The Japan Foundation, Sydney - Japanese Language Proficiency Test

THE JLPT 2008

The test has four different levels ranging from level 1 (most difficult) to level 4 (least difficult), and the examinee should choose the level that corresponds to his or her ability and training. Each test is comprised of three sections: writing and vocabulary; listening; reading and grammar. Please refer to the following table for contents and criteria of the test.

Level	Contents			Criteria
Level	Sections	Hours	Points	Criteria
1	Writing-Vocabulary	45 minutes	100 points	The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society, providing a useful base for study at a Japanese university. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 900 hours.
	Listening	45 minutes	100 points
	Reading-Grammar	90 minutes	200 points
	Total	180 minutes	400 points
2	Writing-Vocabulary	35 minutes	100 points	The examinee has mastered grammar at relatively high level, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 600 hours and finishing an intermediate course.
	Listening	40 minutes	100 points
	Reading-Grammar	70 minutes	200 points
	Total	145 minutes	400 points
3	Writing-Vocabulary	35 minutes	100 points	The examinee has mastered basic grammar, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, and has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course.
	Listening	35 minutes	100 points
	Reading-Grammar	70 minutes	200 points
	Total	100 minutes	400 points
4	Writing-Vocabulary	25 minutes	100 points	The examinee should have mastered the elements of grammar, around 100 Kanji and 800 words, and have the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 150 hours and after completion of the first half of an elementary course.
	Listening	25 minutes	100 points
	Reading-Grammar	50 minutes	200 points
	Total	100 minutes	400 points

For further information, please contact the Japanese Language Department on 02 8239 0077 or jlpt@jpf.org.au.