JLPT N5 test information part 3 Testing day

So here we have part 3 and the last blog in this series of the JLPT tests.
Here I wil go into deeper details of test day. What do you need to take with you to the test location. What did I do on or right before those days? What are my tips and tricks so to speak ^^.
Not that I am a perfect model for it, but sharing my experience might just help you feel more prepared and thus also a little more relaxed for your test.
So without furter ado ... Let's get on with the show!


Link to part 1.
Link to part 2.

JLPT test days

What I will discuss:
What do you need to take with you to the test?

What are the do's and don'ts?

How does it work at the location?  How are the tests divided?

Personal experiences.

What do you need to take with you to the test?

So test day is coming up, what are all the things you absolutely need for the test?

Actually you are not even alloud to bring a whole lot with you into the room where you take the test. What you can/must take are the following:

1. Your test voucher
2. pencils
   (med-soft No.2 or HB)
   side note bring extra incase of broken pencils, no sharpner etc.
3. eraser
4. sharpner
5. Id with Photo (pasport, ID card, driver's license)
   Without it you cannot take the test!
6. Water
   You do have to take of any labels and such, just a platisc bottle.
   Just incase you stashed some notes in there I guess.
7. Sometimes they also ask for extra copies of your photo. This can vary so carefully follow the intructions of your test location.

If you've got all of these you are pretty much set to go.

You can take a bag with you, but it must be placed out of reach and be completely closed. Or if you come with a partner that does not take the test, he or she can watch your bag during the test.

But there are always instructions giving by the local organisers, so read the e-mails and follow the instructions given at the test site. But mainly these things are what you can safely bring into the room.

What are the do's and don'ts?

So what are the thing you need to know when taking the test?

Rule number one what you always should do: Follow the local guidlines and instructions. Can't repeat that enough times. This wil ensure that everything will go as smoothly as possible. 

Are you not sure of something? 

1. Leave it at home, or with friend (that is not taking the test)
2. In case of certain actions don't do it.
3. Or ask the staff about it.
   They can give you a good answer, and tell you what you can and cannot do.

What are things you should avoid at all costs?

1. Sound or vibrating of your phone.
   If there is a suspicion that one of your belongings made a sound, you are disqualified.
   So make sure to not bring it or shut it off comepletely.
2. Any other apliences that can make sound.
   During recent times even watches were banned. But they then also provide a clock of some sort on the testing site. So you can still keep track of time.
3. Share answers among other examinee's.
   Or even talking during the exam.
4. Use tools (dictionary, phones notes etc.).
5. Write answers/notes on you desk before the test.
6. Taking the test in someone else's place/ or let anyone take the test in your place.
7. Refuse to follow the supervisor's instructions.
8. Cause disturbance for others (in any way).
9. Share the content of the test with other during or after the test.
   (like images, or written texts).
10. Or if you are helping someone with any of the above mentioned rules.
11. And wear of have things with you that include Japanese or even Chinese characters.

If you are even suspected of breaking any of these rules, yes suspected not even proven guilty, you are removed and will not be alloud to finish the test.

The Japan foundation can then also determine that you either need to re-take the test, invalidate your test score, or in worst case scenario invalidate even previous test scores. But then you must have a case of serious misconduct.

So stick to the rules and all will be fine. Normally the test results are valid for life, once you pass them. So it would be a waste to throw all that effort away for stupid things like these.

But what I do highly recommend are 2 things.

1. Go to the bathroom before the test and in during break time
2. Bring some water

You are aloud to go to the restroom during the test. But you will lose time and you need to be escorted to the restroom by a supervisor. Till the door not inside the actual cubicle/space or whatever. It is kind of awkward and a lot of hassle. Therfore I make sure I go before and or shortly after the tests.

N3 and lower levels do not have insanely long test hours, but N2 and N1 do. And July can be hot, so bring some water. And even in winter more than 1 hour without a sip can be quite annoying. So to help you foccus and stay refressed, do yourself a favour and take some with you.

How does it work at the location?  How are the test divided?

First of all let me start with how the tetst of the different levels of the JLPT are set up. And most importantly what their time limit is.

The different levels do not have an equeal amount of tests. The lower levels have the language knowledge test divided over 2 two tests, while the two highest have them in 1 test. So typically these are the time limits given for the exams.

N1 and N2 have 2 tests.
N1

1. Language knowledge (vocabulary/grammar) and reading (110 min)
2. Listening (60 min)

N2

1. Language knowledge (vocabulary/grammar) and reading (105 min)
2. Listening (50 min)

N3, N4 and N5 have 3 tests.

