Are you currently confused to find information related to how to apply for JLPT in the USA? Are you looking for comprehensive information about the JLPT test in the USA? Not only the preparation of JLPT material substance according to the level you take. All information related to technical matters must also be considered.
Furthermore, the JLPT is usually given twice a year, in July and December. However, for certain regions, the test may be held only once a year. Especially at this time, various JLPT test organizing committees have to conduct tests in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic situation. The rules for conducting the JLPT, especially in the US, have also changed from previous years.
Thus, in this article, we will discuss in detail the technical information that you will definitely need to take the JLPT test in the USA in 2023. Then, what you need to register, how much it costs, and the latest information updates related to the JLPT USA 2023 test. Also, some of the technical information we summarize is based on information from the previous year, 2022.
Additionally, if you are seeking information about JLPT implementation in other regions of the USA, please refer to our recommended reading below!
Read also:
JLPT In Chicago
5 Great Places to Learn Japanese in Chicago
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Contents
About JLPT
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test or in Japanese 日本語能力試験 (JLPT) has been in use around the world since 1984. It is the only recognized Japanese language test that evaluates a non-native speaker’s ability to understand Japanese.
Initially, there were only 7,000 applicants from all over the world. However, by 2016, JLPT registrations had reached 610,000, making it the largest Japanese language proficiency test in the world.
The applicants so far have come from a variety of backgrounds. Many of them use their Japanese certificates for various things. For instance, job entrance tests, scholarship selection, evaluation for job promotion, graduation requirements from universities and Japanese language institutions attended, and even just to evaluate the extent of their Japanese language skills.
Benefits of Taking JLPT
The JLPT is a very comprehensive Japanese language proficiency test. The JLPT does not only focus on the use of Japanese vocabulary and grammar. Instead, it measures the extent to which your knowledge of Japanese vocabulary and grammar is used in real-life situations.
Therefore, the extent to which you understand how to use Japanese vocabulary and grammar in everyday life becomes very visible. For this reason, the JLPT itself tests 3 main elements: speaking, reading, and listening.
Then the JLPT can be an official measure of your Japanese proficiency. At each JLPT level, from N5 to N1, the kanji, vocabulary, and grammar tested are very different. You need to really understand and not make the mistake of choosing which JLPT level you want to test. This is very important and useful in the end for you to determine what exactly your goal is in learning Japanese.
Furthermore, you can increase the value of your resume in the eyes of job seekers. In fact, with this Japanese language certificate, you can also win high-paying jobs such as Japanese translator, Japanese tutor, tour guide, and various other opportunities.
Not only that, but you can also increase your chances of being accepted into a top Japanese university and receive a generous scholarship to continue your higher education. Being an international student, a foreigner, having a Japanese language certificate will really help you to settle down in Japan, study in Japan, and even build a career in Japan.
Technical Rules about JLPT in the USA
Once you decide to take the JLPT test, you need to know what are the components of the rules, guidelines, technical things that you need to prepare, and the costs that you need to incur. Especially if you want to take the JLPT outside of Japan. In Japan itself, the JLPT is usually given twice a year.
However, in certain countries, due to Covid-19 conditions and various other special conditions, the JLPT is held only once. Please refer to the following description to find out what rules you need to follow and what you need to be concerned with regarding the JLPT test.
About the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ)
The institution that organizes and administers the JLPT in the United States is called the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ). The AATJ is a merger of two national organizations, the Association of Japanese Language Teachers (ATJ), founded in 1963, and the National Council of Teachers of Japanese (NCJLT), founded in 1992. It is a non-profit organization that promotes the study of the Japanese language, literature, and culture.
In addition, the organization also facilitates the development of Japanese language education, also promotion, and research exchange, and coordinates various activities to promote the Japanese language and culture. In addition to the JLPT, there are several other excellent programs organized by the AATJ.
Next, please follow the latest updates on regulatory changes and other JLPT technical issues by visiting the AATJ page below!
The JLPT Rules and Policies in the USA
Because the JLPT will only be held once in the U.S. in December 2023, registration information will not be available until the end of July 2023. Registration for the JLPT in the U.S. is only available online on a first-come, first-served basis.
Therefore, the testing rules, policies, guidelines, and other technical information we discuss here are based on the regulations that will be in effect in 2022.
In the midst of this Covid-19 situation, you must also comply with applicable health and safety regulations, such as wearing a mask, sanitizing your hands, and showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 certificate during the exam.
Additionally, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 on the day of the test, you will not be allowed to take the test and the test fee you have paid will be forfeited.
17 Points of JLPT Test Rules and Policies in the USA
The followings are 10 out of 17 points of detail of JLPT Rules and Policies in the USA.
| Test Rules and Policies | Details |
| 1. Acceptance of JLPT Rules | By registering JLPT online, you are declared to comply with all JLPT rules and requirements that have been informed verbally or in writing even without your signature. |
| 2. Registration | You have to complete an application and pay the test fee to take the JLPT exam. |
| 3. Payment Policies | The JLPT test fee must be paid in full online by credit card as a condition of JLPT registration, otherwise, your application will not be processed. |
| 4. Refund Policy | All examination fees paid are non-refundable unless the local examination committee cancels the examination. If a refund is made, there are specific conditions that must be met. |
| 5. Withdrawal or Absence from Test Administration | If you cancel your registration and do not take the exam, the exam fee will be forfeited. You will not receive a refund. |
| 6. Test Level and Test Site Change Policy | You cannot cancel or change the JLPT exam level and test site after registration is completed. |
| 7. Identification | You must bring an original form of identification to the test site, such as a driver’s license, passport, or another valid form of identification. You cannot show a copy. |
| 8. Late Arrival | If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the start of the exam for any section (except the Listening section), you will not be allowed to enter and will be considered absent. |
| 9. Test Materials are the property of the Japan Foundation | You are not allowed to take, copy, or photograph any materials during the exam. They are the property of the Japan Foundation. |
| 10. Test Session | The total test time is 90 to 170 minutes, depending on your level. Once in the test room, you may not leave until the test is officially over and you have been cleared by the administrator. |
Please visit the following official AATJ website for more detailed points regarding test rules and guidelines for organizing JLPT in the USA.
