JLPT Thailand: Everything You Need to Know

Japan is a popular study-abroad destination for international students because of its technology, quality of education, culture, environment, and language, which are conditioned by very inspiring philosophies and noble values.

In addition, students from all over the world, especially from Asia, really like this cherry-blossom country, including students and foreign workers from Thailand.

The number of foreign students and workers coming from this Buddhist country is also very large, competing with other countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

And of course, these students and foreign workers are no strangers to the term JLPT. JLPT is their must-have ticket to enter the global Japanese market. To help those of you who are currently struggling to pass the JLPT in Thailand and dream of living and building a career in Japan, we present this article to you.

Your goal of studying Japanese to beat the JLPT exam is about to be realized, and this article will help you get there. We have summarized all the important information you need to know about the JLPT exam in Thailand.

Starting from what the JLPT is, how the JLPT exam is conducted in Thailand, where you should go if you have any questions or problems in registering for the JLPT exam, and several other important points. All right, let’s start the discussion!

Read also: 9 Best & Most Popular Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo

About JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is under the joint organization of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (formerly the Association of International Education, Japan).^[1] This exam began in 1984 as a test to measure and validate the Japanese language proficiency of non-native Japanese.^[2]

Further, in its first year, the JLPT was administered in 15 countries and approximately 7,000 participants took the test.^[3] Since then, the JLPT has become the world’s largest Japanese language test, with approximately 610,000 test-takers in 62 countries and territories worldwide in 2011.^[3]

In 2017, the JLPT test has been taken by more than 1 million people from all over the world. Thus, the JLPT is the largest Japanese language proficiency test that is recognized and widely used by various institutions. Both educational and corporate, to recruit prospective students and prospective employees.

In particular, the JLPT test itself is divided into 5 levels of noble difficulty, starting from level N5, which is the most basic level, and followed by levels N4, N3, N2, and level N1 as the highest level of the JLPT test.^[4] Especially for the N1 level itself, even many Japanese people take it themselves and some of them say that the N1 level is quite difficult.

In general, the JLPT test is administered around the world by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with local host institutions. Usually held in 2 periods: in July and December. The JLPT test also well known as the exam with no age limit to register to register as a participant. The JLPT test can be taken by all ages. The JLPT test fee is also very affordable for anyone.

The Advantages of JLPT

There are countless benefits of JLPT certificates that can be used in various fields both in the field of education or work in a company. Also, there will be recognition in the community for our Japanese language skills if we have it. More details of the benefits can be described as follows:

1. Those who have an N1 level certificate will receive 15 points and the N2 certificate will receive 10 points in the category of “Point-Based Preferential Immigration Treatment System for Highly Capable Foreign Professionals” from the Japanese government.
3. Then, if you have more than 70 points, you will receive preferential treatment from the Japanese immigration authorities.
4. JLPT N1 certificate is required for foreign licensed physicians who wish to take the Japanese national examination for physicians and other professionals.
5. JLPT N1 certificate is also necessary for overseas nursing school graduates who wish to take the Japanese Nursing Assistant Examination. The Nursing Assistant examination is organized by each prefecture.
6. The Japanese language test is waived for foreign examinees who have passed JLPT N1 or N2.
7. Based on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, JLPT certificates are required for Indonesian, Filipino (approximately level N5 or higher), and Vietnamese (level N3 or higher) prospective nurses or nursing assistants visiting Japan.
8. JLPT certificate can also be used for university entrance requirements in Japan.
9. This test certificate can also be used to apply for scholarships. Many scholarship-granting institutions in Japan require JLPT certificates at least at the N2 level.

Not only that, but the JLPT can also be extremely useful for finding a job, getting a job promotion, and increasing your salary at work. Especially if you are working in Japanese companies either operating in Japan or Japanese companies operating abroad.

About JLPT in Thailand

The JLPT exam in Thailand is available in 5 cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani. In each city, the JLPT exam date is slightly different.

