JLPT – The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

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Language Skills Assessment Test In person

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UQAM Language Skills Assessment Centre

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been organized by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) since 1984. It assesses and certifies the language skills of people whose native language is not Japanese.

Recognized by public institutions as well as Japanese companies and universities, the JLPT is an essential asset for anyone wishing to work or study in Japan. It is offered in over 50 countries around the world. In 2025, the test saw a record number of nearly two million applicants.

This year, the Centre d’évaluation de compétences linguistiques at UQÀM has the honour of offering this essential test for the very first time in Quebec.

Session Details

  • Test date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
  • Location: Pavillon V of Université du Québec à Montréal, 209 Sainte-Catherine Street East
  • Registration period: September 8 to 25, 2026
  • Registration period with special accommodation request: September 8 to 11, 2026

Registration

Steps

The registration period will open on September 8, 2026. Pre-registration is not possible. There is a limited number of spots per level.

To register for the JLPT, you must complete the registration form and pay the associated fee of $100 CAD. Please note that your registration will not be considered complete without validated payment. Test fees are non-refundable.

Also note that you will need to upload a clear and recent photo, measuring approximately 3 cm by 4 cm (passport-style), for your registration to be complete. A professional photo is not required; simply make sure your entire face is visible and identifiable, that you are not wearing a hat or sunglasses, and that you are the only person in the photo.

You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the official test guide before starting your registration.

Accommodations

Academic accommodation measures are available for those wishing to take the JLPT. You must submit your request before September 11, 2026. Please note that this deadline precedes the end of the JLPT registration period, and it will not be possible to arrange accommodations after this date.

To request accommodations:

  1. As soon as possible, send us an email at jlpt-cecl@uqam.ca indicating your intent to request special accommodations for the JLPT test. It is strongly recommended to contact us well in advance of the registration period.
  2. We will send you instructions and an official form to complete. Note that this form is only available in its bilingual English/Japanese version.
  3. Fill out the form and send it to us along with a copy of your medical certificate or a document issued by a government authority detailing your situation. Your supporting documents may be in French.
  4. Once the registration period opens on September 8, and before September 11, go to our site to complete your registration. You will need to upload a photo and complete payment to finalize registration.
  5. We will process your request, which must be approved by the JLPT central administration in Japan. We will communicate their decision to you in November.

For more information on possible accommodations for the JLPT, please consult the document available here (available in English and Japanese only).

Test Details
Before the TestTest DayAfter the Test

Rules Governing Misconduct

Make sure you have read and understood all the rules before arriving for your test. Any violation, even accidental, will lead to immediate expulsion and a failing grade on the test. Other penalties, including a ban from participating in future JLPT sessions, may also result.

  • The use of electronic devices is strictly prohibited for the duration of the test, including breaks (phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.). You must hand over your devices to the coat check staff upon arrival.
  • Anyone observed with a powered-on electronic device, or whose phone ringtone or alarm is heard in the room, will be disqualified immediately.
  • No admission after the scheduled registration period time. Latecomers will be considered absent, without exception.
  • Eating or drinking is prohibited in the testing room, even a bottle of water. Contact us in case of medical need.
  • You must leave your bags and coats at the supervised, secure coat check.
  • Failure to produce a valid ID or your printed Test Voucher will result in disqualification, as will any additional markings on this document.

Read the JLPT misconduct policy.

Test Voucher

Following successful registration, you will receive an automated confirmation, then, within ten business days, a Test Voucher containing:

  • Your name and date of birth
  • Your photo
  • Your test registration number
  • A reminder of the location, date, and registration time for your test

You must print the Test Voucher and bring it with you to the test. You will not be admitted without your printed Test Voucher.

Preparation

Several resources are available to help you prepare for the JLPT:

What to Bring

  • A legal photo ID (passport, driver’s license, health insurance card, student card).
  • The Test Voucher you received by email, printed on paper (a digital version is not accepted). The back must be blank, with no printed or handwritten text.
  • No. 2/HB pencils (no pens)
  • An eraser

Schedule

Make sure you arrive early during your check-in period. Once the test has started, you will no longer be able to enter and your participation will be invalidated.

The test will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026. The detailed schedule will be published later.

How to Get There

Université du Québec à Montréal is located in the heart of downtown, near the Berri-UQÀM metro station.

Centre d’évaluation de compétences linguistiques
Pavillon Sainte-Catherine
209 Sainte-Catherine Street East
Montreal, Quebec H2X 1L2

Directions on Google Maps

Your results will be available three months after taking the JLPT. A paper certificate will be sent to the mailing address you provided during registration. If you move, please let us know so your certificate reaches you.

Results are also posted online in a secure area three months after the test. To access them, you need the eight-digit code generated during your registration.

Check your result here

FAQ

How often is the JLPT test held?

The JLPT is offered on the same date around the world twice a year, in July and December. Only the December session will be offered in Montreal in 2026.

Is it possible to request special accommodations?

Yes. All information can be found in the “Accommodations” section above. Medical documentation will be required. The deadline to submit a request is September 11, 2026. Please note that JLPT registration fees are non-refundable. If the JLPT central authority in Japan refuses your accommodation request, you have the option to take the test without accommodations.

How do I decide which test level to choose?

A description of the skills associated with each level is available on the JLPT website (English and Japanese only), as well as in the test guide.

Can I change the test level after registering?

No. You will need to submit a new application and a new payment before the deadline.

Can I change the test location after registering?

No. The JLPT is offered in over 50 countries, but changing location requires a new application and a new payment before the deadline.

Can I submit my application after the deadline?

No.

What payment methods are accepted?

You must pay by credit card. If you do not have access to a credit card, contact us.

Are fees refundable in case of absence?

No. Once your registration has been processed, no refund is possible.

I received the Test Voucher, what should I do?

Check that all information is correct and contact us in case of error. Print it on paper and bring it on test day.

I have not received the Test Voucher, what should I do?

If you have not received it by October 15, 2026, contact us.

How do I prepare to take the JLPT?

The publisher BONJINSHA publishes an official collection of questions and answers every year, and the official test website offers online resources. UQAM’s School of Languages also offers a microprogram in Japanese that meets JLPT requirements.

What happens if I arrive late?

No latecomers will be admitted to the test.

Can I take only certain sections of the test?

No. Any incomplete test is considered a failure according to JLPT rules.

When and how will I receive my results?

Three months after the test, by mail, or online via the official portal, with your 8-digit password generated during registration.

What is the validity of the JLPT certificate?

Results are valid and recognized for life by the Government of Japan. However, some companies or institutions may have specific requirements.

Contact Us

To contact the Centre d’évaluation de compétences linguistiques, write to us at jlpt-cecl@uqam.ca.