Detailed and Updated Guide to Writing a JLPT Application

Writing a JLPT application is a crucial step for you to participate in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. To have a complete and accurate application, you need to understand the required information and how to fill it out correctly. This article will help you better understand the JLPT application, exam fees, and how to properly complete the application.

What is a JLPT Application?

A JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) application is a set of documents required to register for the Japanese language proficiency test. It includes personal information, test selection, test location, and some other proof documents. The JLPT application is your gateway to taking this important Japanese proficiency test.

Filling out a JLPT application is the first step to conquering this language certification.

Detailed Guide to Writing a JLPT Application

To write a complete and accurate JLPT application, you need to fill in the correct information in each section of the application and follow the organizer's regulations. Pay attention to the following points when filling out the JLPT application in Vietnam:

Sections to Fill in the JLPT Application:

Sections 1 - 11 in the JLPT Application 

• Section 1: Enter the JLPT level you are registering for, such as N1, N2, N3, N4, or N5. Choose the level you intend to take and fill it in.
• Section 2: Select the JLPT test location. The JLPT is held at three locations: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on where you live or want to take the test, fill it in. For example, if you are in Hanoi, write "Hanoi."
• Section 3: Clearly write your full name in uppercase letters without accents. For example, if your name is Nguyễn Văn A, write "NGUYEN VAN A."
• Section 4: Check the corresponding box in the gender section. If you are male, check the "Male" box; if female, check the "Female" box.
• Section 5: Enter your date of birth in the order of year, month, and day. If your birth month is from 1 to 9, add a zero in front. For example, if you were born on July 3, 1990, write "1990-07-03." Each box should contain one digit.
• Section 6: Enter an easy-to-remember password to check your scores online when the results are announced. A suggestion is to use your birth date as the password so you won't forget it later.
• Section 7: Enter the primary language code, which is 142 for Vietnamese, as this is the main language you use.
• Section 8: Enter your permanent or temporary address according to your ID card. Make sure to provide a complete phone number and email for contact if necessary.
• Section 9: Enter the specific address where you study Japanese, such as a school or center. If you do not study at a specific place, you can skip this section.
• Section 10: Select a number from 1-6 corresponding to where you studied Japanese:
  • 1: Studied Japanese in elementary school.
  • 2: Studied Japanese in middle or high school.
  • 3: Majored in Japanese at a university or college.
  • 4: Studied Japanese at a university or college, but not as a major.
  • 5: Studied Japanese at other training centers.
  • 6: Other cases.
• Section 11: Select the reason for taking the test, numbered from 1 to 8. This section is not too important, so you can select randomly.
• Section 12: Enter your occupation according to the corresponding number in sections 10 and 11.
• Section 13: Fill in only if you selected number 5 in section 12. Specify the type of industry you are working in.
• Section 14: Select the means you have used to learn Japanese, from numbers 1-9; you can select more than one option.

Sections 12 - 33 in the JLPT Application 

• Sections 15-20: Similarly, this section is not too important, so you can randomly select the Japanese communication audience.
• Sections 21-30: Number of test attempts: Enter the number of JLPT attempts along with the results and levels.
• Section 31: Attach two 3x4 photos to the back of the application form (note that the photos must not be taken more than six months before the application date, with a white background, wearing a collared shirt, and showing a clear face).
• Section 32: Sign and date the application submission.
• Section 33: Enter the address to receive the test admission ticket and the result notification in case you pass the certification.

Pay attention to the name section when writing a JLPT application 

Some Notes When Writing a JLPT Application:

When writing a JLPT application, you should use a ballpoint pen to write, pressing firmly so that the information on the lines below is printed clearly using carbon paper, avoiding smudging.

When writing the application, pay attention to how to write numbers according to the Japanese model: the Japanese number 1 does not have a horizontal line at the bottom, the number 2 does not have a hook, and the number 7 does not have a horizontal line. These three numbers are easily confused when writing.

Common Mistakes When Writing a JLPT Application

The application is numbered in order from top to bottom; you need to fill it out in this order to avoid mistakes. In section 8 of the application, the address section, you can write your place of birth as shown on your ID card or your permanent address, but it is recommended to write your place of birth as shown on your ID card.

Section 6 of the application is for viewing results online when available; you must enter an 8-digit password and cannot use letters to set the password. Since it takes a relatively long time to know the results, you should set an easy-to-remember password, such as your birth date, to avoid forgetting it later.

When attaching photos, a tip is to use liquid glue to avoid the adhesive tape peeling off after some time.

Use liquid glue to avoid peeling over time

Common Errors When Filling Out a JLPT Application in Vietnam:

• Incorrect birth date: Many people write their birth date incorrectly in the JLPT application because the day and month are less than 10. In this case, add a zero in front. Also, in the application, the order is year-month-day, so be careful not to confuse the day and month boxes.
• Faded information: When writing a JLPT application, the content on the following pages is printed from the first page using carbon paper. Therefore, if the writing pressure on the first page is not strong enough, the following pages will be very faint, and the application will not meet the requirements.
• Leaving the first box blank: Many people have the habit of indenting one box when writing anything, but when writing a JLPT application, you do not need and are not allowed to indent the first box and must write immediately in the first box provided.
• Writing Vietnamese with accents: 100% of the name content in the application is written in uppercase without accents, so do not carelessly add accents to your name.
• Missing or extra spaces: According to the rules, there should be one blank space between words; do not write continuously or leave more than one space in this section.
• Writing with a pencil, marker, etc.: All registration information must be written with a ballpoint pen (black or blue ink); you are not allowed to use erasable pens like pencils or thick pens like markers.
• Incorrect numbers and letters: The application has very clear rules about the number and letter system that must not be used to avoid alterations and confusion. Check these details carefully before starting to write to avoid wasting time rewriting.

Pay attention to common errors when writing a JLPT application

How Much is the JLPT Application? Where to Buy the JLPT Application?

To buy a JLPT application or register for the JLPT, you can visit the Foreign Language Center Office (K.001), University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, HCM City, located at 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCM City, with a cost of 30,000 VND/set.

You can purchase the JLPT application directly at the JLPT test centers officially announced on the JLPT website or download the JLPT application form from this website and print it to fill out. However, you need to photocopy your ID card and attach photos to the application as per the organizer's regulations.

See more: What does a JLPT application include?

Note: You must pay the exam fee directly at the designated fee collection points, not by mail or bank transfer. It is advisable to buy the application and register for the exam early to avoid running out of test slots or missing the application deadline.

Additionally, you can also register online at the authorized test centers. Below is the system of units supporting online JLPT registration:

Conclusion

Writing a JLPT application is an important step in preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. You need to understand the application information and how to fill it out correctly to have a complete and accurate application. If you encounter difficulties in filling out the application, please contact the JLPT Vietnam Examination Council for support.

Furthermore, to see more information about the JLPT exam and tips on learning and taking the test, follow and visit the HeyJapan blog!