The JLPT is offered in 81 countries and 247 cities worldwide as of 2025 — but the experience varies dramatically depending on where you take it. Registration in some countries fills up in hours, while others have plenty of availability. Here's what international test-takers need to know.
81
Countries
As of 2025
247
Cities
Worldwide test centers
1.72M
Total Applicants (2024)
Record-breaking year
Senegal
Newest Country (2025)
Dakar added in 2025
July vs December: Which Countries Offer Which?
Not all countries offer both exam sessions. Many smaller markets only offer the December exam. This is critical for planning — if your country only has December and you fail, you wait a full year for the next attempt.
Session Availability
Both July & December
- Japan (the most test centers)
- China, South Korea, Taiwan
- India (major cities)
- Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines
- Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia
- United States, Canada
- Most European countries
- Brazil, Mexico
- Australia
December Only
- Many African countries
- Some Middle Eastern countries
- Smaller European countries
- Some Central Asian countries
- Some Caribbean/Pacific Islands
- Newly added locations
Check Your Country
Major Countries: Test Center Details
| Country | Cities | Sessions | Registering Organization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 47 prefectures | Jul + Dec | JEES (MyJLPT) | Most availability; still fills in Tokyo |
| India | 8 cities | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation Delhi | Fastest growing market; register Day 1 |
| United States | ~15 cities | Jul + Dec | AATJ | Major cities only; East/West coast options |
| China | Multiple provinces | Jul + Dec | NEEA | Massive demand; separate registration system |
| South Korea | Multiple cities | Jul + Dec | Korea JLPT Committee | High pass rates historically |
| Thailand | Bangkok + regional | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation Bangkok | Growing rapidly |
| Vietnam | Hanoi, HCMC + others | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation Vietnam | Quadrupled since 2021 |
| Philippines | Manila + regional | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation Manila | Very affordable fees |
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne, etc. | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation Sydney | Limited seats; register early |
| UK | London, Edinburgh, etc. | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation London | Fees increased in 2025 |
| Germany | Multiple cities | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation various | Düsseldorf fills fastest |
| Brazil | São Paulo, Rio + others | Jul + Dec | Japan Foundation São Paulo | Largest in South America |
JLPT Test Centers by Country
Registration Differences by Country
A critical detail that trips up international test-takers: not every country uses the MyJLPT portal. Registration systems vary:
- Japan: MyJLPT portal (jlpt.jp) — the standard system
- China: NEEA portal — completely separate system
- South Korea: Korean JLPT committee website
- Most other countries: Local Japan Foundation office websites or portals
- Some countries: Paper registration only (increasingly rare)
Check your country's specific registration process well before the window opens. For the general registration walkthrough, see our JLPT registration guide.
The Seat Scarcity Problem
In 2025, seat scarcity became a major issue in several regions. European cities like Düsseldorf, Vienna, and Sarajevo saw registration fill within hours of opening. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines saw test-takers quadruple from 2021 to 2024, straining existing capacity. JEES has officially warned that early application closures may become more common.
Plan Ahead
Testing in Japan vs Overseas
Testing Location Comparison
Testing in Japan
- 47 prefectures — most availability
- Lower fees (¥7,500)
- Results and certificates arrive faster
- MyJLPT portal (standard registration)
- Score reports mailed within Japan
- Need to be in Japan on test day
Testing Overseas
- Limited test centers in most countries
- Fees vary (often higher than Japan)
- Certificates take longer to arrive by mail
- Registration system varies by country
- May have fewer level options at some centers
- Convenient if you're not in Japan
Tips for International Test-Takers
- Verify your test center address in advance. Some venues are university campuses — confirm the exact building, not just the university name.
- Bring the correct ID. Passport is universally accepted. National IDs may or may not be accepted depending on the country. Check your local organizer's ID requirements.
- Arrive 30+ minutes early. Late arrivals are not admitted. International venues are often less familiar, so budget extra time for navigation.
- Bring your test voucher (受験票). You must have the physical or digital voucher. No voucher = no entry in most countries.
- Know the mobile device policy. As of December 2025, all phones and smartwatches must be completely powered off from check-in through dismissal. Immediate disqualification if any device is found powered on.
- Prepare for different room conditions. Temperature, desk size, and noise levels vary wildly between venues. Bring layers and earplugs.
Key Points
- JLPT is offered in 81 countries and 247 cities (2025)
- Not all countries offer both July and December sessions
- Registration systems vary by country — not everyone uses MyJLPT
- Seat scarcity is a growing problem in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia
- Register on Day 1 in high-demand countries
- Power off all devices completely on exam day (new strict policy)
- Consider testing in Japan if you'll be visiting — cheapest fees, most availability
Wherever you take the JLPT, preparation is the same. Practice with adaptive questions that target your weak areas.
Start Practicing