Only 3 cities offer the JLPT exam in July and December: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ubon Ratchathani. In the remaining 2 cities, Songkhla and Khon Kaen, the JLPT exam is only available in December.

In addition, each city has its local institution that has been trusted by the Japan Foundation to organize the JLPT exam in Thailand. You should know the local institutions in each of these cities.

If you have decided to take the JLPT exam in one of the cities in the future, you need to keep checking the website of that local institution for the latest information about the JLPT exam.

As additional information for you, you can check the city and the name of the local institution holding the JLPT exam in all cities around the world on the official JLPT website below.

In the next section, we will also provide you with a list of local institutions that administer the JLPT exam in Thailand.

List of Local Host Institutions of JLPT in Thailand

The following is a list of local institutions that administer the JLPT exam in 5 selected cities in Thailand and are trusted by the Japan Foundation. Please visit the website of each of these local institutions for the latest information regarding the administration of the nearest JLPT exam.

Please contact the local institution listed above if you have questions about the JLPT exam problems registering for the JLPT exam and other inquiries.

General Info about JLPT in Thailand

The JLPT exam in Thailand is administered concurrently with the JLPT exam in Japan and around the world. However, registration periods and exam availability vary from year to year. Only in certain cities, such as Bangkok, can the JLPT exam be taken 2 times: July and December. While in other cities it is only available in December.

To help you understand the timeline for the progress of the JLPT exam in Thailand, please read the description of the general information points regarding the implementation of the JLPT exam in Thailand below.

Some points may differ according to the conditions and policies of each local institution. Therefore, please refer directly to the information available on the website of each local institution administering the JLPT exam in Thailand.

1. Please visit the website of the local institution regularly to check the application period and the latest information about the administration of the JLPT exam in each city in Thailand.
2. Please confirm the JLPT exam registration method with the local institution and ask for a test guide, which is usually provided with the application form.
3. Carefully read the Test Booklet and all the information provided and make a note of the important points.
4. Complete all information requested on the application form accurately. Make multiple checks to avoid mistakes when filling out the application form.
5. Register immediately because the number of participants is limited. The number of participants varies depending on local institutional policies and The Japan Foundation.

Next, if you have followed all the steps correctly, you will receive a trial voucher from a local institution. Make payments according to the specified method. Immediately contact the local institution if you have any problems registering or paying for the JLPT exam in Thailand.

Test Guide and Fee

As for the test guide, you can usually find it on your local institution’s website when the registration period opens. You will be given access to download the Test Guide. Make sure you read the test guide first before you register for the JLPT exam to avoid mistakes.

Then, here is a list of JLPT exam fees in Thailand that you need to prepare for. Please visit the website of each local institution to confirm if there are any changes or additional fees.

Please confirm the payment method for the JLPT exam with the information provided in the exam guide or on the local institution’s website. If you have any problems with the payment, please contact the local institution immediately for follow-up!

How to Register for the JLPT Exam in Thailand?

To face the JLPT exam in Thailand, you need to understand how to register for the JLPT exam correctly. Mistakes made during the registration process may fail in your application. Therefore, please refer to the steps below to find out how to register for the JLPT exam in Thailand.

1. You must prepare several documents before registering online for the JLPT exam. Registration can only be done online.
2. Create an account to register for the JLPT exam online. Carefully fill in all the required information. A notification will be sent to your registered email address.
3. After you have filled in all the required information. You can choose the local institution or the level of the test you want to take. Fill it in correctly because you cannot change this information if it is wrong.
4. Make a payment using the payment method provided. Print, save, and mail the Proof of Payment.
5. You will then receive a confirmation email of your registration and payment to the email address you used to register. Therefore, try to regularly check the email you used to register for the JLPT exam to get the latest information updates.

In addition, if you have any problems registering for the JLPT exam or paying for the JLPT exam fee, please contact your local institution immediately for assistance.