N3

1. language knowledge (vocabulary) (30 min)
2. Language knowledge (grammar) and reading (70 min)
3. Listening (40)

N4

1. language knowledge (vocabulary) (30 min)
2. Language knowledge (grammar) and reading (60 min)
3. Listening (35 min)

N5

1. language knowledge (vocabulary) (25 min)
2. Language knowledge (grammar) and reading (50 min)
3. Listening (30 min)

So how does this work? Usually you all gather at the venue of the test location. All the examinees gather in the same hall and are escorted for the introduction. That is done with all the examinees together. There they give a basic introduction about what you can expect, and divide the applicant over supervisiors.

The first thing they do is divide the examinees over the different levels. After that they make groups and you are escorted with a supervisor to the classroom where the test will take place. The amount of applicants can vary per level. Last year N1 had 2 classes only while a lower level needed at least 5.
You are placed in a group accroding to your applicant number on your voucher. I have no insight on how that is decided. You could be placed with random people even though you applied with friends.

Then before the test begins you need to fill in the form, write your name on the books, and a general introduction and explanation about the test begins. So make sure you have everything you need! This is you last chance to ask for anything you might have missed or lost or whatever.

The supervisors sometimes have extra pencils or erasers or sharpners just in case. Before the test if one of the other applicants can lend you a pencil that is ok, just not during the test.

Then after every test there is a break, for the levels with 2 tests that is usualy 30 min to 45 min. Enough time to eat and drink something for the final tests.
I have no experiene with the levels under N2 so I don't know how long the breaks are. But just know you have some time to rest you mind for a bit in between tests.

And you end the day with the listening exam. It starts the same with filling in your information and name on the booklets. Sometimes some paper is provided for taking notes here. If not there is some room left over in your booklet to do so. 

Before the test starts you get another introduction and explanation. And after that a sound test. So if anything is unclear or you cannot hear the audio, or not as well as should be, this is the time to raise your hand. Because the supervisor is able to help make any necessary adjustments at this point.
And after it is just go with the flow and your test day is basically done.

Your scores will be sent to you at home, with your certificate if you passed. And if you filled in the 8-digit code you can see wether you passed or not earlier around the end of august-begin september for July. For december it should b arounf late Fbruari to early march. It can vary sometimes.

What I would also like to mention is how to fill in the awnser sheets. The test is checked by a computer, so there are very precise instructions. But the booklets and sheets also give perfect examples. 

For all the Dutch people out there, you can compare it to the Cito-toets we have to take in elemantary school. Pretty much the same idea and structure.

Completely colour one block, as neatly as possible. Do not go over the lines excesively.
Filled in the wrong answer? try to erase it as neatly as possible and fill in the other option. Do not cross out answers, or mark them with a cross. Otherwise the computer can't read them.

And that was my finaly note on this subject.

Personal experiences.

So now I have given all the practical information, time to share some actual experience of the entire ordeal.
Like I mentioned before, I have taken the test twice. Both different levels, N2 and N1. The first thing I would like to say is, dont overestimate, but also don't underestimate the test. Sound kind of vague but I shall start with my example.

Ik totally overestimated the diffculty of the test, (mostly N1 and N2). Everyone was always making a really BIG deal out of that test. So what I thought was, N1 indicates the level that every average Japanese person has. And N2 shows you can manage yourself quite wel and are somewhat below average.

I was wong ..... so wrong. So the first time I took a JLPT test I was insanely stressed about making it. Because I should be able to get that level at least. On top of that, most people were saying it was really difficult. I sat down opened the pages and.... it was easy. I was sitting there and wondering what the fuss was all about!

Then later I learned that all those stories made me overestimate the level. N2 is pretty much what every basisc Japanese person can do. I know quite a few Japanese friends who are definitely regular avarage Japanese, and even they could not pass the N1 exam. N1 is pretty insane if you look at it that way. So no N1 is not the level that every Japanese person has... it is more than that ^^;.

But I have also encounterd people who just thought they could sit down make the test and wing it. Without any practice or much study at all. Some might be such masterminds they could pull it off, but not the average person. So tip number one, know what you are signing up for based on factual information. And not exagerations of other people.
So make sure you study your material, understand it, and practice sample questions. Because it does get easier if you are used to the type of questions they used.

When I took the N2 examn the first time. They recently changed the setting of the listening exam questions. And I practiced everything I ever learned, and them some, in 4 years of acedemic study of Japanese. But not the type of questions they had. For the most part that did not matter.
In a lot of tests at univeristy I was prepared for simular questions with reading and grammar etc. But not listening, so that threw me of for a bit en I am sure it cost me some points in the first minute of blind panic ^^;.
So tip number two, practice with simular test questions. It helps you prepare for what cpuld actually appear in the test. And that will make you feel more at ease when taking taking the actual test.

