JLPT in Paris: All You Need to Know

One thing that Japan has in common with major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa, and Paris is that it is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Every year, thousands or even millions of tourists from all over the world enjoy the romantic Eiffel Tower and Tokyo Tower. Thus, with these conditions, there is an exchange and opening of the trade to employment opportunities and exchanges between the education and culture of these two countries.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Paris has been a sister city of Tokyo since July 14, 1982.^[1] This bilateral relationship has been established for so long. Here also, the exchange of languages and cultures of both countries cannot be stopped.

As a result, the Japanese language is developing in Paris. The schools also offer special programs to prepare for the JLPT test. In fact, the JLPT exam is only given in Paris twice a year. This is different from other cities in France.

However, it is not easy to find the latest and most comprehensive information about the JLPT exam in Paris. Especially in the midst of the current pandemic situation. The JLPT exam regulations are also changing due to health protocols and various special government regulations.

Therefore, in this article, we would like to help you find out the latest information regarding the JLPT exam in Paris. We have summarized all the information you need about the JLPT exam in Paris such as technical information about the JLPT implementation, what exactly is the JLPT exam, JLPT exam registration procedures, and various other things. Alright, let’s get started!

1. About JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

The JLPT was first administered in 1984.^[2] That year, approximately 7,000 candidates from 15 countries took the exam.^[2] Since then, the number of JLPT test takers has increased. By 2011, the number of JLPT test takers had increased significantly to 610,000 test takers from 62 countries.^[3]

In addition, the JLPT exam aims to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of foreign speakers from around the world.^[4] There are 2 main organizations that administer JLPT exams in Japan and around the world. The organization that administers the JLPT exam in Japan is Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.^[5] Meanwhile, overseas, the JLPT exam is administered by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with local institutions.^[5]

Initially, the JLPT exam was held only once, in December.^[6] Since 2009, the JLPT has been offered twice a year: July and December.^[6] In addition, the JLPT exam format was revised in 2010. This new exam format is specifically designed to meet the increasingly diverse needs of each JLPT candidate.

To date, the JLPT exam continues to grow in popularity. JLPT organizers are also expanding the reach of their candidates around the world. Not surprisingly, many government agencies, companies, and universities make the JLPT an administrative requirement for foreign speakers applying for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities.

Four Key Characteristics of JLPT

There are 4 main features of the JLPT that make it different from other JLPT exams. These four main characteristics are important for you to know in order to understand how the JLPT exam actually tests your Japanese language skills. Obviously, this will affect the way you study and understand the JLPT exam material.

1. The JLPT exam tests the communicative competence of candidates in carrying out certain tasks in everyday life. This exam tests not only the extent of your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, but also your understanding of how to use this knowledge in everyday communication.
2. The JLPT exam has 5 levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. This test measures the student’s proficiency as comprehensively as possible with specific criteria at each level. N4 and N5 measure basic understanding of the Japanese language commonly used in the classroom. N1 and N2 measure understanding of Japanese used in various situations in everyday life. Meanwhile, N3 is the intermediate level that bridges the two groups.
3. JLPT exam results are presented using a scaled score to provide a more accurate and fair measurement of results during the exam.
4. The exam also offers a “JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List” to further and more completely present the test results. This list can help candidates understand the extent to which their skills can be used in everyday applications.

Furthermore, JLPT exam scores are also machine-calculated due to the large size of the test. The JLPT questions are multiple-choice. The JLPT also only tests your listening, reading, and writing skills. This exam does not directly test your speaking or writing skills.

The Advantages of JLPT

Certainly, a myriad of benefits for someone who has a JLPT certificate. Especially at the N1 and N2 levels. This level is categorized as an advanced level that is well accepted for the professional field in Japan. Some of the benefits of having the certificate can be seen as follows:

1. If you have a JLPT N2 or N1 certificate, you will get convenience in Japanese immigration. You will get points and be included in the”Highly Skilled Professionals”:
2. Spouses of highly skilled professionals are granted permission to work in the country.
3. Many Japanese companies are looking for foreign workers with Japanese language skills to become managers in a company to staff their branches operating outside of Japan.
4. You will have the opportunity to enter world-class universities in Japan, Tokyo University, Kyoto University, and Tohoku University. In the field of technology and science and engineering, universities in Japan are leaders in seeking knowledge, we can see that Japan is still a reference for the development of world technology.
5. Scholarship opportunities for students from all over the world. Scholarships with a large enough amount that you can even invite your family to accompany you to study at the university with this scholarship.

Not only that, but by learning Japanese and taking the JLPT exam, you can individually enrich yourself with language skills. You can use this ability to work, learn new skills, and more. You will also have the opportunity to deeply understand Japanese culture through the language.

2. About JLPT in Paris

The JLPT exam in France is only offered in 4 cities: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Strasbourg. Specifically in Paris, the JLPT exam is held twice a year: July and December. While in other cities it is different, only 1 time. In Lyon and Bordeaux, the JLPT exam is held only once: December only. Meanwhile, in Strasbourg, the JLPT exam is only held in July.

Then, each city has a local institution that administers the JLPT exam. You should refer to the information available on the websites of these local institutions for the latest news regarding the JLPT exam.

Specifically for the JLPT exam in Paris, the local institution that is the organizer is the Service Commun de la Formation Continue de I’INALCO. You can visit their website for the latest information on the JLPT. Brief information about this institute is provided in the next section.

