J.TEST explained: three tests, one 50/50 score split, and the zero-score rule that can cost you the certificate
J.TEST (実用日本語検定, the Test of Practical Japanese) is scored, not passed or failed: everyone gets a score report, and a certificate goes to those who reach the level's minimum. There are three separate tests, from beginner to above JLPT N1.
The minimum is not the whole rule. You also need a score above zero in all eight sections. The figures below are from the J.TEST site, j-test.jp, read on 5 November 2026.
The three tests
Reading and listening each carry 50% of the score in all three. Listening starts straight after reading, with no break.
- A-C level testOut of 1,000. Certificate from 600Reading 80 minutes, listening about 45
- D-E level testOut of 700. Certificate from 350Reading 70 minutes, listening about 35
- F-G level testOut of 350. Certificate from 180Reading 60 minutes, listening about 25
Scores, grades and the JLPT
The JLPT and CEFR comparisons are J.TEST's own. It calls the JLPT comparison a guide, not an equivalence.
- Special A930 of 1,000A-C test
- A900 of 1,000CEFR C2
- Semi-A850 of 1,000A-C test
- B800 of 1,000A-C test
- Semi-B700 of 1,000CEFR C1, compared with N1
- C600 of 1,000CEFR B2, compared with N2
- D500 of 700CEFR B1, compared with N3
- E350 of 700CEFR A2, compared with N4
- F250 of 350CEFR A1, compared with N5
- G180 of 350Beginner level
The eight sections
Reading has four: grammar and vocabulary, reading, kanji, and written answers. Listening has four: photos, listening with text, responses, and conversation and explanation.
A zero in any one of them blocks the certificate, whatever the total. The page says so for all three tests.
The A-C and D-E tests include written answers, such as writing a kanji's reading or a short sentence. The F-G test is all multiple choice.
Our reading: a candidate who has only practised multiple choice, as for the JLPT, meets a different kind of task in A-C and D-E. Practise the written section before you sit it, because it is one of the eight.
Old conversion tables are out of date
The current three tests began in May 2019. Before that, the A-D test went up to 1,000 with a certificate from 400. J.TEST notes the change itself: N3 used to be compared with 400 on the old test, and is now compared with 500 on the D-E test.
If a school, agent or website quotes a J.TEST score, check which test it means. A score of 500 on the A-C test and 500 on the D-E test are not the same result.
Dates, fees and results
In Japan in 2026, the A-C and D-E tests run six times a year (January, March, May, July, September, November) and the F-G test twice (May, November). J.TEST says the difficulty is kept constant, so repeat scores can show progress.
Fee in Japan: ¥5,800 for the public test. Non-native-speaking junior high and high school students at a school in Japan pay ¥2,900 with proof. Abroad, ask the local test office.
Results: search online about 23 days after the test. Everyone gets a score report by post.
For immigration: schools can request a score certificate for submission to immigration from J.TEST. Issuing it is free, and the school pays the delivery.
Free practice: a web test to check which level to sit, plus practice questions on the site. The answers and listening scripts go up after each test.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Thinking the total alone earns the certificate.
Making sure you score in all eight sections.
J.TEST requires no zero in any of the eight sections.
Quoting a score without naming the test.
Saying which of the three tests it came from.
The A-C, D-E and F-G tests are out of 1,000, 700 and 350.
Using a conversion table from before 2019.
Using the current one on the J.TEST site.
The comparison with N3 moved from 400 on the old test to 500 on the D-E test.
Questions
What J.TEST score equals JLPT N2?
J.TEST compares N2 with 600 on the A-C test, and calls that a guide, not an equivalence.
What score do I need for a J.TEST certificate?
600 of 1,000 on the A-C test, 350 of 700 on the D-E test or 180 of 350 on the F-G test, with no zero in any of the eight sections.
How often is J.TEST held?
In Japan in 2026, the A-C and D-E tests run six times a year and the F-G test twice. Dates abroad depend on the local test office.
How much does J.TEST cost?
¥5,800 for the public test in Japan, or ¥2,900 for eligible junior high and high school students there. Ask the local office abroad.
How soon are J.TEST results available?
You can search for them online about 23 days after the test, and everyone gets a score report by post.
Last updated