The 2009 JLPT (December) and New JLPT starting in 2010
Friday, August 21st, 2009
The 2009 JLPT (December)
The 2009 JLPT (December) is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 6. This year, the JLPT was held in July for levels 1 and 2, but the next JLPT (December) will be held for all levels, 1 - 4.
If you want to take the JLPT in Japan, you can apply during the period from August 28, 2009 through October 2, 2009. You can get the application form at various bookstores starting this week!
For those who want to take it outside Japan, please refer to the website below.
http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/contact_us.html
New JLPT starting in 2010
As you may know, the JLPT test will be changed next year. The biggest change is that there will be five levels as opposed to the current four levels.
1. Four Levels will be changed to Five Levels:
- N1: equivalent to the current level 1 and more advanced
- N2: equivalent to the current level 2
- N3: between the current levels 2 and3
- N4: equivalent to the current level 3
- N5: equivalent to the current level 4
You can find sample tests for each of the new levels from the JLPT website below.
Also, you can download a guidebook (in Japanese) about the new JLPT. A summary in English will be published soon.
http://www.jlpt.jp/j/about/new-jlpt.html
If you have any information, please leave us a comment and share it with us.
がんばってください!

August 21st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Hi!
I think you may mean that N3 is between the levels 2 and 3, rather than 3 and 4, but thanks for the info anyway.
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:03 am
Yea, I think Deibido is right. Haha. You scared me! I was thinking “What?!?! A level between the easy ones?!” haha. I need that middle level, that’s why.
Thanks for the info!
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:45 am
I’ll be taking 1kyu this December and N1 next Summer then. Sounds fun!
August 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Last time I took level 4 I failed by 4 points! This year I will pass! Japanesepod has been such a big help! I can’t wait :3