JLPT Test Guides and Fees in the USA
The JLPT test has 5 levels, which are N5 (the lowest), N4, N3, N2, and N1 (the most difficult). Specifically for JLPT N1 and N2, there are 2 test sections as follows:
(1) Language knowledge (vocabulary and grammar) and reading sections.
(2) Listening section.
Then for JLPT N3, N4 and N5, there are 3 test sections as follows:
(1) Vocabulary section
(2) Grammar and Reading section
(3) Listening section
Then in each of these levels, there are points of linguistic competence that are tested. Everything is very detailed and applicable to real-life situations. The cost of a JLPT test for each level is $100. Credit cards are accepted for all payments. Please visit the following link to get the details of the JLPT levels requirements, sections, scoring, etc.
How to Register the JLPT in the USA?
You can register for the JLPT exam in the USA by accessing the special registration link provided by the AATJ website below:
The things you need to pay attention to are as follows:
- You must read the exam rules and guidelines, including the Health and Safety Guidelines for COVID-19.
- Once you have completed all the registration steps, you can only change the contact information, but the exam level and exam location cannot be changed. Please fill them in very carefully.
- There is no waiting list for exam seats and registration is online only.
- You only need to log in with your email address and check your email regularly to register and update information related to the JLPT exam.
Specifically for the next JLPT, since the JLPT will be administered on 3 December 2023, new registration information will be released by the AATJ at the end of July. Be sure to check the AATJ website for the latest information.
2022 JLPT Test Sites in the USA
The 2022 JLPT USA will be held in 17 cities at one of the most prestigious universities in each city. Please check the nearest or best city for you to take the JLPT test. Don’t forget to fill in the test location carefully, as you cannot change it after you have completed the registration step.
| Test Sites, City | Location |
| 1. Ann Arbor, Michigan | University of Michigan |
| 2. Atlanta, Georgia | Georgia State University |
| 3. Boston, Massachusetts | Showa Boston Institute |
| 4. Boulder, Colorado | University of Colorado, Boulder |
| 5. Chicago, Illinois | DePaul University, Lincoln Park |
| 6. Fayetteville, Arkansas | University of Arkansas |
| 7. Honolulu, Hawaii | University of Hawaii |
| 8. Houston, Texas | Rice University |
| 9. Los Angeles, California | California State University, Los Angeles |
| 10. Miami, Florida | Florida International University |
| 11. Monterey, California | California State University, Monterey Bay |
| 12. New York, New York | Lehman College, CUNY |
| 13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Villanova University |
| 14. Portland, Oregon | Portland State University |
| 15. San Francisco, California | San Francisco State University |
| 16. Seattle, Washington State | University of Washington |
| 17. Washington, DC | Georgetown University |
Please read more information regarding each test site by accessing the link below and scrolling down to the point regarding JLPT 2022 test site locations and info! Download the pdf file and please read the detailed information about the testing site carefully.
Update Info & JLPT Timeline in the USA
For JLPT online test results, you will usually receive the information via the email you used when you registered. To access the results, you will need the registration number and access code you used when you registered.
Frequently update the information on the AATJ website and check your incoming email each day. If you pass the JLPT, you will receive your score certificate approximately 2-3 months after the test.
Also, please be sure to enter your correct address, and if you move, you can update your address on the registration website.
(1) July: Test Guide will be released. Read the updated Test Guide carefully and prepare to register.
(2) August – September: Registration for the JLPT exam opens in mid-August and closes in mid-September.
(3) Late October: Check your email for your test voucher and JLPT exam location.
(4) December 3: Take the JLPT Exam and Succeed! Typically held on the Monday of the first week in December.
(5) February – March: Online results will be released. Check your email!
(6) March: If you pass, the certificate will be sent to your address! Make sure your address is correct!
How to Find the Best JLPT Tutors in the US?
That was our comprehensive information on how to apply for the JLPT in the USA. In order to take the JLPT in the USA to the best of your ability and pass at the level you’re aiming for, finding a tutor to help you prepare is crucial.
Studying with a tutor can help you create a comprehensive and intensive JLPT study plan so that you don’t have to feel anxious about taking the JLPT.
In addition, the tutors we recommend have an excellent and professional track record. This can be seen in their ratings, reviews, and JLPT preparation methods.
So, how do you get a specialized tutor for JLPT preparation in the USA? You can find one by going to Preply, Amazing Talker, or Wyzant, and choosing a tutor that matches your goals!
We are also here to help you find the most comprehensive information about JLPT in the USA. Don’t forget to keep updating the latest information we share here! We wish you the best of luck in this year’s JLPT in the USA!
Conclusion
Having a JLPT certificate is indeed very important and provides you with great benefits. We wish you success in passing the JLPT test in the USA with a perfect score!
We have covered all the information related to JLPT in the USA above. We hope that the information we have shared above can be useful for you. If you have any experience taking the JLPT test in the USA, please share it here! Don’t forget to always follow the information about learning Japanese, here! See you in the next article!
