JLPT Test Dates & How to Register (A Simple Guide)
When is the JLPT held?
Two sittings a year, always on a Sunday:
- July — first Sunday.
- December — first Sunday.
Where each is offered varies:
- In Japan: both July and December.
- Overseas: it depends on the city. Many test sites run December only; larger cities often offer both. Check your local host institution.
Registration windows
Registration opens about 3–4 months before the exam and closes several weeks before test day:
- For the July test: registration typically opens around March–April.
- For the December test: registration typically opens around August–September.
These are general patterns, not guarantees — exact dates change every year and differ by country, so check the official site or your local administrator as soon as you're thinking about a sitting.
How to register
- In Japan: apply through the official JLPT website (online registration), then pay the fee.
- Overseas: apply through your country's host institution — often a university, embassy-affiliated body, or language association listed on the JLPT site.
- Choose your level carefully — you can only take one level per sitting, and you can't change it later. Unsure? See which level should you take.
- Pay the fee to confirm. Fees vary by country.
Don't miss your spot
A few practical warnings learners run into every year:
- Seats are limited and fill fast in big cities. Popular sites can sell out within days of opening.
- Deadlines are firm. Miss the window and you wait for the next sitting — up to six months.
- There's no overseas July test in many places. If you're abroad and aiming for July, confirm your city even offers it.
The safest approach: register on day one of the window.
What to bring on test day
- Your test voucher / admission slip (printed as required).
- Photo ID as specified by your test site.
- A few HB/№2 pencils and an eraser (mechanical pencils are usually fine — check local rules).
- A watch is often not allowed on the desk; rooms have a clock. Confirm your site's rules.
No dictionaries, phones, or electronic devices are permitted in the exam room.
Quick recap
- Held the first Sunday of July and December.
- Japan: both sittings. Overseas: often December only — check your city.
- Registration opens ~3–4 months ahead and closes early — register immediately.
- One level per sitting; bring your voucher, ID, and pencils.
While you wait — practise
Take a free mock test and drill the question types →
Frequently asked questions
How often is the JLPT held?
Twice a year, on the first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of December. In Japan both run; many overseas cities offer December only.
When does JLPT registration open?
Roughly 3–4 months before each test — around March–April for July, and August–September for December — but exact dates vary by year and country, so check the official site.
Can I take two levels in one sitting?
No. You register for one level per sitting and can't change it afterward, so choose carefully. If you're unsure, take a timed mock first.
Is the JLPT offered everywhere in July?
No. Many overseas test sites run the December sitting only. If you're abroad and want July, confirm your local city offers it before planning.