What to bring to the JLPT: test day checklist
Last checked: 2026-11-06
Bring your test voucher, a valid photo ID, sharpened pencils and an eraser, and read your own host's rules, because they differ by country. The JLPT FAQ has no general list. In Japan, the key ID is your original Residence Card, and a copy is not accepted.
Test day checklist
This is our own summary of the host rules below. Your voucher and Test Guide come first.
- Test voucher, printed if your host asks for that
- Original photo ID, valid on the day, in the name you registered
- Several sharpened pencils and a plastic eraser out of its case
- An analog watch with no alarm, if you want one
- Water, in the kind of bottle your site allows
- Phone switched fully off, not on silent
- Your route, with the check-in time written down
Rules compared by country
These pages are from individual hosts. We have left a cell blank when we did not find the rule.
| Japan (JEES, July 2026) | USA (AATJ) | Canada (Vancouver, 2026) | UK (SOAS) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Original valid Residence Card. Other rules if it is lost or being renewed | Current government-issued photo ID in English. Copies refused | Valid photo ID with name, date of birth and photo | Your application name must match your official ID |
| Voucher | Printed. Phone copies refused* | Printed. None supplied at the site | ||
| Pencils | #2 recommended. Mechanical not banned, but may damage the answer sheet | HB or B. Mechanical not allowed | ||
| Watch | Digital watches banned* | Analog with no alarm only | ||
| Phone | Off, sealed in an envelope until after listening | Off from check-in until dismissal. Powered on means disqualified | Off, collected on entry. One phone only | Off for the whole test day |
| Water | Bring your own | Clear bottle, water only, no labels | ||
| Lateness | Not admitted after the first section starts. Later sections are not scored, and you fail | From July 2026, no late arrivals for any section | Doors close after check-in | Be in the exam room by 11:00am |
*From AATJ's 2025 test site notice for Boston, not a 2026 document. AATJ's 2026 rules confirm that you print your own voucher. Your site's PDF is the rule that counts. It is expected in early November for the December test.
Where the rules clash: mechanical pencils
This is the clearest case where rules differ. Vancouver bans mechanical pencils. The AATJ does not ban them, but recommends #2 pencils. The official JLPT Practice Test in Tokyo allowed them. Our own rule: bring plain wooden pencils unless your guide says otherwise. They fit all three sets of rules.
Common test day mistakes
- A copy of your ID. JEES says you cannot sit the test with only a copy of your Residence Card. If your card has expired or is lost or being renewed, read the extra rules before test day.
- A smartwatch. JEES lists smartwatches with phones as devices to switch off and seal. Vancouver bans them.
- A phone that makes a sound. Vancouver says you cannot continue, and no score report is issued.
- Opening the sealed envelope early. In Japan, this means disqualification.
- Coming too early or with family. JEES says there is no waiting area, and only examinees may enter. Vancouver gives the same warning for parents and guardians.
- Driving. JEES says to use public transport, and that people arriving by bicycle, motorcycle or car may be refused.
- Counting on buying water in Japan. You cannot use electronic devices in breaks, so mobile payment will not work.
- Taking the question booklet. The JLPT FAQ says this means automatic failure.
Missing a section is a fail
The AATJ says you must complete every section to get scores. Skipping or missing one means you fail the whole test, whatever your other scores are.
What comes next
Keep your voucher after the test. Overseas, you may need it to check your result online. Have not registered yet? See how to register.