The JLPT is opening up for registrations soon for the December 2021 sitting. You can read about what the JLPT is on their website. The reason I’m talking about it is because it’s a great opportunity to test your Japanese level.
Now, the JLPT is not a perfect test. Indeed, it doesn’t even have a speaking section or writing section.
That’s right. It’s all multiple choice!
However it does test your ability to understand Japanese in a variety of settings especially grammar, vocab, reading comprehension and listening comprehension. I have the highest level JLPT N1 but enough about me.
You’ll need to find country-specific information about the details for JLPT in your area. This is all listed on the JLPT’s website.
OK I want to do it… but what level?
Choosing which JLPT level to go for is hard sometimes. Keep in mind that the majority of first time test takers for the JLPT fail. Not me though, I smashed mine first go (and I passed N2 first time as well). However let’s not talk about the times I failed N1.
You can take some sample tests on the JLPT website and I’ve done a lot of blogs on JLPT prep as well as some videos. That’s an old video so don’t judge me too harshly please. My newer videos generally are tagged with an approximate JLPT level so you can watch those and see if you understand or not.
How do I study for the JLPT?
Its important to remember that if your goal is to pass the JLPT, you have to study how to pass the exam. Of course if you speak Japanese or understand Japanese it will help, but specific, targeted study for the JLPT should be a priority.
There are various textbooks made with the JLPT in mind, I really like the Shinkanzen Master series but you don’t need to buy these. You can definitely pass the JLPT just with free materials through a combination of immersion, flashcards and consuming Japanese as much as possible.
I also run JLPT prep classes so contact me via acejapanese@protonmail.com if you want to look into that. Mention this blog post and get a free lesson. Payment is via PayPal and other are also methods accepted, please ask!
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If you’d like to have personalised Japanese lessons, be they 1-on-1 or group lessons, contact me today via the website’s contact form. You can checkout my youtube channel for examples of what lessons will look like, and I have a professional home studio setup with microphone, lighting and software so that I can display anything on screen including articles, videos and much more.
