Planning to take the JLPT in the UK this year? Here’s everything you need to know — test dates, registration deadlines, all five UK test centres, and the things nobody tells you until it’s too late.
Registration is NOW OPEN. Leicester and SOAS are already accepting applications — register today before seats fill up.
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)
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.
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. N1 listening changed to 55 min from Dec 2022. N4/N5 times changed from Dec 2020. Listening duration may vary slightly.
N1 and N2 combine vocabulary, grammar, and reading into one section. N3, N4, and N5 have vocabulary as a separate section.
How much do you need to know?
These are approximate figures based on past exams:
| 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. This means you can’t calculate exactly how many questions you need to get right — just aim to answer as many correctly as possible.
But there ARE fixed passing scores:
| 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 — because 15 is below the 19-point sectional minimum.
JLPT 2026 UK Test Dates
The JLPT is held twice a year worldwide, on the same day everywhere:
| Session | Test Date | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | Sunday, 5 July | NOW OPEN |
| December 2026 | Sunday, 6 December | August-September 2026 |
Note: Cardiff only offers the December test.
On test day: At SOAS, you must be in the exam room by 11:00am. Exact timing varies by centre, so check your admission voucher carefully. Plan to be at the venue for 3-4 hours.
JLPT Test Centres in the UK 2026
There are five JLPT test centres across the UK.
England
SOAS University of London (London)
- July and December
- All levels (N1-N5)
- Registration: NOW OPEN — check availability
- Website: soas.ac.uk/jlpt
- Email: [email protected]
King’s College London (London)
- July and December
- All levels (N1-N5)
- Registration: Check website for status
- Website: kcl.ac.uk
University of Leicester (Leicester)
- July and December
- All levels (N1-N5)
- Registration: NOW OPEN (see schedule below)
- Website: le.ac.uk
- Email: [email protected]
Scotland
University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
- July and December
- All levels (N1-N5)
- Registration: Check website for dates
- Website: ed.ac.uk
- Email: [email protected]
Wales
Cardiff University (Cardiff)
- December only
- All levels (N1-N5)
- Website: cardiff.ac.uk
- Email: [email protected]
Both London centres (SOAS and King’s College) are easily accessible from Nihon GO! London’s Euston location — just a few minutes by tube.
July 2026 JLPT Registration — NOW OPEN
Registration for the July 2026 test is now open. Each centre handles its own registration. Seats are filling fast — register immediately at your chosen centre.
Leicester (confirmed schedule)
| Level | Opens | Status |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | Monday 2 March 2026, noon | OPEN |
| N2 | Tuesday 3 March 2026, noon | OPEN |
| N3 | Wednesday 4 March 2026, noon | OPEN |
| N4 | Thursday 5 March 2026, noon | OPEN |
| N5 | Friday 6 March 2026, noon | OPEN |
SOAS University of London
Registration is now open for all levels. London centres fill within hours — check soas.ac.uk/jlpt for availability immediately.
King’s College London
Check kcl.ac.uk for registration status.
University of Edinburgh
Check ed.ac.uk/jlpt for registration dates.
Important
If London is full, consider Leicester or Edinburgh. Leicester is about an hour from London by train — and often has availability when London centres are sold out.
Deadline: Usually mid-to-late March, but seats often fill before the deadline. Don’t wait.
JLPT 2026 UK Cost
The JLPT costs £100 at all UK test centres.
- Payment is required at registration
- No refunds once payment is accepted
- 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.
What You Need to Know Before Taking the JLPT
Seats fill up fast
This is the most important thing. London centres (SOAS and King’s) fill up within days, sometimes hours. If you’re not ready to register the moment applications open, you might miss out.
If London is full, consider Leicester or Edinburgh. Leicester is about an hour from London by train.
No refunds, no changes
Once you’ve paid, that’s it. You can’t get a refund, change your level, or switch to a different centre. Make sure you’re registering for the right level before you pay.
Electronic devices are banned
From 2025 onwards, all electronic devices — including smartphones, smartwatches, and 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 be prepared to hand them in.
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 — Know the required kanji and words for your level
- Grammar — Understand sentence patterns
- Reading — Practice reading passages under time pressure
- Listening — Get used to natural-speed Japanese
Free JLPT Study Materials
We’ve put together free JLPT study materials for each level — grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and practice exercises:
- JLPT N3 Materials — Grammar, vocabulary, and reading practice
- JLPT N4 Materials — Grammar and vocabulary for elementary learners
- All JLPT Materials — Browse by level
For more free resources, check out our guide: Best Online Resources to Learn Japanese in 2026
JLPT Preparation Courses with Nihon GO!
If you prefer structured learning with a teacher, Nihon GO! World offers JLPT preparation courses at all levels (N5-N1) with government-certified native Japanese teachers.
What’s included:
- Personalised study plan based on your current level and target score
- Focused practice on your weakest areas (grammar, reading, or listening)
- Timed mock tests to build exam stamina
- Regular progress checks to keep you on track
Lesson options:
- Private in-person lessons at our London (Euston) location — £45/lesson
- Private online lessons — £30/lesson
- Available for Manchester students too
How to start: Email us at [email protected] with your target level and preferred lesson type, and we’ll put together a preparation plan for you.
Registration is now open — if you’re planning to take the July test, now is the time to start preparing.
Quick Checklist
Before you register:
- [ ] Decide which level to take (ask your teacher if unsure)
- [ ] Choose your test centre
- [ ] Have £100 ready to pay immediately
- [ ] Go to your centre’s website and register NOW
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 early
Summary
| July 2026 | December 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Test Date | Sunday, 5 July | Sunday, 6 December |
| Registration | NOW OPEN | August-September |
| Cost | £100 | £100 |
| UK Centres | 4 (London x2, Edinburgh, Leicester) | 5 (+ Cardiff) |
The JLPT is worth having if you’re serious about Japanese. Registration is open now — don’t wait. Seats at London centres sell out fast.
Good luck!
Written by Ayaka Uchida — CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.
Frequently Asked Questions About the JLPT in the UK
The JLPT costs £100 at all five UK test centres. Payment is required at registration and there are no refunds or transfers once you’ve paid.
The July 2026 test is on Sunday 5 July. The December 2026 test is on Sunday 6 December. Registration for July opens in early March 2026.
There are five test centres: SOAS University of London, King’s College London, University of Leicester, University of Edinburgh, and Cardiff University. Cardiff only offers the December test.
JLPT certificates never expire. Once you pass a level, the qualification is permanent.
N3 is the absolute minimum, but most companies require N2 or N1. For professional roles, N1 is strongly recommended.
N3 is the absolute minimum, but most companies require N2 or N1. For professional roles, N1 is strongly recommended.
No. The JLPT is only offered as an in-person paper test. There is no online option.
Focus on vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening. Use free JLPT study materials or take JLPT preparation lessons with a certified teacher.
Written by Ayaka Uchida — CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.