Singapore. You can get 2 chances to take the invaluable JLPT exam every year. Because in other countries, JLPT is held only once, be it in July or December.

Moreover, for complete information regarding the technicalities of conducting the JLPT in Singapore, you can visit the Japanese Cultural Society of Singapore website below. There you will find the registration procedure, the test announcement, a map of the test center, and everything you need to take the JLPT in Singapore.

In addition, some important technical matters are also discussed here. As for what the Japanese Cultural Society of Singapore is, we will discuss that in the next section.

About The Japanese Cultural Society, Singapore

The Japanese Cultural Society was founded in 1963 and later approved by the Registrar of Associations and officially published in the State Gazette of the Government as a non-profit organization.

The founders of the JCS believe that the gateway to learning the culture of a country is to learn its language. Then, in March 1966, the community began to study “Japanese language courses” under this organization.

In the beginning, 3 Japanese language classes were offered with the help of the Japanese Embassy. From 1973 to 1980, 1 Japanese language expert was sent to JCS by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, followed by 3 more Japanese language experts also sent by the Japan Foundation.

To date, JCS has continued to grow and become one of the largest Japanese language training organizations in Singapore. Every year, more than 2,000 students enroll to study Japanese at JCS.

The Japanese Cultural Society Singapore
Address: Midland House, 112 Middle Road #05-00 Singapore 188970
Telephone: +65 63383428
Email: culture@jcss.org.sg

3. General Info about JLPT Test in Singapore

Below you will find important information you need to know about the JLPT exam in Singapore, as well as general information about registering for the exam. Please check the JCS website directly for the latest updates.

1. You can only register online. There is no in-person or postal registration.
2. July registration usually opens in mid to late March each year. Meanwhile, the December registration usually opens in mid-August. Registration will open gradually.
3. You need to register as soon as possible because the registration quota is very limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. If the quota is reached, registration may be closed before the specified time. There is no additional quota or waiting list.
5. You can choose any level of the JLPT exam. In Singapore, you can take the N5, N4, N3, N2 and N1 levels.

In addition, you should carefully fill out and choose your JLPT exam level. You cannot change your level once you have registered. There is no refund of exam fees after your registration application has been submitted.

Test Guide and Fee

If you are registering for the JLPT, you must read the Test Guide carefully before registering online. The Test Guide can be downloaded from the JLPT website. Read all the information in the guide and make a note of the important points.

In the regular JLPT Test Guide, you will find information on how to register for the JLPT, instructions on how to fill out the application form, exam fees, sessions and exam duration for each level, scoring, and anything else you need to know about the technical aspects of the JLPT.

Reading the Test Guide is very important. Don’t miss it, because a mistake during the registration can be fatal and your application can fail. Then, the fee and the quota for the JLPT exam in Singapore is as follows:

Please note that paid fees cannot be refunded or transferred except in emergency situations such as follows:

Cancellation of the exam due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizers, such as the Covid-19 or Omicron wave. The fee will be refunded with a $10 administrative fee deduction. If you have any questions regarding this fee, please contact JCS directly.

4. How to Register for the JLPT Test in Singapore?

The following are the most important things you should know about registering for the JLPT exam in Singapore. Please note that these steps may vary due to certain conditions.

Then, all information provided here is based on our research as of April 2023. Please refer to the latest information listed on the JCS website and the official Japan Foundation regarding the JLPT.

1. Registration will be open for 2 weeks on a first-come, first-served basis. Set an alarm so you won’t be late.
2. All registrations can only be done online at the JCS website.
3. Read the test instructions carefully.
4. Fill out each section of the application correctly and according to the Test Guide.
5. Choose only 1 level. You may not register for more than 1 level at a time.
6. Fill in the address correctly, as this will be used as the “mailing address” for the test voucher and JLPT score report.
7. Only local addresses within Singapore will be accepted.
8. If there is a change of address, contact JCS immediately via email (jlpt@jcss.org.sg).
9. Make payment using the specified method.
10. You will receive a test voucher 1 month before the JLPT exam. If you do not receive a test voucher, please contact JCS immediately.

In addition to the above information, you must follow the instructions provided by JCS as the organizer of the JLPT exam in Singapore. If you have any difficulties or questions regarding the JLPT Singapore exam, please contact JCS as soon as possible.

The Important Note

Please note that you must download the “Confirmation of Online Submission” form after registering and send it to jlpt@jcss.org.sg. You only have 3 days to do this. Without this, your registration will be considered incomplete.

Upon successful registration, you will receive:

• A copy of the application form
• Test vouchers
• Test notification
• Copy of your registration form & test voucher

which will be sent to your email address 3 weeks prior to the JLPT exam.

5. How to Prepare for the JLPT Test in Singapore?

In addition to the technical issues mentioned above, reinforcing strategies for mastering the material is also very important in dealing with the JLPT. For those of you who currently need a special way to improve your JLPT preparation and are still confused about mapping out a strategy to beat the JLPT, we want to recommend this important thing.

If you want to prepare well for the JLPT exam, you need to do it with an experienced professional. You may be able to study on your own, but it’s less effective and the material you learn may be limited. Please read our recommendations below to find specific Japanese preparation programs offered by professionals:

Many of the JLPT candidates who have successfully passed the JLPT have achieved high scores because of the intensive JLPT preparation program they received from professionals.

One Best Way to Boost Your JLPT Score!

Additionally, for those of you who are currently looking for ways to improve your JLPT score and even get a perfect score, we have another specific recommendation.

To get a perfect score on the JLPT exam, you need to do JLPT practice tests intensively and consistently. To support your problem practice, you need excellent books. Below are recommendations for the best JLPT preparation books. If you are preparing for the JLPT N4 exam, please read our recommendations below:

Conclusion

This is the end of our discussion about the JLPT exam in Singapore. We have discussed all the technical matters regarding the JLPT exam in Singapore, starting from what the JLPT is, when the JLPT is available in Singapore, test guides, fees that need to be prepared to how to boost your JLPT score to be high, and even perfect!

We really hope that this information is useful to you. Please share with us your experience of taking the JLPT exam in Singapore and other places. We are very happy and proud to be a part of your JLPT exam journey. We wish you the best of luck! See you in the next article!

References

¹ “Message from Organizers“. The Japan Foundation. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
² “Changes in Number of Applicants“. The Japan Foundation. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
³ “Objectives“. The Japan Foundation. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
⁴ “Organizers“. The Japan Foundation. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
⁵ “List of Overseas Test Site Cities and Local Institutions“. The Japan Foundation. Retrieved 6 April 2023.