About Service Commun de la Formation Continue de I’INALCO

Founded in 1795, the Service Commun de la Formation Continue de I’INALCO has been providing training and education in the Paris region for over 100 years. Its focus is on language and civilization training for the people of Paris. In addition, the Institute awards academic degrees ranging from Bachelor’s to Doctorate through institutional diplomas. 

Further, Inalco’s offer is characterized by its great diversity. With more than 100 languages and civilizations taught and several professional courses. It offers students a high level of education based on research and focused on professional integration.

The Institute has done a great deal of research on languages in regions spread across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. In addition to its focus on languages, the Institute also conducts research in the fields of geography, politics, and history, with an emphasis on the social sciences.

This Institute is also very active in fundraising and humanitarian aid, most recently helping victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria a few months ago. Also, the Institute has been officially appointed by the Japan Foundation as the local institute to administer the JLPT test in Paris.

3. General Info about JLPT in Paris

In 2023, the JLPT exam will be administered twice: in July and December. The first exam will be held on July 2, 2023, and the second exam will be held on the first Sunday in December 2023. Registration is only possible online. There is also a limit on the number of candidates for the Paris exam. Therefore, you should always update the information on the website of the local JLPT institution.

Here is some general information you need to know about the JLPT exam in Paris:

1. You must regularly check the JLPT exam information on your local institution’s website.
2. The registration link will be available when the registration period opens.
3. You will receive a confirmation email informing you of your registration record if you have followed all the instructions correctly.
4. You must pay for the JLPT exam using the method listed.
5. Next, please refer to the information listed on the local institution’s website, the test guide, and various links listed on the local institution’s website.

You will then need to submit the specified files to complete your registration process. For more detailed information on submitting these files, please visit your local institution’s website. If you have completed everything correctly, you will receive a test voucher 1 month before the JLPT exam.

Test Guide and Fee

As for the test guide, you will receive it along with a link to register on the local institution’s website. If you need an old Test Guide for reference, you can visit the local institution’s website and contact the available contact person to request a Test Guide.

Then, please carefully read all the information in the test guide. Follow all instructions listed. You will also need to pay the JLPT exam fee in Paris as follows:

Follow the instructions to complete the payment. You will also need to print a receipt and send it to the local JLPT organizing institution in Paris. If you have any questions, please contact your local institution.

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

To take the JLPT exam in Paris, you need to understand the JLPT exam registration procedure in Paris. All the information regarding the registration procedure is usually listed on the website of the local institution. For your reference, here are some steps you need to take to register for the JLPT exam in Paris:

1. Regularly visit the website of the local institution that organizes the JLPT Paris exam, download and read the test booklet.
2. Follow all the instructions and fill in all your personal information correctly and thoroughly.
3. Avoid making mistakes when entering data such as test level and address. You cannot change the level of the test you are taking once your registration is complete. Your address must be filled in correctly because the test voucher and test results will be sent to your address.
4. Pay for the exam using the method provided. Print your proof of payment.
5. Immediately contact the local institution to confirm registration. If you encounter any difficulties during the registration process, you are also strongly advised to contact the local institution.

In addition, registration procedures may vary according to the conditions and policies of local institutions. You should always update the information on their website. For more detailed information about the registration procedure for the JLPT exam in Paris, please visit the website of the local institution.

The Important Note & JLPT Result

Please also note that, the candidates who require special accommodations, such as candidates with disabilities, may submit a request for Special Testing Accommodations to their local host institution prior to the close of registration for the July or December JLPT testing period.

Then, the test results will be mailed to candidates in October for the July session and in March for the December session. A certificate of eligibility will be also issued to successful candidates.

In addition, JLPT results will also be available online (subject to the validity of your password) from the end of August to the end of October for the July session and from the end of January to the end of March for the December session. More information will be posted on the official JLPT website.

5. Best Way to Prepare for the JLPT Test in Paris

In this section, we will share the most important things about how to learn Japanese properly and prepare for the JLPT exam in the best possible way. Of course, everyone’s dream is to get a high score on the JLPT exam.

This is not impossible. By studying intensively and attending special JLPT exam preparation programs with official institutions or institutions with professional teachers, you can learn Japanese effectively and correctly and get a high JLPT score.

Therefore, to strengthen your JLPT preparation, we highly recommend that you study with a professional teacher or tutor. A professional teacher or tutor will help you study effectively and evaluate your mastery of the JLPT material. This will be difficult for you to do if you study alone. Teachers or tutors at official schools are usually native Japanese professionals with experience and certificates. This will really help you prepare well for the JLPT exam and be able to get a high score!

Then, the second tip, practice questions is very important for you to do. The more you practice the JLPT exam questions, the more familiar you will be with the patterns of the JLPT exam questions. To help you practice questions, use the right JLPT exam practice questions and preparation book. If you are currently preparing for the JLPT N3 exam, please read the book recommendations below to practice our JLPT exam questions.

Conclusion

Alright, this is the last part of the article about the JLPT Paris exam. We really hope that this information will help you to really understand the JLPT exam in Paris. We are very happy to be a part of your journey to fight for the JLPT exam.

Thank you for reading to the end. See you in the next article! Good luck and we also wish you receive a perfect JLPT score!

References

¹ “Sister Cities (States) of Tokyo“. Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
² “Message from Organizers“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
³ “Introduction“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
⁴ “Objectives“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
⁵ “Organizers“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
⁶ “Statistics“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 26 April 2023.