The JLPT 2026 UK tests are on Sunday 5 July and Sunday 6 December 2026, at four active test centres: SOAS London, King’s College London, University of Leicester, and University of Edinburgh (December only). Cardiff University is currently not offering the JLPT in 2026. The test costs £100, and registration for July 2026 is now open — seats at London centres fill within hours, so register immediately. Leicester is a strong alternative, about one hour from London by train.
This guide covers everything you need: test dates, all five 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).
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)
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).
| Level | Free Mock Test | Complete Study Guide |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | Take N5 Mock Test | N5 Study Guide |
| N4 | Take N4 Mock Test | N4 Study Guide |
| N3 | Take N3 Mock Test | N3 Study Guide |
| N2 | Take N2 Mock Test | N2 Study Guide |
| N1 | Take N1 Mock Test | N1 Study Guide |
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?
| 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
| Session | Test Date | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | Sunday, 5 July | NOW OPEN |
| December 2026 | Sunday, 6 December | August–September 2026 |
Note: Cardiff University is not offering the JLPT in 2026.
On test day: At SOAS, you must be in the exam room by 11:00am. Exact timing varies by centre — 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
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)
- Registration: NOW OPEN
- Website: le.ac.uk
Scotland
University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
- December only
- All levels (N1–N5)
- Website: ed.ac.uk
Wales
Cardiff University (Cardiff)
2026 status: Currently 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.
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 is usually mid-to-late March, but seats often fill before then. 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
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.
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, 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 on vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening.
Step 3: Work with a certified teacher on your weakest sections
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 £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 | 3 (SOAS, KCL, Leicester) | 4 (+ Edinburgh) ※Cardiff休止中 |
Frequently Asked Questions About the JLPT in the UK
How much does the JLPT cost in the UK?
£100 at all five UK test centres. No refunds or transfers once paid.
When is the JLPT 2026 in the UK?
Sunday 5 July (July session) and Sunday 6 December (December session).
Where can I take the JLPT in the UK?
SOAS London, King’s College London, University of Leicester, and University of Edinburgh (December only). 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.
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.