And these are probably the most important things I learned from my experiences. And that is what I would firstly say to anyone who asks me about these tests.But that is rather short and there is probably a lot more I can share.

For instance: taking test in your own country vs, in a foreign country.
I have done both. For me personally it was because there was no test in Leiden yet (I think, I'm not sure). And if it was, I could only arrange time off for December and not July. So the first time I needed to go abroad for the test.
I looked at various options, and in the end I went for London. My main reasons:

1. I could take the test in December
2. I am fluent in English (so no language barrier)
3. I studied English before, and just love the U.K.
4. I actually made a sort of holiday out of it
   Since I was going anyway, might as well treat myself a little after all that hard work XD

So for me it became London. It felt like was work and relaxation at the same time to me. I made sure I was there at least a few days before the test date, and stayed untill a few days after. Basically a 1 week holiday.

So mainly I stood up earlier than usual but not too early. And did a little bit of revising in the morning. About an hour or half an hour so. But never more than 1 hour. After that I would just go about my day, go sightseeing, shopping, visit museums etc. And in the vening I would make some time again for revising and went to bed.
In such a few short days there is not much use for more cramming. I was mainly revising just to give myself some peace of mind. I am the type that gets really stressful when I am not studying. To give you an idea this is what typically goes on in my head during exam time(s):

1. What have I studied?
2. Do I need to study anythng else
3. I wil plan to study certain parts
4. I wil remember frequently mistaken parts
5. get stressed wether I still know those parts and the actual correct answers
6. ancounter random characters and panic because I fotgot their reading
7. either I look up the readind, an continue with other characters I encounter
8. or of nor 7, figure out it is Chinese and there is no way in hell I could have ever known in the first place.
9. Hear grammar stuctures or words and start doubting wether I studied them or if I need to
   Or if I don's know what means look it up
10. put this on repeat 24/7

Might have forgotten some other things that cross my mind. But it would basically have the same vibe. So I was always worn out after tests. And I foud a balance in making a clear study schedule. 
So I know I covered everything that needs to be covered. Also make sure it is realistic and not too much.
And then at the end, make sure I revise from time to time to keep it fresh, and give myself validation I still got it. And then in between make sure you have some fun and relaxation times.
Also watching series in Japanese works fine as wel, it is relaxing and training at the same time :D.

So yeah my test experience in London was great. The location is almost around the corner of King's cross station. so easy to acces. I went also went there 1 or 2 days before to check where the location is. Also the instructions were clear. And in between tests and afterwords I also had a great time with other applicants. After the final test I went to get some diner with 5 other people, where we shared our mutaul love and frustation with Japanese and the JLPT test.

The other time I went in Leiden, it was more quick and buisiness like. Got on the train in the morning, very early did not want to be late. So got there early too. There were als people waiting to help guide the examinee's to the test location. I had been to Leiden university before, so Kinf of half knew the way. But either way it was good to have them for guidance, so that you knew you would not get lost and be n time.

Most of the people were dutch, and I actually saw quite a few acuintances during that day. So did not meet as many new people as in London. Plus one of my friends was a supervisor for the N3 that day as a volunteer. So I could meet with her afterwards. Also got to hang and chill with the rest of the volunteers in bar.

And at the end of the day I took the train home and took it easy the rest of the evening. Though I do say that taking the N1 was really difficult, but a nice challenge. And after the test I had an idea of where exactly I stood concerning my N1 studies. Before I was vaguely aware where I could put more effort in, or could use some extra training.

So even though I failed (just barely, which was the most aggravating of the entire N1 test), I learned more about my study status and my progress than by just studying and making mock tests.
When you receive your results you also get a nice overview on different parts and what your strnghts are and what your weaker points are.
Which means you can also train those weaker areas more to gain more points next time. That is what made go for it the last time. I always had the feeling og I might just make it, or I might not make it. But by failing this time I created more insight so I could maybe pass next time.
So if you prepared your materials wel, and put in enough hours, I'd say go for it. It should mean you can at least get a decent score to pass, or if not a close enough score that you can grow with so you can definitely pass the next time.

I guess that is all for my JLPT stories. I hope that I have been able to help you start your JLPT journey.(Mostly N5 focussed but Guess the other level can follow 75% op these posts.)
And I wish all of who good luck with your studies!

JLPT N5 test information part 2 application process

In my last post, I talked about the JLPT N5 test and explained what sort of test it is, and what you can expect when you want to take it. See link below:
JLPT N5 test information
So continuing on the same topic I am going to explain the application process a bit to help you get started on your own test.

