One of the challenges for taking a JLPT (the Japanese Language Proficiency Test) beyond the exam itself is waiting for the results! On average, just receiving the results from the test takes roughly two months.
Regardless of the level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) you want to take, your goal will be to pass the test. Of course, you cannot know whether you have passed the test or not if you have not seen the results. Generally, the test is usually taken twice every year in Japan – July, and December. Normally, JLPT results will come out after about 2 months of taking the test.
In other words, if you have taken the test in July, you should expect the results to be out in early September. For the December test, the result should be out at the beginning of February the following year.
The situation is slightly different for those taking the test outside of Japan. Firstly, most countries outside of Japan are allowed to take the test once a year – either in July or December. Nevertheless, a few countries are authorized to take the test twice a year.
For the July test, examinees will only get the result in early October. However, if you are writing the test in December, the results will only be available in early March. In addition, the results will be sent to the examinees through local host institutions.
What Scores Do You Need to Pass the JLPT?
You can pass the JLPT when you take all the required sections and meet the following criteria:
- A total score equal to or greater than the Overall Pass Mark
- All scores of the scoring section are equal or greater than the Sectional Pass Marks.
If there is even one scoring section where the score is below the sectional pass mark, examinees are determined to have failed, no matter how high the total score he/she might have.
There are 5 levels of the test, N1 to N5. They are each scored differently, in terms of what is passing:
- N1 is the most difficult
- N5 is the easiest
- N4 and N5 measure the level of basic Japanese
- N1 and N2 measure broader knowledge and a wider range of usage
There is a table on the JLPT website that specifically outlines scoring and illustrates the difference between scoring section for N1-N3 and N4-N5. You can find it in the FAQs of the JLPT website under the question: How is pass or fail determined? How many scores do I need to pass?