After the JLPT, you receive up to two physical documents by mail. Many test-takers confuse them or don't know what to expect. Here's the complete breakdown.
Score Report vs Certificate
The Two Documents You May Receive
Score Report (成績通知書)
- Sent to ALL examinees (pass or fail)
- Shows total score and section breakdowns
- Shows reference information (A/B/C grades)
- Shows CEFR reference level (Dec 2025+, passers only)
- Useful for tracking progress even if you failed
- Some employers accept this even without a pass
Certificate (認定証)
- Sent ONLY to those who passed
- Official proof of JLPT certification
- Shows your level and pass status
- Includes QR code for online verification
- Never expires
- Required for visa applications and formal job applications
When Documents Arrive
Online Results
~7 weeks after examAvailable on MyJLPT portal. This is the fastest way to see your results. Late August (July exam) or late January (December exam).
Score Report Mailed (Japan)
~8-9 weeks after examPhysical score reports are mailed to addresses in Japan. Early September (July exam) or early February (December exam).
Score Report Mailed (Overseas)
~10-12 weeks after examOverseas score reports take longer due to international mail. Early October (July exam) or early March (December exam).
Certificate Included
Same timing as Score ReportIf you passed, the Certificate of Proficiency is mailed together with or shortly after the Score Report.
What's on the Score Report
- Your name and registration number
- Test date and level (e.g., December 2025, N2)
- Total scaled score out of 180
- Section scores — Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening (each 0-60 for N1-N3; combined Language Knowledge + Reading 0-120 for N4-N5)
- Reference information — A/B/C grade per section (A = 67%+, B = 34-66%, C = below 34%)
- Pass/Fail determination — with passing threshold noted
- CEFR reference level — new from December 2025; shows A1-C1 for passers, "＊" for non-passers or pre-Dec 2025 exams
Online Verification (QR Code)
Since the December 2020 exam, JLPT certificates include a QR code that links to an online verification system. Employers, universities, and immigration officers can scan this code to confirm your results are legitimate. The verification system is available for exams from 2018 onward.
How Verification Works
Lost or Damaged Certificate
If you lose your certificate or it gets damaged:
- Contact the issuing organization. In Japan, that's JEES. Overseas, it's your local Japan Foundation office or designated testing organization.
- Re-issuance is available for recent exams. JEES allows re-issuance for tests taken within the past 5 years.
- New fee applies. As of April 2025, duplicate certificates now cost a fee (previously free). In Japan, it's ¥2,000. Overseas fees vary.
- For older results, use online verification. If your exam was more than 5 years ago, physical re-issuance may not be available. The online verification system covers exams from 2018 onward.
Using Your Score Report (Even If You Failed)
An underrated fact: your Score Report has value even if you didn't pass. Some organizations accept Score Reports showing near-passing scores as evidence of ability. A score of 85/180 on N2 (just 5 points below passing) still demonstrates significant Japanese ability. Additionally, analyzing your section scores reveals exactly what to focus on for your next attempt.
The certificate itself never expires — there's no renewal requirement, no re-testing obligation. A certificate earned in 2010 is as officially valid as one earned in 2025.
Key Points
- Score Reports go to all examinees; Certificates only go to passers
- Physical documents arrive 8-12 weeks after the exam by mail
- Online results are available much earlier (~7 weeks after exam)
- QR code verification available for exams from 2018 onward
- Duplicate certificates now cost a fee (new April 2025 policy)
- CEFR reference level added to score reports from December 2025
- Scan/photograph your certificate immediately — digital copies are widely accepted
Working toward your first JLPT certificate? Start with adaptive practice.
Begin Practicing