I will also add a little disclaimer just in case. I used some examples here from an application PDF which is usually provided when looking up application sites. You can also easily look them up and access them yourself.
Therefore the images used in this blog are not mine and all the rights belong to the Japan Foundation. These images are only used as a simplified illustration of the JLPT application process, in the hope of walking others through the process.

JLPT aplication process

I will discuss these topics:
Are there any requirements to take it?
Where and when can you take them? (and how it works with the COVID regulations now)
How do you apply?
How much does it cost?
Other handy information

Are there any requirements to take it?

Are there any requirements that you need to fulfill to be applicable for this test? At least not in any terms of your capability. There are only guidelines to what you should have studied to be able to pass the test. However, there are no requirements for actually having studied. Even your next-door neighbor who knows nothing of Japanese can apply and get accepted for the examination.

There is however one requirement that all applicants must meet: you need to be a non-native Japanese speaker. The only exception would be Japanese native speakers who mostly lived overseas. Those could be accepted. Otherwise, as long as Japanese is not your native language, you can apply.

There is also no age restrictions and people with disabilities can also apply. You do however need to contact the local institution where the test is being held for inquiries. And you also need to send in a form. But depending on your location that could be different, so I suggest you look up the location and ask the staff there what the procedure is.

Where and when can you take them?

 (and how it works with the COVID regulations now)

So first of all when are these tests being held? They are only held twice a year:

1. First Sunday of july
2. First Sunday of december

Yes, you can only take the test on a Sunday, no other days are available. The main reason is that they are conducted at institutions like universities, schools, etc. So any other days the buildings are usually not capable of handling this many people for these tests. Because normally there is no max capacity, unless they really do not have enough space for the applicants, the applications can be sent in until the deadline date.

For July that would be about from early February til early April.
For December that should be around early August till late September.
But this can also vary per location so check the dates with your local institution. Also, keep in mind that not all locations offer tests at both the test dates. Some only offer tests in July or only in December.

Then the second most important point, where are these tests being held?

You can take these tests in countries all over the world. I will mainly focus on the area I'm currently in (which is west Europe). But if you want to look up other possibilities check the JLPT website.

You can look up all the local venues that organize the JLPT test on behalf of the Japan Foundation.
Follow the links below to the correct web pages.

Taking the test in Japan.

Taking the test overseas.

I will list several locations you can pick when you live in West Europe. Mainly focusing on the Netherlands.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, we have Leiden University which is the local partner here. They only very recently started organizing the JLPT tests in the Netherlands. However, we only have 1 test dat option and that is the first Sunday of July. When you check the JLPT website and select Leiden university you are quickly directed to the application page. (see link below)

Application Leiden

Sadly enough due to the CIVID situation all the July tests around the world this year were canceled. This means in the Netherlands there is no option this year to take the test. So let's hope things improve enough that it can be held again next year.

What other options do we have around this area?

Quite a few actually for example: the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France of Ireland. I guess if you wanted to combine it with a holiday you could also consider Spain or Italy. But the first countries mentioned are the most frequented by the Dutch. Because these are relatively closeby.

Belgium

For Belgium, we have two options, Leuven and Ghent.

These two institutions take turns in conducting the test. So one year it will be held in Leuven, and the next year in Ghent.
This year the test would have been held in Leuven, but it was canceled. In Leuven, the test can only be taken in July as wel.

Here the site for KU Leuven.

Do not that there is no application information this dat, because the test was canceled.

The test in Ghent will be held in the 'uneven years' so next year it will be Ghent's turn. Ghent on the other hand holds the tests in December, not in July.

Here the site for Universiteit Ghent.

Because this year it was supposed to be held in Leuven, you can not apply for the test in Ghent.

Germany

In Germany, there are 3 cities where you can take the JLPT: Dusseldorf, Stuttgart and Hamburg.

All the July tests were also canceled. There is currently no information available on wether Hamburg will conduct tests in December. However, normaly there should be information on the site listen below.

Here the site to the University of Hamburg.

Normally there would have been separate applications for Stuttgart and Dusseldorf. But because of this year's COVID problem, the July tests were canceled, and the December tests are being divided between the 2 institutions. This means the following:

Dusseldorf: Will only conduct N1, N2 and N3 !

Stuttgart: Will only conduct N4 and N5!

So double-check for the correct location.

Another thing is that because of COVID they now maintain an applicant limit. Normally you could apply until the deadline, but now the max capacity is set at around 250 persons. That is for all applicants in general, not per level.

Here is the site to the location in Dusseldorf.

The link to Stuttgart.

