2025 brought more changes to the JLPT than any year since the 2010 level reform. None of them changed the test content itself, but they significantly affect registration, exam day, and what your results look like. Here's everything that changed.
81
Countries (2025)
Up from 78 in 2024
247
Cities
New cities added globally
1.72M
2024 Applicants
All-time record
5
Major Changes
Detailed below
Timeline of 2025 Changes
April 2025: Duplicate Certificate Fee
Effective immediatelyPreviously, re-issuing lost or damaged certificates was free. Starting April 2025, there's a fee (¥2,000 in Japan; varies overseas). This affects anyone who needs a replacement certificate.
July 2025: Fee Increases in Some Countries
July exam onwardCanada, UK, India, and several European countries raised JLPT exam fees due to currency fluctuations and rising venue costs. Check your local organizer for current pricing.
October 2025: Business Manager Visa Requires N2
October 16, 2025Japan's Business Manager visa now requires JLPT N2 proficiency, alongside a sixfold capital increase to ¥30 million. This is a major change for foreign entrepreneurs.
December 2025: CEFR Reference Level on Score Reports
December exam onwardThe biggest structural change since 2010. Score reports now include a CEFR reference level (A1–C1) for passers. Previous exams show "＊" instead.
December 2025: Strict Mobile Device Policy
December exam onwardAll mobile phones, smartwatches, and communication devices must be completely powered off from check-in through dismissal. Any device found powered on — even if unused — results in immediate disqualification.
CEFR on Score Reports: The Big One
Starting with the December 2025 exam, your JLPT score report includes a CEFR reference level (A1 through C1) based on your total scaled score. This is the most significant change to what you actually receive from the JLPT since the five-level system was introduced in 2010.
The CEFR level only appears if you passed. If you didn't pass or took an exam before December 2025, the field shows "＊". For the full mapping and implications, see our JLPT to CEFR equivalence guide.
No Changes to Test Content
The Mobile Device Policy: Take It Seriously
This is the change most likely to catch test-takers off guard. Previous JLPT sessions required phones to be on silent. The new policy is dramatically stricter:
Immediate Disqualification
- Power off completely — not airplane mode, not silent mode, off
- This includes smartwatches — Apple Watch, Fitbit, Galaxy Watch, etc. Power them off or leave them at home
- Store devices in your bag under your desk — some venues may require you to leave devices in a designated area
- Bring a traditional watch for time management — analog or basic digital watches are allowed
- The policy runs from check-in to dismissal — not just during the test sections
Earlier Exam Start Times
Beginning with the December 2025 exam, start times have been moved earlier at many venues. The exact times vary by test center, so check your test voucher (受験票) carefully. This is particularly important if you're traveling to your test center — plan your arrival with the earlier time in mind.
Global Expansion
The JLPT expanded to 81 countries and 247 cities in 2025, up from 78 countries in 2024. Notable additions include Senegal (Dakar) — the newest country to offer the JLPT. Several existing countries also added new test center cities to handle growing demand.
Despite the expansion, seat scarcity remains a problem. With 1.72 million applicants in 2024 (an all-time record), demand is outpacing capacity in many regions. JEES has warned that early registration closures may become more common. See our guide on taking the JLPT outside Japan for country-specific details.
What Didn't Change
- ✓Test content and format — same question types, same sections
- ✓Scoring system — still IRT-based scaled scoring (explained here)
- ✓Passing thresholds — N5: 80, N4: 90, N3: 95, N2: 90, N1: 100
- ✓Sectional minimums — unchanged
- ✓Certificate validity — still lifetime, no expiration
- ✓Exam frequency — still twice per year (July and December)
- ✓Five levels (N5–N1) — no new levels added
2025 Changes Summary
- **CEFR on score reports** (Dec 2025+) — the biggest change; adds international comparability
- **Strict mobile policy** — complete power-off required; disqualification for violations
- **Duplicate certificate fee** — no longer free (April 2025+)
- **Fee increases** in Canada, UK, India, and some European countries
- **Business Manager visa** now requires N2 (October 2025+)
- **Expansion** to 81 countries, 247 cities; Senegal added
- **No changes** to test content, format, scoring, or levels
The test hasn't changed — just the policies around it. Your preparation stays the same.
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