JLPT in London: All You Need to Know

Are you currently looking for information on how to take the JLPT in London, UK? Are you also finding it difficult to find comprehensive information about the JLPT in London, UK? Because, of course, you also need technical information related to how to take the JLPT in London, UK. Everything you need to know about these technicalities is available here.

In addition, the JLPT held in Japan and those held overseas have different technicalities. Starting from the implementation schedule, how to mitigate Covid-19, how to register, and so on.

For example, in the UK, the JLPT is not held in all regions. You have to find the right test sites to conduct the JLPT. You also need to be aware of the regulations for administering the JLPT in relation to Covid-19.

In this article, we will cover everything as thoroughly as possible. We will try to provide you with the most comprehensive information to face the JLPT as best as possible.

1. About JLPT

JLPT or in Japanese 日本語能力試験 is an official test that evaluates and certifies the Japanese language proficiency of a foreign speaker. The aspects tested in the JLPT include language knowledge, reading, and listening skills.

The JLPT is usually given twice a year in Japan, in July and December. The JLPT is also held overseas. However, JLPT held overseas has a special policy and can only be held once a year.

In Japan, all JLPT administrations are organized by the Japanese Education Exchange and Service for exams in Japan. Abroad, the JLPT is organized by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with the local host institution where the JLPT is held.

In addition, there are 5 levels of exams in the JLPT, namely N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. N1 is the most difficult and prestigious level while N5 is the easiest level. JLPT was first held in 1984. The JLPT was born out of the demand for a Japanese language certification that could become an official reference or standard.

Later on, the JLPT certificate even became one of the entry requirements for Japanese universities until 2003. Based on my own experience, even today some universities require you to have a JLPT certificate if you want to enter graduate school at a Japanese university.

The Advantages of Taking JLPT

Many JLPT applicants really want this certificate because of its value, which is very useful for various purposes. For example, when applying for a job, getting a promotion at work, getting a raise, qualifying for top universities in Japan, or passing a scholarship selection.

For work-related cases, for example, for foreigners who want to become nurses in Japan. They need an N1 certificate to be recognized as a foreign medical professional.

Then, foreigners who want to enter high school in Japan must pass at least the JLPT N2 exam. At the very least, every foreign worker in Japan must have a JLPT N3 certificate to survive and build a career in Japan.

Also, if you are fluent in Japanese, your ability to communicate with Japanese locals will be even greater. You can read their local newspapers, update information posted in Japanese on Twitter and social media, and even earn extra income as a part-time worker. The salaries offered to those who are fluent in Japanese are very different from those who are not.

JLPT in London, UK

In the UK, the JLPT is organized by The Japan Foundation in cooperation with 4 local institutions, namely SOAS – University of London, Cardiff University, and the University of Edinburgh. In 2023, the University of Leicester will also host the JLPT in July.

Specifically for London, the JLPT is organized by the Japan Foundation in collaboration with SOAS – University of London.

The format of the JLPT test in London for all levels is basically the same as the JLPT test format in Japan and other regions. What you should pay attention to when you plan to take the JLPT test in London, UK is as follows:

(1) Do not choose the wrong test center when you register, because you cannot change the test center after the registration process is completed.
(2) You must keep checking the website of the local JLPT test organizing institution in the UK. They will usually update the information 3-4 months before the JLPT exam.
(3) You must diligently check your e-mail to follow the progress of your JLPT technical matters.
(4) You must pay attention to the terms and conditions related to Covid-19 mitigation, as the policies of each JLPT organizing institution may be different.

In addition to JLPT content preparation, the above technical matters are very important for you to master in order to take the JLPT exam calmly and successfully.

Also, don’t let the organizer stop you from taking the JLPT exam just because you forgot to bring your Covid-19 vaccination certificate. Because once missed, you will have to wait at least 6 months or even 1 year for the next test.

2. Technical Rules of Taking JLPT in London, UK

Next, the thing you really need to pay attention to and can’t afford to miss out on when you fix the JLPT exam in London is the technicalities. What do you need to prepare for the day of the test, what levels are available and what components are assessed, what are the things you need to do and don’t need to do, and how much it will cost you? You can’t skip all of these things.

Especially now that everything can only be done online. You should be aware of the crucial times that you need to pay attention to in order to prepare yourself until the day of the exam. Therefore, let’s go through the points of the technical day regarding the JLPT exam in London in full here.

Everything we discuss is based on the technical rules of last year’s JLPT exam and the newest rules for the July 2023 JLPT Test. If you want to be updated with all the information related to the JLPT in London, then you should visit the SOAS University of London website.

