# JLPT 2026 UK Test Dates, Locations & Registration Guide

**The next JLPT in the UK is Sunday 6 December 2026.** The July 2026 test has finished. Registration for December 2026 is now open at Leicester (since 3 August) and Edinburgh (17-21 August). SOAS London registration dates will be announced soon. The test costs £115 at most centres. Seats fill fast — register immediately.

This guide covers everything you need: test dates, all UK locations, registration deadlines, passing scores, and how to prepare. If you’re looking for in-person JLPT preparation, we offer specialised classes at our Japanese language school in London (Fitzrovia) and Manchester (city centre).

## December 2026 Registration — NOW OPEN

**Important:** SOAS registration opens 25-26 August at noon. Edinburgh’s window closes 21 August — only 4 days total.

## What Is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the standard qualification for non-native Japanese speakers. It’s recognised by universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide.

There are five levels:

– **N5** — Basic (understands simple phrases)
– **N4** — Elementary (understands basic conversations)
– **N3** — Intermediate (understands everyday Japanese)
– **N2** — Upper Intermediate (understands most Japanese)
– **N1** — Advanced (understands Japanese in all situations)

Click any level above for the complete study guide — including grammar, vocabulary, kanji requirements, recommended textbooks, and study schedules specific to that level.

**If you want to work in Japan:** N3 is the absolute minimum, but realistically, most companies require N2 or N1. If you’re serious about a career in Japan, aim for N1.

The certificate never expires.

Not sure which level you are? Try a free mock test or read the level-specific study guide.

## ★ Free JLPT Resources by Level

UK’s only Japanese language school offering free Mock Tests for every JLPT level (N5-N1).

Browse All JLPT Materials

## JLPT 2026 Test Structure

The JLPT tests reading and listening only — no speaking or writing. All questions are multiple choice.

### What’s on the test

**Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)**
– Kanji reading (choosing the correct pronunciation)
– Kanji writing (choosing the correct kanji for a word)
– Word meaning
– Word usage in context
– Katakana words (loanwords from English, etc.)

**Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading**
– Grammar forms and sentence patterns
– Sentence composition (putting words in order)
– Reading comprehension (short, medium, and long passages)

**Listening**
– Conversations and monologues at natural speed
– No images for most questions (you need to understand from audio alone)

### Test sections by level

| Level | Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Total |
|——-|———–|———–|———–|——-|
| N1 | Language Knowledge + Reading (110 min) | — | Listening (55 min) | 165 min |
| N2 | Language Knowledge + Reading (105 min) | — | Listening (50 min) | 155 min |
| N3 | Vocabulary (30 min) | Grammar + Reading (70 min) | Listening (40 min) | 140 min |
| N4 | Vocabulary (25 min) | Grammar + Reading (55 min) | Listening (35 min) | 115 min |
| N5 | Vocabulary (20 min) | Grammar + Reading (40 min) | Listening (30 min) | 90 min |

Source: JLPT Official Website.

### How much do you need to know?

| Level | Kanji | Vocabulary | Grammar Points |
|——-|——-|————|—————-|
| N5 | ~100 | ~800 | Basic |
| N4 | ~300 | ~1,500 | Elementary |
| N3 | ~650 | ~3,700 | Intermediate |
| N2 | ~1,000 | ~6,000 | Upper Intermediate |
| N1 | ~2,000 | ~10,000 | Advanced |

## JLPT Passing Scores

The JLPT uses scaled scores, not raw scores. Your score isn’t simply “number correct / total questions.” The JLPT uses Item Response Theory (IRT), which factors in question difficulty.

| Level | Pass Mark | Sectional Minimums |
|——-|———–|——————-|
| N1 | 100/180 | 19/60 per section |
| N2 | 90/180 | 19/60 per section |
| N3 | 95/180 | 19/60 per section |
| N4 | 90/180 | 38/120 (L.K.+Reading), 19/60 (Listening) |
| N5 | 80/180 | 38/120 (L.K.+Reading), 19/60 (Listening) |

You must pass BOTH the overall score AND every section. Example: If you score 95 total on N4 but only 15 in Listening, you fail.

See how you’d score right now. Our full-length mock tests match the official JLPT format — vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Mock 01 is free for every level. Take a free mock test →

## JLPT 2026 UK Test Dates

**Note:** Cardiff University is not offering the JLPT in 2026.

## JLPT Test Centres in the UK 2026

There are four active JLPT test centres in the UK for 2026.

