FAQ

Common questions about JLCT are listed here. For questions that are not covered below, please contact us using the inquiry form

About JLCT

JLCT is a test for measuring and evaluating practical Japanese language proficiency.
Each JLCT level corresponds to each level of CEFR and JLPT.
For admission to institutions in Japan, JLCT is recognized by the Immigration Service Agency as proof of Japanese language proficiency.
Immigration Service Agency(external link)
The JLCT is open to all non-native Japanese speakers, Japanese Language learners who intend to study at institutions in Japan, and those who are studying for JLPT.
The JLCT Test is conducted in Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Myanmar, the Philippines, Pakistan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia (As of July 2024). There is a possibility that the test may not be conducted due to changing circumstances in each country. For details, please contact the local host institutions in each country.
Six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
The JLCT is conducted on Sundays in January, March, May, July, September, and November (Once a month).
For more information, please click here.
Yes.
The questions are strictly supervised by experts in Japanese language education to ensure that N1 to N5 and JCT1 to JCT5 are at the same level for “Reading”, “Writing” and “Listening” according to the Guidelines for New Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Sample Questions published by the Japan Foundation.
For further information, please click here.
There is no limit. You can take the test as many times as you like.
Yes.
For admission to Japanese language institutions, the JLCT Test score report(JCT5 or higher) is recognized by the Immigration Service Agency as proof of Japanese language proficiency.
For details, please refer to the Immigration Service Agency website.
Yes. Some universities accept the JLCT score report as an admission document.
Requirements and criteria vary from school to school.
For details, please directly contact the institution you wish to apply to.
No. As of July 2024, the JLCT is not yet certified as a Japanese language proficiency test for the specified skilled worker.
For details, please refer to the Immigration Service Agency website）.

Test details

Questions that test
-Language knowledge (Vocabulary, Grammar, and Reading comprehension) and
-Listening comprehension (listening comprehension)
will be divided into two or three subjects for each level.
Click here for more details.
Please click HERE to see the previous exam questions.
There are no essays or conversation tests.
All are multiple-choice.
This is a paper-based examination with questions and answer sheets(mark sheet).
 Read the question
 Select one answer you think is correct from the choices
 Answer by filling in the designated section of the answer sheet (mark-sheet) with a pencil.
Use a pencil or mechanical pencil, fill in the bubble as dark as possible, carefully and completely.
Stay within the bubble and fill in no more than one bubble per row.
Otherwise the computer can not read your answer correctly.
When correcting an answer, use an eraser to completely erase it and remove all the eraser dust.
How to fill in a mark sheet
How to fill in a mark sheet

Application Procedures

Please directly contact the local host institution in the country/region where you would like to take the test.
Click here for the list of local host institutions.
The JLCT office in Japan does not accept applications for tests outside of Japan.
The possibility of conducting regular test administrations in Japan is currently under consideration.
You can cancel the registration.
Please note that the test fee is non-refundable once the payment has been processed
No. Your test slot cannot be transferred to another person.
When taking the test outside Japan, follow the payment instructions of local host institutions.
For information on how to receive your examination voucher when the examination overseas, please check the guidance provided by the local host institutions.

About the day of the examination

  • Examination voucher
  • The original of a valid government-issued photo ID. ※Photocopies of ID are not acceptable.
  • Pencils or mechanical pencils (black, B or HB)
  • Eraser
  • Wristwatch (smart watches are not acceptable)
You will not be able to take the exam without your examination voucher and a valid government-issued photo ID.
Please make sure to bring them with you.
Test papers can NOT be taken home with you.
You will be treated as absent. There is no need to contact us or go through any procedures.
Please be reminded that we do not offer refunds or rescheduling.
Please follow the instructions of each licensed institution/local host institution.
You are not allowed to leave the room during the examination, as it may disturb other examinees.
Please follow the instructions of the licensed institutions/local host institutions.

About test results

Pass/fail decisions are based on the overall score and the points of correct answers in each Test Section.
For more information, please click here.
Test results will be posted online (see View Your Test Result) 7- 20 days after the test.
The time it takes to post the test results online may vary depending on the test country.
You will receive your Score Report/Certificate from the local institutions/licensed institutions approximately one month after the exam. (this varies depending on the country).
You will receive only a Score Report if you don’t pass the exam.
The score for each section and the total score are listed.
Overcome the sections in which you did not do well and try again.
A certificate of failure cannot be used as proof of Japanese language proficiency required for studying abroad at a Japanese language education institution.
Certificates can be reissued within the validity period (2 years from the date of exam).
Please directly contact the local host institutions / licensed institutions in the country where you took the test to ask for a reissuance and its fee.
Security paper is used for score reports/certificates to prevent counterfeiting.
Starting in September 2024, Score Reports/Certificates will be issued with a unique QR code.
If you are unsure or concerned about the documents, please contact us.
2 years from the date of the examination.
If there are any misspelling or errors in your Score Report / Certificate, please contact the local institutions/ licensed institutions to ask for the revision and its fee.
Depending on the revision request, we may not be able to accept the order. Therefore please take that into consideration.
Please contact the local institutions/ licensed institutions you applied to.

For any other questions, please contact us using the contact form.

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