How To Register For the JLPT Online in Japan

By Donald Ash | Foreigners In Japan

How To Register For the JLPT Online - Thumbnail

Looks like it's that time again. It's time to register for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

In this tutorial, we'll cover, step-by-step, how to register for the JLPT online (here in Japan).

The JLPT is the standard many foreigners use to measure their Japanese chops. This exam tests your vocabulary, kanji, grammar, listening and reading knowlege.  Oddly enough, though, it doesn't test the main indicator of how good your Japanese is - how well you speak (at the time of this writing).

While it's not the final say in how good your Japanese is, many of the skills that the JLPT tests can be closely linked to your speaking skills.

ARE YOU READY? LET'S SIGN UP!

Quick Navigation

Whether you're taking the N5 (beginner level) or the N1 ( crazy, advanced level), there are three basic parts of the registration process:

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1. Get Your “MyJLPT ID”
  • 2. Register Online
  • 3.Pay the JLPT Registration Fee

Although some of three basic parts will have more steps than others, don’t get caught up in the mini steps. This should be quick, clean, and easy.

Let’s go through it together:

1. REGISTER FOR THE JLPT ONLINE - GET YOUR "MY JLPT ID"

Initially, I thought online registration was going to be a lot harder than it really was. The hardest part is that the JEES website sucks.  Sorry to say it, but it's true.  Not only is it outdated, but it's not intuitive.  This tutorial will make the process easier for you than JEES will. 

Beyond that, though, if you can find a website on the internet, locate your nearest convenience store, press some buttons, and make a payment at a convenience store counter, you too should be alble to sign up for the JLPT with no problems.

Step One: Visit the JEES Website

To make this as simple as possible, just click the following link: http://info.jees-jlpt.jp/acquisition/

Going to directly to this link is a good idea, because the JEES website can really take you in circles if you don't know what to look for. If you're registering as you're reading this, I recommend opening this link in a new tab and following along.

Register for the JLPT online - JEES Website

If you do decide go straight to the JEES website, scroll straight down to get to the JLPT ID process. I feel like JEES doesn't do a very good job of linking related pages to where you need to go (at least not at the time of this writing)


Step Two: Individual Or Group Registration?

Most of you reading this will be signing up as individuals. But if you're signing up ten or more people, there is a group registration option if you need it.  For now, we're going to select the "Individual" registration option.

Register for the JLPT Online - MyJLPT ID Registration

Step Three: Choose Your Language

We're just going to go with the English option for the sake of keeping this tutorial as simple as possible. But choose the language that's the best option for you!

How To Register for the JLPT Online

Step Four: Fill Out The MyJLPT Registration Form

Prior to filling this out, you will have to agree to the JEES terms of service, but once you do, you'll be directed to this form.  Be sure to fill it out accurately. The last thing you want to do is to have your info sent to the wrong place .

How To Register for the JLPT Online - MyJLPT ID

Step Five: Double Check Your Personal Info

If everything is good, let's keep going!

How to Register for the JLPT Online - Online Registration

Step Six: Check Your Email for Your JLPT ID

How To Register for the JLPT Online

The 'Notice on URL for MyJLPT Registration' is the first one you'll receive. It's a confirmation email. BE SURE TO COMPLETE IT WITHIN 24 HOURS! After you do, you'll get your MyJLPT ID 🙂


How To Register for the JLPT - My JLPT ID

BE SURE TO CLICK THIS WITHIN 24 HOURS!


How To Register for the JLPT Online

Once you've clicked the link to confirm, you'll receive this email with your MyJLPT ID. Once you have this, it's time to move on to Part 2! NICE WORK!

2. REGISTER FOR THE JLPT: ONLINE REGISTRATION

STEP 1: Select the ‘Login’ Option
JEES Login Screen

STEP 2: Enter Your MyJLPT ID & Password
JLPT Test Registration 2

STEP 3 Click the ‘Examination Application Tab

Keep in mind that registration generally opens up about three months before an upcoming test. Also remember that the application window is usually about a month long (April 1st-April 30th in the case of the July 2014 test). Registration for the 2014 July 6th exam began on April 1st, 2014.

STEP 4: Agree To the Privacy Policy

JLPT Test Registration

STEP 5: Choose your level & Complete the Registration Form

Exams levels go from N5 up to N1, with N5 being the easiest and N1 being the most challenging.

STEP 6: Don’t Forget Your Photo!

Near the end of the application form you'll have to scan in your photo.  The passport photos you can get taken at the booths all over Japan are quick, easy, and convenient!If your photo uploads properly, it'll show up on your registration form like this!

STEP 7: Choose a Payment Method

You can choose to pay by credit card or in cash at your local convenience store.  For todays example, we'll be paying at a local convenience store, Lawson.