And don’t forget, the announcement of the exact date and time of the JLPT application opening for July 2023 will be shared in early March 2023. Don’t miss it!

JLPT Rules & Policy in London, UK

There are 5 levels tested in the JLPT exam, namely N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. Each of these levels has different sessions, duration, and competencies. The grading system passes or fails.

Then, you must be able to achieve the minimum score in each level and each session at each level according to the specified conditions. Let’s discuss this further and please look at the following table to know more!

Then note the difference in the test sections between levels N1 & N2 and levels below N3, N4, and N5. N1 and N2 have 2 test sections, while N3 and above have 3 test sections.

Also, specifically for the N1 exam level, the listening section has a time change starting from last December 2022, which is becoming 55 minutes. Furthermore, you also need to know the linguistic competence of each JLPT of the test level. Please click the following link to read them further (Page 11~)

JLPT Test Fees, Results, and Certificates

The JLPT exam fee in London, United Kingdom is £100. You will receive payment instructions after completing the online application form. Please note that all application processes are online only.

In addition, there will be no refunds under any circumstances once payment has been received, unless there is an official cancellation of the exam by the Japan Foundation.

In addition, you must achieve a minimum score in each section in order to pass. If you do not receive the required score, even if you receive a perfect score in another section or a high score in the total score section, you will not pass. You must take all sections of the exam.

If you pass, you will receive a score and results certificate. JLPT certificates do not have an expiration date. For details on scoring, certificates, and other technical matters, please visit the SOAS – University of London website and read the Test Guide carefully.

3. How to Register JLPT in London, UK?

Full details of how to register for the JLPT are available on the SOAS – University of London website. Next, you should pay attention to the following points:

(1) Application period opened, you must update the information on the SOAS – University of London website to find out when the application is open.
(2) Pay attention to the time when the exam voucher is sent. You must receive the exam voucher on time. If you do not receive it, you should contact SOAS – University of London.
(3) Be aware of the exam date and time. Do not miss the day of the exam. The upcoming JLPT exam will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2023.
(4) Do not enter a false identity in the application. You cannot change the information you have filled in the application.
(5) Arrive early, at least 2 hours before the JLPT exam starts, to avoid any inconvenience. In particular, you should pay attention to the map where the exam is held. Don’t make any mistakes.

For more details, please read the Test Guide below!

4. How to Find the Best Places to Prepare JLPT in London, UK?

If you decide to take the JLPT exam, the best thing you can do to prepare for the JLPT is to find the best place to study and prepare well. Although there are people who can do it all by themselves.

However, studying with people who are competent with the JLPT exam is highly recommended so that you get good and even perfect results.

We have several places that you can visit to discuss and find the best plan for the JLPT exam in London, UK. All of them have reliable teachers and teaching systems.

Not only that, various programs such as intensive JLPT preparation, deepening understanding of Japanese culture, and others are also available.

You just have to choose the place that suits you and what you need. Not to forget, budgeting is also important. Where are the places? Here is a list that we can suggest:

Please visit the links below to learn more about the 5 schools we recommend above. We wish you the best of luck! Good luck and pass the JLPT!

5. How to Find the Best JLPT Tutors in London, UK?

Apart from attending JLPT preparation programs at Japanese language schools in London, there are other options you can take to prepare well for the JLPT. Especially if you have limited time or want a more intensive course that matches the JLPT level you are aiming for.

We recommend that you find a JLPT preparation tutor to help you prepare better. Japanese language and JLPT preparation tutors in London, UK are also very plentiful.

They have experience, certificates, and a very good teaching system. You can check the reviews of people who have attended their classes.

However, the next question is, where can you find JLPT preparation tutors in London, UK? We recommend you check out Japanese tutors for JLPT preparation on Preply, Amazing Talker, Varsity Tutors, and some other websites. But be careful! You need to find a real professional and check the reviews of each tutor carefully.

Conclusion

Well, that was our discussion about JLPT in London, UK. You will get various benefits and advantages by passing the JLPT exam and getting the JLPT certificate. Which will surely have a great impact on your life and future. We are so proud and happy to be a part of your JLPT and Japanese language journey. We hope that you will be able to pass the JLPT at your desired level!

May you pass the JLPT exam in London, UK with a perfect score! Don’t forget to keep up with the information we share here. Hopefully, our discussion will be enough to help you prepare well for the JLPT exam. All right, see you in the next article!