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. But why this cruelty? That takes so long?
Why does it take so long to receive results for your JLPT? The main reason a JLPT score takes so long to be received is due to the method of scoring that the proficiency is calculated on. JLPT uses a scaled score, which is much more meticulous and complicated than a common scantron test, which bases raw test scores on the number of correct answers.
Although it may seem like an extraordinarily long time for test results, rest assured as the method of calculation, known as scaled scoring, is to best work in your favor and for fairness. We’ll go over some ins and outs of the JLPT here and discuss just why it is worth waiting for.
Why Does it Take so Long to Get JLPT Results?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is a great accomplishment that does not ever expire. For this reason, the test is scored meticulously and observed by many representatives to ensure you are qualified correctly and rightfully for your hard work.
So, I know what you’re thinking, how hard is it to score a scantron? It wasn’t even the oral exam! Can’t they just collect the number of questions I got right and provide me a percentage?
Well, as you may have guessed, the JLPT organization takes this certification very seriously. “Under joint organization of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (previously Association of International Education, Japan) …(the JLPT serves to) measure and certify the Japanese-language proficiency of those whose native language is not Japanese.”
As such, they go above and beyond to do things correctly and to approach questions and answers in a meticulous way to eliminate bias and flaw.
The way they score your exam goes beyond your raw answers marked on your scantron. The answers are “weighed” appropriately to represent your true language proficiency. Here are some common questions and answers to answer your questions from the JLPT organization.
Who Can Take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?
The test is open to all non-native Japanese speakers and also extended to holders of Japanese citizenships. The test results are a credible and will be accepted by native speakers to best evaluate and understand your proficiency in Japanese.
Are All JLPT Answers Computer Scored?
Although it uses a statistical method and takes longer methods to evaluate the proficiency level of an exam, the JLPT uses a multiple-choice computer-scored answer sheet. There are four choices for most questions. Some “listening” questions have only three choices.
The JLPT uses a scaled scoring system.
The JLPT’s Use of Scaled Scores
So, what about this scaled scoring system? What is it, and how does it benefit you?
Some tests use a system of totaling pre-determined points for correct answers to calculate scores. The JLPT uses a scaled score system based on “item response theory” and does not total allocated points of correctly answered questions.
To maintain the difficulty of questions among different tests and versions, the JLPT is scored on a special statistical method called scaled scoring.
This is a scoring system based on your pattern of answering questions. It eliminates flaws and “luck” (or poor luck) that unfairly judges people to be either beyond their actual Japanese proficiency or below.
This method enables test results to correspond to examinees’ JLPT in an unbiased manner. The scoring method is based on the same consistent standard regardless of when and which test is taken, providing an overall test score that is true and fair regardless of whether the exam is taken at different times.
Main Advantages of Scaled Scoring
The scaled scoring system is a fair manner of scoring that is beneficial for both examinees and ones that need to value the true Japanese proficiency level of an individual.
Standard Difficulty and Fairness
Maintains the level of difficulty for fairness through time and from test to test. Even with thorough analysis and discussion between experts, maintaining the fairness and difficulty of an exam for every test over time is not always possible. Therefore, this scaled scoring system was put into place.
Raw Scores Alone Don’t Measure Proficiency
First, the raw scores are obtained by adding the allocated points of the correctly answered questions. If the exam timing and difficulty of exam questions ever differ, the test scores will vary for the examinees even for those that have taken the same exam.
Therefore, it was statistically determined that an individual’s proficiency in Japanese could not be determined by the raw scores alone. The ability to evaluate Japanese-language proficiency was improved by adjusting to a statistical scoring method that allows the test to calibrate and evaluate beyond simple right and wrong answers.
It’s All About the Algorithm
The statistical test theory is called Item Response Theory (IRT). This is a completely different method that considers your “answering patterns.”
Based on a mathematic algorithm, how an examinee answers a particular question will change the overall outcome. Whether the answer is correct or incorrect, alters the answering pattern, which affects the outcome. For example, a test that has 10 questions has a maximum of 1024 answering patterns (210 patterns).
For this reason, the scale is between 0 and 60 points for one scoring section. Overall, scaled scores can be identical for two examinees even though the number of questions that each individual had answered correctly, or their answering pattern do not match.
Given this fact, even though a set of examinees answered the same number of answers correctly, their overall scaled score may differ.
Why Does This Method Take Longer?
Individual examinees’ scores are calculated not only mechanically but also strictly checked by specialists. Inquiries regarding an individual’s test results are not accepted by JLPT. Since they do use a scaled system, you may not receive the results that you may have thought.
When and How do I Receive Test Results?
All score reports are sent via postal mail to examinees. For residents in Japan, expect it to take up to two months to receive results. The test is typically offered in July and December, with results arriving in September and February, respectively. Outside of Japan, expect to wait up to one full month longer, as you will receive your results through your host institution.
However, if you are waiting much beyond these estimates, contact the local institution in the city where you took the test.
Unfortunately, you cannot receive test results by e-mail or phone. Additionally, the JLPT institute cannot respond to any inquiries regarding the test results via telephone or e-mail for any reason.
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?
Summary
The JLPT is a carefully crafted exam that is just as carefully scored. While it takes some time to get your scores, in the end, you can rest assured that you will receive a fair judgment of your proficiency in Japanese