The Important Note

• Documents or files must be prepared: scanned photos, copies of KTP, or passports in the specified size. Please refer to the information listed on the website of each local institution in Thailand.
• Regarding payment, payment of the JLPT examination fee must be made only through the prescribed electronic channels. Please refer to the website of each local institution for more information.
• Always check the email you used to register for the JLPT exam. You will receive a test voucher within 10 days of completing payment for the JLPT exam. If you do not receive a test voucher, please contact the local institution to follow up.
• Please remember to register early for the JLPT exam as there is a quota limit on the number of candidates. Please check the information listed on the website of each local institution as the number of participants varies in each city in Thailand.

How to Prepare for the JLPT Exam in Thailand

How did you prepare for the JLPT exam in Thailand? To strengthen your JLPT exam preparation in Thailand, we would like to recommend the following points.

First, you need to attend special Japanese language preparation programs available at official language institutions with professional teachers. Professional teachers or tutors can make it easier for you to understand JLPT material quickly, and consistently, and most importantly, you can get an evaluation of how far you have mastered the JLPT material.

Second, practice questions for JLPT exam preparation are very important for you to do. To do this practice, you need books or rich learning resources. We highly recommend that you use the best-selling Japanese exam preparation books, which usually cover exam questions very comprehensively.

There are tons of options, if you are currently preparing for the JLPT N4 exam, please read our recommendations for the best books below.

Third, Kanji mastery. The more kanji you can master, the better chance you have of passing the JLPT. Each level has different criteria and levels of difficulty. Kanji proficiency plays a very important role in your passing the JLPT exam. For reference, please read the list of kanji you need to know for level N4 below!

Are there any missing items? Please share your opinion in the comment section below!

Looking for More Information on the JLPT Test?

1. Can you take JLPT in another country?
   If you are traveling to a foreign country, you can take the JLPT test there. The JLPT test is held simultaneously worldwide, and it is open to everyone.
2. What is the Japanese proficiency test in Thailand?
   The JLPT test consists of 200 questions, with 100 questions for listening comprehension and 100 questions for reading comprehension.
3. Can I give N4 without N5?
   You do not need to pass level N5 to take the JLPT level N4 test. The JLPT committee does not have strict rules, so you can take the JLPT test at any level without having to pass the previous level.
4. Is JLPT N3 enough to get a job in Japan?
   Most companies in Japan require a JLPT N2 level of Japanese language proficiency. However, some companies may still accept the N3 level. It is important to be able to communicate fluently in Japanese during the interview.
5. Is JLPT N3 enough to live in Japan?
   At the N3 level, you are proficient in Japanese and can comfortably interact with Japanese people in informal daily situations. This level of ability is adequate for living in Japan.
6. What is the hardest JLPT test?
   The JLPT test consists of five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. N1 is the highest and most difficult level.
7. Does JLPT expire?
   JLPT results or certificates do not expire, so they remain valid indefinitely. However, it is recommended to take the test regularly to maintain your Japanese language skills. Most Japanese companies require a minimum of 2 years between the test and JLPT results.
8. Is N4 enough to work in Japan?
   Getting a job in Japan with only JLPT N4 level is very challenging. Even some convenience store (kombini) jobs require JLPT N1.
9. Can I take the JLPT test online?
   The JLPT test is held twice a year in Japan, in July and December. Participants can take the test at a location of their choice around the world. The test is not available online, so participants must come to the test site.
10. What level of JLPT is fluent?
    The highest level is the JLPT N1 level followed by the N2 level, which is the standard requirement for working in Japan and some scholarships. At this level, it is said that foreigners are proficient in Japanese.

Conclusion

Last but not least, this is the end of the explanation of the JLPT test, the procedure for registering for the JLPT as well as all the info that you need to know about JLPT in Thailand. Hopefully, this article can accompany and help you in facing and preparing for the incoming JLPT test in Thailand.

Also, please do not hesitate to drop your comments if you have any questions. We are very happy to help you. Good luck and see you in the next article!

References

¹ “Organizers“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
² “Objectives“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
³ “Introductions“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
⁴ “N1-N5: Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level“. The Official JLPT Website. Retrieved 28 April 2023.