If English has IELTS, then Japan has JLPT. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the standardized exam for Japanese language proficiency. If you plan to study or work in Japan someday, you will most likely undergo the exam to become eligible.

But, how does one pass the JLPT exam? Well, passers share their tips and tricks.

Take the level you are comfortable with
The JLPT exam has five levels with N5 as the easiest and N1 as the most difficult.

For first takers, it is always recommended to take N5 before going to the other levels. After taking and passing N5, then you can move on to the other levels. It is important to take the level you are most comfortable with. Always assess your ability and match it with the test level. If you don’t know what level you should take, try taking mock exams and see how you do. 

Study, study, study 
Always remember that the Japanese language is ranked as one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. There is almost no chance of you to pass if you decided to go to your exam unprepared. 

Studying is an important factor for passing the exam. But, studying does not mean browsing through your notes three weeks before the exam. Studying for the JLPT exam means memorizing, writing, and reading Japanese teaching materials at least three months before the exam. Doing this will allow you to fully prepare for what the JLPT exam will throw at you.

Use reliable teaching materials
Although there are apps that claim to prepare you for the JLPT exam, it will never beat the old-fashioned textbook. Studying using textbooks is always recommended by JLPT takers. Textbooks give you a list of vocabularies to memorize and grammar patterns to take note of. Moreover, most Japanese textbooks come with a CD that allows you to train your listening skills. They also have practice exercises and readings that you can use to study.

Some passers recommended watching J-Drama as an alternative method for studying JLPT. J-Drama shows you how Japanese people talk and immerses you in the casual lingo. Moreover, watching J-Drama trains your listening skills as you catch what the characters are saying and analyze what it means.

Pack snacks 
During the exams, the proctors will give you a 30-minute break to freshen up. Obviously, you will be mentally tired from reading and answer the selections, so its best to bring snacks with you. Hunger can affect your performance, so try to keep yourself in tip-top shape during the exam.

Don’t do dumb things
The proctors of JLPT exams are one of the strictest in the world. So, they won’t hesitate if they catch you violating any of the rules.

During the JLPT exam, cell phones are strictly put into silent mode or turned off. Cheating, taking the questionnaire home, or posting the questions online is strictly prohibited. If caught, the taker will be asked to forfeit the test and given the score of zero. For heavier violations, the taker might be banned from taking the test, ever again.

Source: https://www.thejapanguy.com/the-10-jlpt-commandments/

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
Allison is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle..