General JLPT Information

[Guest]

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[Olly]

This thread will be dedicated to JLPT information, and resources. A running FAQ from those who don't to (hopefully) those who've been there before. Feel free to add links, and dispute information given.

The JPLT is the generally stadardised test of Japanese ability in the fields of kanji comprehension, Listening comprehension, and Reading and Gramma comprehension. Speaking and writing are not tested. There are currently 4 levels, 1 being the hardest. 4, the easiest. Although in 2010 this is set to change to 5 levels. An extra level between 2 and 3, as this was quite a leap.

Ok, as promised (and earlier than expected) here are some links and pages to potentially useful information regarding the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Language_Proficiency_Test - Wikipedia, because everyone should look there fairly early into researching anything. If only for fun. Also has information regarding locations in many countries where one might sit this examination.

http://www.jlptstudy.com/ - A website devoted to study for stages 4,3, and 2. I haven't looked too deeply into the site yet, but it would seem to me that anyone concerned enough to name their website "JLPTstudy" probably has one aim in mind.

http://www.jlpt.jp/e/ - The offical page for the exams. Again, I've only breifly looked at the page, but as it has the word "offical" pastered all over the site, it's probably a crediable source.

http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/sample.html - Actually this is a page from the previous site, but since it has downloadable PDFs with practice exams on (I haven't looked there yet, expect more information when I've taken a peek) I thought it might be useful for other people to check out.

http://www.jlpt-kanji.com/ - As you might expect, this is a site dedicated to the kanji necessary for each level. I'm unsure about how correct each list will be, as even in my somewhat limited study of Japanese I've come accross a number of sources claiming that X is the kanji needed for each level, and no far no two have agreed exactly. To this end you may notice the wikipedia page only gives rough estimates on numbers needed. It may will be (and it seems likely) that the number, and particulares vary from one exam to the next.

[Forum ninja]

Holy moly Olly! Awesomeness and then some. Thanks.

[Olly]

When I've got a moment I'll read more of those websites, and see if I can't write up some more details. But there's a good start there until I get around to it. If the weather stays this yukky I'll probably do it tomorrow, if not it'll be in the week sometime.

[Scott]

Olly,

Very awesome information, I look forward to reading over it.

Can I contribute diagrams of where and what order to cut for seppuku once one is overwhelmed by the test?

 

[Olly]

Please do Scott, I for one would like people to know that I died honourably.

Actually I need to make a write up of this when I get a moment, it's been a mad week. Same with the radicals. These are only suspended until I have enough time to condense my thoughts.

[sheepeater]

So word has it the JLPT is changing.

Gone are levels 1-4 and instead we'll have N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. I heard that this will take effect as of 2010. I have to say I'm pleased. Level 2 is still well beyond me, but the new one (below) is a more realistic target.

Sooo, how's it going to work?

Level 4 will become "N5". The content will be the same as Level 4 was.
Level 3 will become "N4". Content the same as before.
In between Levels 3 and 4 will be "N3". People often say the jump between 3-kyuu and 2-kyuu is big, and they're right. This new test is a sort of bridge between the two. I, for one, am glad it's being implemented.
Level 2 will be "N2". Content the same as the original Level 2.
And Level 1 becomes... wait for it... "N1". I don't know whether they're going to abandon the "N" bit in the future and just reshuffleit so there's 5-kyuu to 1-kyuu. I hear rumours that there will be some shuffling around of scores or weighting, but I don't know for certain.

The only thing is, I wish this all started as of December this year so I could sit the new test. It's apparently starting next year, but was scheduled to being in 2009. As I said, Level 2 is way beyond my reach. A challenge is good, but really, when I factor in paying for transport to get to the test centre (nearest is a couple of hours away by train), the cost of the test etc, it seems a bit wasteful.

And when will we be able to get our hands on some study materials for this stuff?? Anyone else excited?

[Agrajag]

Yeah, it seems it was pushed back a year. I do hope they eventually have the lower exams twice a year, instead of just December.

Unfortunately, if I take level 3 this year, then I get to have fun taking level three (N3) again next year! Of course, this all assumes I would pass, which means I would then get to go down a level in 2010!

[Olly]

I'm thinking of taking the N3 this year, using the 4 level system (the old one), should I start looking into taking the N4 instead then? Or will that be next year?