FAQ
Common questions about JLCT are listed here. For questions that are not covered below, please contact us using the inquiry form
About JLCT
What is the Japanese Language Capability Test?
- 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) What are the exam eligibility criteria?
- 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.
How can I find a test center near me?)
- 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.
How often is the JLCT being conducted?
- Six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
What are the dates of the examinations?
- The JLCT is conducted on Sundays in January, March, May, July, September, and November (Once a month).
For more information, please click here. Are the JLPT and JLCT tests the same for each level?
- 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. Can I take the test as many times as I want?
- There is no limit. You can take the test as many times as you like.
Can I submit the JLCT score report to apply for a study visa for admission to a Japanese language school in Japan?
- 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. Can I submit the JLCT score report for admission to a University in Japan?
- 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. Can I submit the JLCT Score Report as proof of Japanese language proficiency to apply for residence status “Specified Skilled Workers” ?
- 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
What types of questions will be asked in the JLCT test?
- 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. Could I see sample test questions?
- Please click HERE to see the previous exam questions.
Are there essays and conversation tests? Are they all multiple choice?
- There are no essays or conversation tests.
All are multiple-choice. What are PBT (paper-based tests) and Multiple-choice mark system?
- 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. Is there anything I should be aware of when filling out the mark sheets?
- 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.
Application Procedures
I would like to take the JLCT test. What is the application procedure?
- 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. Can I cancel my registration and get a refund of the test fee?
- You can cancel the registration.
Please note that the test fee is non-refundable once the payment has been processed Can I transfer my test slot to an acquaintance?
- No. Your test slot cannot be transferred to another person.
How do I pay the test fee?
- When taking the test outside Japan, follow the payment instructions of local host institutions.
Will I receive my examination voucher by post?
- 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
What should I bring to the exam?
- 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)
I forgot my examination voucher and ID card. Can I still take the test?
- 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. Can I take the test papers home after the exam?
- Test papers can NOT be taken home with you.
I am unable to take the test due to an unexpected circumstance, what should I do?
- 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. What if I’m late or leave early?
- Please follow the instructions of each licensed institution/local host institution.
May I leave the room in the middle of the exam after answering all the questions?
- 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
What are the criteria for passing the exam?
- 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. When and how do I find the test results?
- 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. When will I receive the printed score report and certificate?
- 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).
If I fail the exam, will I receive a certificate?
- 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. I lost my Score Report/Certificate. Could I have them re-issued?
- 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. How can I verify the authenticity of the score reports/certificates?
- 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. How long is the score report/certificate valid for?
- 2 years from the date of the examination.
The information on my Score Report/Certificate is wrong. How can I correct it?
- 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.
For any other questions, please contact us using the contact form.