How much does the JLPT cost?
Last checked: 2026-11-07
The JLPT costs 7,500 yen including tax if you take it in Japan. The official guide listed this fee for the July 2026 test. Outside Japan, you register and pay through your local host institution, so check its Test Guide for the amount.
JLPT fee in Japan
| Item | Official details |
|---|---|
| Test fee | 7,500 yen, consumption tax included |
| Levels | One level per application |
| Payment | Credit card, bank transfer (Pay-easy) or convenience store |
| Applying from overseas | Credit card only |
The guide we checked covers the July 2026 test. We have not seen an official fee or schedule for 2027.
Can you take the test in Japan as a visitor?
Be careful here. JEES says the test in Japan is primarily for non-native speakers who are mid-to-long-term residents or special permanent residents. Check the current guide for your situation before you plan a trip around the exam. Some applicants have also been asked to verify their eligibility with a photo. If they did not complete it, they could not take the test, and the fee was not refunded.
JLPT fees outside Japan
- Find your country and test site city on the JLPT site.
- Contact the local host institution and get its Test Guide.
- Follow its instructions to register and pay.
The JLPT site says the application period varies by city, and some cities hold the test only in July or December. See how to register, with fees by country.
2026 test dates in Japan
| Test | Date | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| First test | July 5, 2026 | March 17 to April 7 |
| Second test | December 6, 2026 | Listed as August 24 to September 7, but JEES said they had closed on September 3 |
N1 and N2 start at 9:10. N3, N4 and N5 start at 15:10. Times are from the July 2026 guide. Before test day, read what to bring to the JLPT.
When you get your results
For the July 2026 test in Japan, online results were scheduled for late August, and paper results and certificates for late September. See result dates for other countries. Once you have your certificate, it does not expire.
The real cost is preparation
The fee is small next to study costs. See what Japanese tutors cost and the JLPT passing scores before you pick a level. For cheap practice, see the official practice workbook.
The JLPT is not the only test. Compare fees for JFT-Basic and NAT or the BJT.