The 2023 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be held worldwide on the following dates:
| First test | July 2, 2023 |
| Second test | December 3, 2023 |
Following two successful implementations of the JLPT in the Philippines amidst the pandemic last year, the exam will most probably push through this year as well.
Like the December 2022 exam, the JLPT is expected to be conducted on all four test sites (Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro) covering ALL proficiency levels (N5 to N1). For details on the December 2022 exam, please visit this page instead.
Starting with the December 2022 JLPT, the host institution for the Manila test site changed from The Philippine Testing Administration Committee to The Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation, Inc. (PJFF). This change will not affect the test schedule and location for Manila; only the manner of test implementation will be different.
Upon the transition, PJFF rolled out a new online registration platform for aspiring JLPT examinees. This eliminated the need to visit the office of The Japan Foundation in Makati just to submit test application requirements and pay for the test fee.
In addition, PJFF is proactively posting announcements about the test on its Facebook page. Make sure to follow it so you won’t miss out on important updates.
Here’s the expected timeline for the July 2023 exam in the Philippines:
Late February/Early March – Registration and payment
July 2, Sunday – Test date
August 21, Monday – Release of online results
Early October – Distribution of certificates and official score reports
In the past, registration always opened on the first Wednesday of February but no announcement has been made yet by PJFF.
This post will be continually updated as new updates arrive, so keep visiting this page to get all the important information about this year’s July JLPT.
Update on March 25:
The JLPT is back in full swing in the Philippines!
After several cancellations and restrictions to the conduct of the test, Japanese language learners of any skill level can now take the exam. Plus, Japan Foundation Manila launched a site for online registration, eliminating the need to personally line up at their office in Makati City.
PJFF also posted the general instructions for the JLPT registration. Here are the key details:
- All levels (N5 to N1) will be available for all test sites.
- Registration will be open from April 1 to 20.
- Applicants must use the new portal for registration with this link: https://jlpt-apply.jfmo.org.ph/
- Advance payment is required. Prepare your proof of payment prior to completing the registration.
- The same amount of test fees will apply: Php1,500 for N1 and N2 and Php1,100 for N3, N4 and N5.
- On test day, you will need to bring hard copies your test voucher, valid ID with photo, and proof of vaccination. Soft copies or images saved on your mobile phone will not be accepted.
- Group applications are not accepted.
In addition to the above guidelines, PJFF also released guidelines on the ID picture to be uploaded to the online registration portal.
These apply only to those who will be taking the exam at the Manila test site. Inquire with your host institution whether the same rules apply to you.
Please take a look at the requirements carefully. Non-compliance might lead to delays or complications with your registration.
For other information on the JLPT, you may check the following sites:
- JLPT Homepage of Japan Foundation Manila
- Facebook Page of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation
- Official JLPT Reference Guide
As of this writing, the online portal is not yet accepting registrations for the July 2023 exam, but once it does, I’ll post an update to this page. In the meantime, you can create your account at the portal if you haven’t done so yet.
In any case, take note of the dates in your calendar! Don’t miss your chance to take the bi-annual JLPT, so keep following this page to get JLPT-related information in the Philippines all in one place.
Update on March 25:
PJFF has posted the assigned rooms based on the examinee number as well as the map of DLSU to help test takers navigate the campus.
Unfortunately, the test administration committees for the other three test sites (Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro) do not post similar information, so please make sure to contact them if you have questions or clarifications.
Update on June 29:
Update on July 3:
The JLPT just ended! To those who took the exam yesterday on Sunday, give yourself a pat on the back for taking this challenging step of your Japanese language journey.
As for the results, they will come out on August 22, Monday. The results page will be accessible from this website. Make sure to have your test registration number and password ready for you to log in. These details are indicated on your test voucher. Certificates and official score reports will be issued in October.
It takes nearly two months from the exam date to the release of the results, further prolonging the anxiety from waiting, so make sure to take ample rest until you pick up your Japanese studies again!
Important Notice:
I started creating these posts about JLPT updates at a time when there was a lack of information about taking this exam in the Philippines. Two or more sources need to be checked by Filipino test-takers, and even then, most of the knowledge about how the test is conducted in the Philippines come from one’s own experience and word of mouth.
Since test administration was turned over to PJFF, the organization has done a stellar job at disseminating updates, reminders, and instructions to Filipino test-takers throughout the whole testing process from registration until certificate issuance. Make sure to follow their Facebook page to stay informed.
With that, I decided to make this JLPT updates post the last one of its kind on my website. Of course, you are welcome to leave comments on this page or to leave a message on my Contact page.
Real-life matters have made me incredibly busy, so my progress in writing new posts has become dramatically slow. Nevertheless, I have more topics to share, so please look forward to them!
