JLPT N1 Teacher Guide

How to Register for JLPT

A step-by-step guide to signing up for the JLPT โ€” exam dates, registration windows, country-specific instructions, and what to do on exam day.

JLPT N1 Certified Teacher
Written and reviewed by a Japanese language teacher (JLPT N1) with experience teaching learners from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mongolia.

Exam Schedule

SittingRegistration OpensRegistration ClosesExam DayResults
JulyApril (approx.)May (approx.)First Sunday of JulyLate September / Early October
DecemberSeptember (approx.)October (approx.)First Sunday of DecemberLate February / Early March

Exact dates vary by country. Always verify with your local JLPT organization.

Registration Steps

01

Check the exam dates and registration window

The JLPT is held twice per year โ€” in July and December. Registration opens approximately 3โ€“4 months before each exam. The registration window is typically open for 4โ€“6 weeks only. Missing the window means waiting for the next sitting, so mark your calendar early.

02

Find your country's JLPT organization

In Japan, registration is handled directly through jlpt.jp. Outside Japan, registration is managed by local organizations authorized by the Japan Foundation. Each country has its own registration system, deadlines, and exam venues. Always use the official local organization โ€” third-party registration services are not recognized.

03

Choose your level

Select the level that matches your current ability or the level you aim to pass. You can take any level without prerequisites. If you are unsure, try a practice test first โ€” Nihongo Pass has a free demo quiz that gives you an instant level estimate. Registering for too easy a level wastes your exam fee; registering for too hard a level leads to discouragement.

04

Complete registration and pay the fee

Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your ID. Your name on the registration must match your ID on exam day. Fees are set locally and vary widely: ยฅ7,500 in Japan for the July 2026 sitting, but Rp250,000โ€“350,000 in Indonesia and โ‚ฑ1,800โ€“2,200 in the Philippines. Yen figures quoted on international sites do not convert to what you will actually pay. Keep your confirmation and receipt.

05

Receive your admission ticket

Your admission ticket (ๅ—้จ“็ฅจ) is sent by mail or email, typically 2โ€“4 weeks before the exam. It contains your exam date, time, location, and seat number. Print it out and bring it on exam day โ€” you cannot enter the exam room without it.

Teacher's Tip

Register for the exam before you feel fully ready. Having a fixed exam date dramatically increases study motivation. Most of my students who delayed registration "until they were ready" ended up waiting another 6 months. Register first, then study hard.

Country-Specific Information

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ

India

Cities
New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Karur, Santiniketan
Organizer
No national portal. Each city has its own host institution (MOSAI in Delhi, JALTAP in Pune and Mumbai, BNK in Bengaluru, and so on)
Sittings
July and December, except Santiniketan which runs the July sitting only
Notes
India is the country where people most often waste a window, because they look for a single national registration site that does not exist. Find your city's host institution first; it sets the portal, the fee and the deadline.
Full India registration guide โ†’
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ

Indonesia

Cities
16 cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan, Denpasar, Tangerang and Samarinda
Organizer
One national portal at jlptonline.or.id, run under The Japan Foundation, Jakarta
Sittings
July and December
Notes
Account creation opens about a week before registration itself, and registration opening is staggered by city group. Making your account during that earlier window is the single most useful thing you can do.
Full Indonesia registration guide โ†’
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ

Vietnam

Cities
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue
Organizer
The host university for each city, not a national portal
Sittings
July and December
Notes
Hanoi is split by level: N1 and N2 go through Hanoi University, N3 to N5 through Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Applications have commonly been submitted in person or by post rather than online.
Full Vietnam registration guide โ†’
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ

Philippines

Cities
Manila, Cebu, Davao
Organizer
One online portal under The Japan Foundation, Manila. No in-person registration
Sittings
July and December, all five levels at each site
Notes
Applications are finalised only when you upload proof of payment, which is the step people forget. The published closing date can also be brought forward if applicant volume is high.
Full Philippines registration guide โ†’
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ณ

Mongolia

Cities
Ulaanbaatar
Organizer
Japan Foundation Mongolia
Sittings
December only in some years; check annually
Notes
Only one test site in Ulaanbaatar. Register as soon as registration opens โ€” seats are limited.
Full Mongolia registration guide โ†’
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

Japan

Cities
Major cities nationwide
Organizer
JLPT official website (jlpt.jp)
Sittings
July and December
Notes
Register directly at jlpt.jp. Overseas residents in Japan use the same registration system.

Exam Day Checklist

  • Admission ticket (ๅ—้จ“็ฅจ) โ€” printed or confirmed in email
  • Photo ID: passport, national ID card, or driver's license
  • HB pencils (2โ€“3) and a good eraser
  • Watch (analog โ€” no smartwatches)
  • Snack and water for the break between sections
  • All electronic devices turned off and stored in your bag

Registration FAQ

How do I register for the JLPT online?+
It depends on your country, and the difference matters. Some countries run one national portal: Indonesia registers everyone through jlptonline.or.id, and the Philippines through a single JFMO portal with no in-person option. Others do not: in India each city's host institution runs its own registration, and in Vietnam you apply to the host university for your city, often in person or by post. Japan uses jlpt.jp. Start from the official host list on jlpt.jp, and never register through a third-party service.
Can I register for the JLPT from India?+
Yes, in eight cities: New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Karur and Santiniketan. There is no national Indian registration site, which is the point most guides get wrong. Each city is run by its own host institution โ€” MOSAI in New Delhi, JALTAP in Pune and Mumbai, BNK in Bengaluru, ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI in Chennai โ€” and you register on that institution's own system. Santiniketan runs the July sitting only.
How do I register for the JLPT in Indonesia (pendaftaran JLPT)?+
Pendaftaran happens only at jlptonline.or.id, the national portal run under The Japan Foundation, Jakarta. The detail worth knowing is that account creation opens about a week before registration itself, and registration opening is then staggered by city group. Buat akun during that earlier window, then daftar when your city's slot opens. The fee is Rp250,000 for N3 to N5 and Rp350,000 for N1 and N2. There are 16 test cities, so if Jakarta is full, check Tangerang, Bogor or Semarang.
How much does it cost to register for the JLPT?+
There is no single JLPT fee. Each country sets its own, and the gap is large: the July 2026 sitting cost ยฅ7,500 inside Japan, while Indonesia charges Rp250,000โ€“350,000 and the Philippines โ‚ฑ1,800โ€“2,200 depending on level. In India the fee is set by each city's host institution, so it varies within the country. Converting the Japanese fee into your currency will give you the wrong number. Keep your payment confirmation until your admission ticket arrives.
What if I miss the JLPT registration deadline?+
There are no late registrations or extensions. The JLPT is held only twice a year (July and December), and registration windows are open for a few weeks only. If you miss it, you must wait for the next sitting โ€” so mark the opening date on your calendar in advance.

JLPT Scoring Explained โ†’

Passing scores, section minimums

JLPT FAQ โ†’

21 common questions answered

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How to Register for JLPT Online โ€” Step-by-Step Guide by Country | Nihongo Pass