The Japanese Language Proficiency Test Guide Lines Language: Japanese - English Quote: The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, nihongo nōryoku shiken?), or JLPT, is a standardized test to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers. It is held once every year, on the first Sunday of December. The JLPT has four levels beginning at level 4 and progressing to level 1 - the most difficult. The Japan Foundation estimates that level 4 is reached after approximately 150 hours of study and level 1 after approximately 900 hours of study. All materials Meguro Language Center