### England

**SOAS University of London (London)**
– July and December
– All levels (N1–N5)
– Fee: £115
– Registration: Via Eventbrite (dates TBC)
– Website: soas.ac.uk/jlpt

**King’s College London (London)**
– July and December
– All levels (N1–N5)
– Website: kcl.ac.uk

**University of Leicester (Leicester)**
– July and December
– All levels (N1–N5)
– Fee: £115
– Registration: **NOW OPEN** (opened 3 August)
– Deadline: 9 September 2026
– Website: le.ac.uk

### Scotland

**University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh)**
– December only
– All levels (N1–N5)
– Fee: £115
– Registration: **17-21 August 2026** (4 days only!)
– Age restriction: 16+ only
– Website: ed.ac.uk

### Wales

**Cardiff University (Cardiff)**
– **2026 status: Suspended.** Cardiff University is not offering the JLPT in 2026. Check cardiff.ac.uk for future updates.

Both London centres (SOAS and King’s College) are easily accessible from Nihon GO! London’s Fitzrovia location — just a few minutes by tube. If you’re based in the North of England, our Manchester school can help you prepare for the Edinburgh or Leicester centres.

## December 2026 Registration Details

### Leicester (NOW OPEN)

Registration opened by level:

**Deadline:** Wednesday 9 September 2026 at noon

**Refund period:** 3-24 August 2026 (no refunds after 24 August)

### Edinburgh (17-21 August only)

– **Opens:** Monday 17 August 2026 at 10:00
– **Closes:** Friday 21 August 2026 at 17:00
– **Age restriction:** 16+ only

This is a very short window — only 4 days. Set a reminder.

### SOAS London (25-26 August)

Registration opens via Eventbrite:

**Important:** SOAS fills up within hours. Be ready at exactly 12:00 noon London time.

### King’s College London

Check kcl.ac.uk for registration details.

**If London is full:** Consider Leicester or Edinburgh. Leicester is about an hour from London by train and often has availability when London centres sell out.

## JLPT 2026 UK Cost

The JLPT costs **£115** at most UK test centres (increased from £100).

– Payment is required at registration
– No refunds once payment is accepted (except during designated refund periods at some centres)
– No transfers to a different level after registration
– No transfers to a different test centre

If you register and don’t show up, you lose the fee.

## Important Changes for 2026

### New check-in rules (from December 2026)

From December 2026, there is a strict check-in period:
– All examinees must enter the test room during the designated check-in time
– **Late arrivals will NOT be permitted to take the first test section**
– You may enter from the second section, but missing any section means you cannot pass
– Check-in at Edinburgh begins at **10:30am**
– Check-in at SOAS: **11:00am** (confirm on your voucher)

**Arrive early.** Plan to be at the venue by at least 10:00am.

### CEFR levels on score reports

From December 2025 onwards, JLPT score reports include CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level equivalents as reference information.

### Age restrictions (SOAS from December 2026)

– Candidates aged 15 and under are not accepted at the SOAS venue
– Candidates aged 16-17 must have a parent/guardian remain in the designated waiting area for the entire exam
– Parental Consent Form and Liability Form required after registration

### Electronic devices banned

All electronic devices — smartphones, smartwatches, anything with a camera — are prohibited from the start of the test until the end of the entire session, including breaks. Leave them at home or hand them in. If a device is found on during breaks, your test will be invalidated.

## Results

Results are released online about two months after the test. Physical certificates are mailed a few weeks later.

– July test results: Late September
– December test results: Late January

## How to Prepare for the JLPT in the UK

The JLPT tests reading and listening — no speaking or writing. You’ll need vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening practice.

### Step 1: Take a free mock test to find your weak areas

The fastest way to know what to study is to take a full mock test under timed conditions. Mock 01 is free for every level — no account required.

**Free JLPT Mock Tests — Official Format**

N5 Mock Test | N4 Mock Test | N3 Mock Test | N2 Mock Test | N1 Mock Test

### Step 2: Study your weak areas

Free study materials by level:
– JLPT N3 Materials — Grammar, vocabulary, and reading practice
– JLPT N4 Materials — Grammar and vocabulary for elementary learners
– All JLPT Materials — Browse by level

Solid test-taking technique can also raise your score significantly without months of extra study. Read our JLPT test-taking strategies guide for section-by-section tips.

