J.TEST of Practical Japanese: fee, levels and dates
Last checked: 2026-11-06
The J.TEST costs 5,800 yen at public test sites in Japan, and A-C and D-E level tests run six times a year. It gives a score, and certifies a grade if you reach set marks. Overseas fees and dates vary by region.
J.TEST at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee in Japan | 5,800 yen, all levels |
| Reduced fee | 2,900 yen for junior and senior high school students at Japanese schools whose native language is not Japanese, with proof |
| How often | A-C and D-E: six times a year. F-G: twice a year in Japan |
| Results | Online about 23 days after the test. Results usually arrive by mail in about four weeks |
| Scale | About 60,000 test-takers a year, by its own count. Started in 1991 |
Test levels
| Test | Reading | Listening | Total score | Certified from | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-C | 500 points | 500 points | 1,000 | 600 | 125 min |
| D-E | 350 points | 350 points | 700 | 350 | 105 min |
| F-G | 175 points | 175 points | 350 | 180 | 85 min |
You also need a score above zero in each of the eight sections. A-C and D-E include written answers. F-G is all multiple choice. Everyone gets a score report by mail, and a certificate if they reach the mark.
Grades and how J.TEST compares them
These comparisons are J.TEST's own. The JLPT did not set them, and its list of advantages does not mention the J.TEST.
| Test | Grade | Score | J.TEST's own comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-C | Special A | 930+ | |
| A | 900+ | CEFR C2 | |
| Semi-A | 850+ | ||
| B | 800+ | ||
| Semi-B | 700+ | CEFR C1, like N1 | |
| C | 600+ | CEFR B2, like N2 | |
| D-E | D | 500+ | CEFR B1, like N3 |
| E | 350+ | CEFR A2, like N4 | |
| F-G | F | 250+ | CEFR A1, like N5 |
| G | 180+ |
Note that the official JLPT chart stops at C1. So if someone asks for "N2", ask if they accept a J.TEST score before you pay.
2027 public test dates in Japan
| Test | Test day | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| No. 190 | January 10 | November 18 to December 1, 2026 |
| No. 191 | March 14 | January 20 to February 2 |
| No. 192 | May 16 | March 24 to April 6 |
| No. 193 | July 11 | May 26 to June 8 |
| No. 194 | September 12 | July 21 to August 3 |
| No. 195 | November 7 | September 22 to October 5 |
From the J.TEST home page. In 2026, F-G ran in May and November only, in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. Applications may close early if seats run out, and late arrivals cannot sit the test. Check overseas dates with your local office.
J.TEST compared with other tests in Japan
| Test | Fee in Japan | How often |
|---|---|---|
| J.TEST | 5,800 yen | Six times a year |
| NAT-TEST (Tokyo site) | 6,000 yen | More than 12 times a year |
| JLPT | 7,500 yen | Twice a year |
| BJT | 8,000 yen | Any date a test center offers |
| JFT-Basic | 10,000 yen | Monthly, as a rule |
The J.TEST has the lowest fee of these five in Japan, on the pages we read. A low fee does not mean a school or employer will accept it. See JLPT vs JFT-Basic vs NAT and JLPT vs BJT.
Can you use the J.TEST for immigration?
J.TEST runs a score proof service for immigration offices, schools and training bodies. It says the proof is sent to the institution, not to you, with no issue fee, though the institution pays postage. Its page links F-G level to language school entry and A-C to universities and vocational schools.
That is the test maker's page. We did not confirm these uses with the Immigration Services Agency. The J.TEST is not on the agency's list for language-based work, as far as we read. Ask your school or the agency first.