JLPT - Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), or Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken, is an internationally recognized official test of Japanese language proficiency sponsored by the Japan Foundation. In Finland, the test is administered by the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (Movi) at the University of Jyväskylä.

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is an exam designed for non-native learners of Japanese that assesses and certifies their level of proficiency in the language. The test measures both knowledge of vocabulary and grammar as well as the ability to use the language in practical communication situations.

The JLPT has five levels, with N5 being the easiest and N1 the most difficult. Those who pass the exam receive an official certificate, which can be used, for example, in studies or in working life. The JLPT is held simultaneously worldwide twice a year (in July and December). In Finland, the test is organized by Movi in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan at the University of Jyväskylä. In Finland, we only organize the December test.

In 2026, the JLPT will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026.

The application period is open from August 3rd 2026 to September 4th 2026. The registration form will be published on this page.

On this page, you will find instructions on the application process, payment methods, and preparation.

Note: Please check this website on regular basis, as it is updated continuously with new details.

Instructions

The application period is open from August 3rd 2026 to September 4th 2026.

Please read through the JLPT Test Guide (can be downloaded from this site) before you start registering.
Go to the registration form and register for the test. Please double check to see that all your information is correct when registering.
Pay the test fee. At the end of the registration form, you will be directed to the payment form. The test fee must be paid within the registration period, i.e. by 4 September.
After the payment, you will receive your personal test voucher by email. Please bring it to the test site along with ID.

Date: Sunday 6 December 2026

Test rooms: to be announced

Tentative schedule:

Level	Check-in time	Language Knowledge (Vocabulary, Grammar) & Reading	Listening
N1	11:15–11:45	12:00–13:50	14:20–15:15
N2	11:15–11:45	12:00–13:45	14:15–15:05

Level	Check-in time	Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)	Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading	Listening
N3	12:15–12:45	13:00-13:30	14:00-15:10	15:40-16:20
N4	12:15–12:45	13:00-13:25	13:55-14:50	15:20-15:55
N5	12:15–12:45	13:00-13:20	13:50-14:30	15:00-15:30

From the December 2025 JLPT examination onwards, the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited from the moment candidates enter the examination room until the end of the examination, including during breaks. If any device is found to be switched on or in use during this period, the candidate’s exam will be invalidated. Please note that if a device is switched on during breaks, this will also be considered misconduct and your exam will be invalidated.

Electronic devices refer to all devices that have communication or camera functions and that enable the exchange of data via wireless or wired connections. These include, among others, mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, personal computers, tablets, headphones, wearable devices, music players and similar devices.

Venue: Agora, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 2, 40100 Jyväskylä, Finland

By train

It is about a 20-minute walk from Jyväskylä Travel Centre to the Agora building.

By bus

Please check the impact of public holidays on public transport timetables, for example in the route guide.

By car and bicycle

There is plenty of parking space and bike racks in front of the Agora building.

You will be able to view your exam results on the official JLPT website in early February. Further information is available on the Japan Foundation’s official JLPT website.

A paper copy of your exam results and any certificate will be sent by post by March at the latest, once we have received them from the Japan Foundation.

Can I register by email?

No. Only registrations submitted via the registration form will be accepted. A link to the registration form will be published on this website in August.

Is the test held at the same time every year?

The December exam is always held on the first Sunday in December. There is no summer exam in Finland. If you wish to take the summer exam, please check the list of exam centres in other countries on the JLPT website.

Can I take more than one level of the exam at the same time?

No. Candidates may only take one level at a time.

Which level should I choose?

JLPT levels range from the easiest (N5) to the most demanding (N1). Levels N4–N5 measure basic proficiency, N1–N2 measure more advanced language use in everyday situations, and N3 acts as an intermediate level between them. You can test your level by trying the sample questions on the official JLPT page.

I am not Finnish / I do not live in Finland / I don’t speak Finnish. Can I take the exam in Finland?

Yes, you can. People of all nationalities are welcome to take the test. All instructions are in English and Japanese.

Where can I get more information?

If you did not find an answer on this page or in the Test Guide, please email us at: jlpt-movi@jyu.fi