Violations of JLPT Exam Rules and Disciplinary Measures You Should Know

The purpose of the JLPT is to provide a standardized assessment of Japanese language proficiency, helping learners have a clear direction in their studies and apply Japanese effectively in their work and daily life. Let’s explore the JLPT exam rules with HeyJapan to avoid making unnecessary mistakes in this important exam.

What Constitutes a Violation of JLPT Exam Rules?

A violation of JLPT exam rules occurs when a candidate fails to follow the regulations set by the exam organizers during the exam. This can lead to severe disciplinary actions, ranging from warnings to the cancellation of exam results.

Candidates need to comply with the JLPT exam regulations

Common Violations of Exam Rules

• Talking or Exchanging Information with Other Candidates: This constitutes cheating to achieve a higher score than the candidate's actual ability. Talking during the exam affects not only the exam but also other candidates who are taking the test.
• Bringing Unauthorized Materials or Tools into the Exam Room: The JLPT is designed to assess Japanese language proficiency, so candidates are not allowed to bring or use any unauthorized materials in the exam room.

Violation of the JLPT exam period

• Violation of Exam Timing: Violations include continuing to write after the exam time has ended or starting the exam before being allowed to do so.
• Bringing Mobile Phones or Other Electronic Devices into the Exam Room: If a candidate is caught bringing electronic devices into the exam room, they must stop the exam immediately, regardless of whether the devices are used or not.

Bringing your phone into the examination room is a violation of exam regulations

• Looking at Another Candidate's Answers or Providing Information to Others: This affects the integrity of the exam process.
• Affecting the Exam’s Reputation and Credibility: Disseminating inaccurate or misleading information about the exam harms the reputation and credibility of the JLPT.
• Disrupting the Exam Process: Behaviors such as causing disturbances, threatening or harassing proctors and other candidates are prohibited.
• Impersonation or Using Invalid Documents: Impersonating someone or using fraudulent documents to take the JLPT is considered a serious offense.

Illegal use of materials and equipment in the examination room 

Violating exam rules not only impacts the individual’s results but also damages the credibility of the exam and the rights of other candidates. Therefore, the JLPT organizers enforce strict penalties for violations.

Disciplinary Actions for Violating JLPT Exam Rules

Depending on the severity of the violation, the JLPT organizers will impose different forms of discipline on the offending candidates:

Warning for First-Time Minor Offenses:

Warnings are typically issued for candidates who commit a minor violation for the first time, such as:

• Forgetting to bring identification.
• Arriving late due to traffic.

Punishing candidates for violating the JLPT exam regulations 

In these cases, candidates will be reminded to correct their mistakes and warned that further violations may result in stricter penalties.

Caution for Multiple Minor Violations:

A caution is applied for candidates who commit several violations or minor infractions, such as:

• Using a mobile phone without cheating.
• Not following instructions but not affecting other candidates.

Candidates will receive a warning and be advised not to repeat the behavior. Continued violations will lead to more severe penalties.

Suspension for Serious Violations:

For serious violations, the JLPT organizers may decide to suspend the candidate from taking the exam. Serious offenses include:

• Using cheating materials.
• Intentionally disturbing or affecting other candidates’ exams.
• Repeated violations with no intention to correct behavior.

Candidates will be banned from participating in any future JLPT exams and may face additional disciplinary actions from the organizers.

Cancellation of Results for Deliberate Violations:

The most severe penalty is the cancellation of results for candidates who intentionally violate JLPT exam rules. This applies to cases such as:

• Deliberate and covert use of cheating materials.
• Cheating that affects the fairness of the exam and the credibility of the JLPT certification.
• Organizing violations to achieve unfairly high scores.

Cancel an examination with a violation of regulations

In such cases, the candidate’s exam results will be canceled, and they will be banned from participating in any future JLPT exams. This behavior not only affects the individual but also impacts the credibility of the exam and the entire candidate community.

Tips for Avoiding Violations During the JLPT in Japan

To avoid violating JLPT exam rules and ensure a fair and professional exam environment, candidates should pay attention to the following:

• Adhere to all regulations and guidelines set by the exam organizers.
• Do not bring any unauthorized materials or tools into the exam room.
• Remain silent and avoid communicating with other candidates during the exam.
• Use mobile phones or electronic devices according to the organizers' rules.
• Arrive on time and follow the exam timing regulations.

Comply with the JLPT regulations

Adhering to these rules not only helps candidates avoid violations but also contributes to a high-quality and fair exam for everyone.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored basic information about the JLPT, the types of violations, and how the organizers handle violations. Following the exam rules is not only a responsibility of the candidates but also a way to maintain the integrity and fairness of the JLPT. We hope the information provided will help candidates understand the exam rules better and prepare thoroughly for their exams. HeyJapan wishes you success in your studies and exams!