### Step 3: Work with a certified teacher

If you’re consistently failing one section — grammar, reading, or listening — a few targeted lessons with a certified teacher can make a significant difference in a short time.

## In-Person JLPT Preparation Classes in the UK

If you prefer face-to-face lessons, Nihon GO! World offers in-person JLPT preparation classes at two UK locations:

– **Japanese lessons in London (Fitzrovia)** — Walking distance from SOAS and King’s College London. Convenient if you’re sitting the test at either London centre.
– **Japanese lessons in Manchester (city centre)** — Convenient for students in the North of England preparing for Edinburgh or Leicester.

Both locations offer the same government-certified teachers, structured JLPT curriculum (N5–N1), and individualised study plans based on your mock test results. Online lessons are also available from anywhere in the UK.

### JLPT preparation with Nihon GO! World

Our government-certified teachers offer targeted JLPT preparation at all levels N5–N1. Start with a free mock test to identify your weaknesses, then book a focused lesson to address them. Trial lesson from £23 online.

Take a free mock test first | Book a JLPT prep lesson

## Quick Checklist

**Before you register:**
– Decide which level to take — if unsure, take a free mock test
– Choose your test centre
– Have £115 ready to pay immediately
– Check your centre’s website for exact registration dates
– Register immediately when applications open

**On test day:**
– Bring your admission voucher (printed)
– Bring valid photo ID
– Bring pencils (HB or No.2) and an eraser
– Leave ALL electronics at home
– Arrive by 10:00am (check-in ends at 10:30-11:00)

## Summary

## Frequently Asked Questions About the JLPT in the UK

**How much does the JLPT cost in the UK?**
£115 at most UK test centres. No refunds or transfers once paid (except during designated refund periods).

**When is the next JLPT in the UK?**
Sunday 6 December 2026. The July 2026 test has already finished.

**Where can I take the JLPT in the UK?**
SOAS London, King’s College London, University of Leicester, and University of Edinburgh. Cardiff University is not offering the JLPT in 2026.

**How long are JLPT results valid?**
JLPT certificates never expire.

**What JLPT level do I need to work in Japan?**
N3 is the absolute minimum. Most companies require N2 or N1. For professional roles, N1 is strongly recommended.

**Can I take the JLPT online?**
No. The JLPT is only offered as an in-person paper test.

**How do I know which level to take?**
Take one of our free mock tests — they match the official format and will give you a clear picture of where you stand.

**Where can I take JLPT preparation classes in the UK?**
Nihon GO! World offers in-person JLPT preparation in London (Fitzrovia) and Manchester (city centre), plus online lessons available UK-wide. All teachers are government-certified by Japan’s Ministry of Culture and have extensive JLPT teaching experience.

**What time do I need to arrive?**
Arrive by 10:00am. Check-in ends at 10:30am (Edinburgh) or 11:00am (SOAS). Late arrivals cannot take the first section and therefore cannot pass.

## Continue Your JLPT Journey

Now that you know how the JLPT works in the UK, here’s your next step depending on what you need:

### ★ Choose Your Level & Start Studying

Each guide below covers what’s tested, recommended textbooks, study schedules, and common mistakes for that specific level:

– JLPT N5 Study Guide — For absolute beginners (3-6 months prep)
– JLPT N4 Study Guide — Elementary level (6-12 months prep)
– JLPT N3 Study Guide — The intermediate breakthrough (1-2 years total)
– JLPT N2 Study Guide — Business-level Japanese (2-3 years total)
– JLPT N1 Study Guide — Advanced certification (3-5 years total)

### ★ Test Your Current Level — Free

Not sure which level to register for? Take our free JLPT Mock Tests. Same format as the official exam, available for all levels N5-N1. We’re the only Japanese language school in the UK offering free mock tests for every level.

### ★ Get Expert Coaching

Self-study has limits — especially from N3 upwards. Our government-certified teachers offer personalised JLPT preparation:

– Japanese lessons in London (Fitzrovia, Central London)
– Japanese lessons in Manchester (city centre)
– Online lessons available UK-wide and worldwide
– £23 trial lesson for first-time students

Read more: JLPT test-taking strategies | Can you pass JLPT through self-study? | Should you get a Japanese tutor?

—

*Written by Ayaka Uchida — CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.*

*Last updated: August 2026*

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