STEP 8: Select Your Nearest Convenience Store

For todays example, we'll be paying at a local convenience store, Lawson.If you don't feel like heading to a convenience store, you have the option to enter your credit card info and pay by card.

STEP 9: Confirm Your Test Info

Although it’s not pictured here, the confirmation page will simply show you all of the information that you’ve entered. Double-check or even triple check to make sure you’ve entered the right information (namely the test level and your address).

STEP 10: Your Online Application is Complete

Now that our online application is complete, all we have to do is go to the conbini and pay for our test.

 

3. REGISTER FOR THE JLPT ONLINE : PAYING FOR YOUR JLPT TEST

For this particular example I’m going to use Lawson’s Loppi system to show how to make your payment. You can choose whichever convenience store is nearest to you. The machines you use to make your payments will differ slightly, but the overall process will be similar.

STEP 1: Jot Down Your Payment Receipt Number From Your Email

You might want to write down this number before going to the convenience store.

STEP 2: Touch the ‘Kakushu Bango’ Button on the Left

Paying for the JLPT with Loppi

Step 3: Go to the convenience store you selected
When you were choosing your exam (From Part Two of this tutorial)

Step 4: Enter Your Payment Receipt Number

This is the 番号検索 (number search or number lookup) screen.  Enter your JLPT receipt number from step one here.

Step 5: Enter Your Phone Number

Even though it's not instantly visible, this is the screen for your phone number.

Step 6: On the Payment Screen Touch the ‘Ryoukai’ Button


The Loppi Payment Screen

Step 7: Take Your Payment Slip to the Register

JLPTPaymentReceipt2

Step 8: Pay

JLPT Payment Scan

JLPTPayment

JLPT Receipt

Step 9: Check Your Email For Confirmation

JLPT Notice Of Application Completion

JLPT Notice Of  Application CompletionFull

YOU ARE OFFICIALLY REGISTERED FOR THE JLPT!! HOORAY!

Payment Troubleshooting
If you run into any issues while trying to get registered for your exam, i.e. you can’t make heads or tails of the machine you’re using. Tell the convenience clerk:”インタネットで日本語の試験をサインアップをしました。このコンビニで払いたい。ロッピーはどうやって使いますか?”“Intanetto de Nihongo no shiken wo sainup wo shimashita. Koko de haraitai. Doyatte Loppi wo tsukaimasu ka?”

 

One More Tip
It’s ALWAYS better to register in advance because everyone and their mother tries to register at the last minute. That last thing you wanna end up with is this message just as registration is about to close:
Congested JLPT site

It’s always better to register early, to prevent situations like these.

Three Advantages of Online Registration

There are several reasons why online registration through might be the way to go:

Finding out what your scores are before the result certificates are mailed out
Who doesn’t want to find out what their scores are as soon as possible? If you’re already registered online, you’ll be able to find out your results as soon as their available instead of pacing the floor, day after day, waiting for that little piece of paper to get to you.

Having certificates reissued if you misplace them,
The certificates you receive when you pass your exam aren’t very big, so if you do happen to lose your certificate, you can get it reissued through this online system.

It’s Easier and faster
Being in the MyJLPT system makes signing up for the next exam becomes that much easier. It also saves you time, especially if you’re rushing to meet the registration deadline.

Are You Taking the JLPT This Year? If So, Which Level?
Please feel free to sound off in the comments section below.

 

 


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About the Author

Donald Ash is an Atlanta, Georgia-born, American expat who has been living in a Japanese time warp for the last eleven years. While in that time warp, he discovered that he absolutely loves writing, blogging, and sharing. Donald is the creator of thejapanguy.com blog. Wanna know more about this guy? Check out his "What's Your Story" page.

  • Liz says:

    Great post, Donald! I’ll be applying online from Australia with the help of a Japanese friend living in Tokyo, so I’ll definitely put your advice to good use when the time calls. 🙂

  • Alex says:

    Thanks Donald. I am moving to Japan late Sept and online application is 1 sep to 30 sept. So, did you need a Registration Card to enroll? I have a local address in Japan so would like to apply before getting to Japan. Thanks for your time.

  • Lex says:

    Thank you SO much! I selected the “pay at the Lawson” option when I registered, before I realized I had no freakin’ idea how to pay at a Lawson. Your instructions are so clear. I’m off to do this now!

  • Lauren says:

    Thanks for the info! After you took the passport photo at the photo booth, how did you upload the photo to the online registration website? Did you use a scanner to upload it?

  • Kaela says:

    Thank you for the useful information! I’m thinking of coming to Japan to take the exam this July but when I tried to register I didn’t know what to put for the postal code and the address since I’m only coming for a week! 🙁 Could you help me with this matter please? Thank you in advance!!

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