(I still added the link for Stuttgart, bit it does not provide the needed information at the moment.)

United Kingdom

The U.K. has three possible test sites: London, Cardiff (Wales), and Edinbrugh (Scotland).

Both London and Edinburgh have July and December options, Cardriff only conducts the test in December.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, all tests for the year 2020 have been canceled. So there will also be no tests held in December in the U.K.

But never the less I will still list the links below for each institution.

London (SOAS)

Cardiff

Edinbrugh

I did not include France, because well my French skills are not what they used to and the sites are in French .... But you can look up the other institutions in the JLPT site mentioned above and find the other institutions with their sites there. So on to the next point, actually applying.

Also, keep in mind once you have registered at a location you can not switch to another location. 

How do you apply?

On the websites are usually also files with an explanation on how to apply. Most of them are actually conducted digitally. So you can hand everything in online without leaving your home. There are however a few things you should prepare, or have at home.

This is what it typically looks like:

Sorry if it is a bit unclear. I have close-ups further down for illustration.

After applying at your local institution you can do two or three things.

1. The application is completely online. (had this at Leiden I believe)
   So basically you fill in everything when you apply.
2. You apply and receive the application form by e-mail.
   Remember this for London but took a test there in 2015. So would not know the current procedure.
3. you get a physical copy to fill in by hand.

But all the information you should give is the same. Either you can type it in digitally, or you fill it in by hand and use a scanner.

Step 1. Fill in your information.

This uncludes desired test level, desired test location, your (full) name, gender, and date of birth. And if need any special accommodations in case of disabilities. If the latter is the case there is a box you should check in the upper right corner. If you do not need anything of the sort leave it blank.

Note that you need to use the English alphabet letters (in capital) in the separate blocks. In the regular line, it does not matter.

1 fill in the desired test level at the top left corner.

2 Fill in the desired location next to it

3 Below the test level you can fill in your full name (in capital letters)

4 Below your name fill in your gender

5 Next to gender fill in your date of birth (year/month/day)

6 (optional) 8- digit code

7 Your native language

Some points you need to know when filling in your name. Let's take an example (Maria Christy van Bergen). I just randomly made that name, for all intents and purposes, this person is fictional.

1. do not leave the first space open. Start your name in the first block
2. Leave a space between every name you have
1. MARIA (emty block) CHRISTY (emty block) VAN (emty block) BERGEN
3. If in any case, your full name is longer than the 40 blocks provided, try using initials. (I know with the made-up Maria it will not be the case but let's pretend it is)
1. MARIA (emty block) C. (emty block) VAN (emty block) BERGEN
4. Also make sure that you can clearly see various letters 'U' vs 'V' 'O' vs 'D' etc. So it is clear to see which letter should be printed on your forms and certificate.

Info on the 8-digit code. (Bottom blocks on the left side)

1. This step is optional, heard of people who have not filled it in and it was no problem.
2. This code allows you to check the results (earlier) online, otherwise you will have to wait until the results are sent to you.
   Another side note it does not give the full score, but general pass/fail.
3. You can fill in any 8-digit code you want, as long as it is only numbers. anything else will not work.
4. Use numbers 0 to 9.
5. It is ok to use the same number twice.

Native language.

1. A form with codes is included with the application form. 
2. Look up your language (in English + Japanese)
3. Write down the listed code in your application form

Some notes.

The countries are divided by continent. Which makes it easier to search for. For Dutch for example look below.

You can see Dutch at the bottom with the code: 407

That is what you fill in at the blocs with native language.

And that is step 1. Now we will continue with the second part of the application form.

Step 2 Adress and study information

The top part you can fill in by hand, the rest you can select from information provided with the application form.

1. Write down your address where you receive your mail in the first line.
   street, number, and or building if needed. Write down according to your local addressing method.
   Dutch example (fictional): rode wetering 25
2. On the third line fill in your country, and next to that your postal code (below is fictional)
1. Netherlands
2. 1234 AB
3. Phone number
   (keep in mind local codes in case of foreign countries)
4. E-mail
   On the bottom line fill in your e-mail address. Any address will do, but in some cases, you might need to check your spam for any incoming mail.

And that is it for your address. I will list the study information below. Most of these are numbers with options listed in the application form.

1. Fill in the institution where you are studying or have studied Japanese right below where you filled in your address.
   I personally don't know anyone who had a blank for that part, so if you never studied at an institution go for the last option.
2.  You fill in the correct number fitting your situation for Where you are learning or have learned Japanese.
3. Your reason for taking the exam, fill in the correct number matching your situation.
4. Fill in the correct number that matches your current occupational situation the best.
5. In case of employment: fill in the details of your occupation that match you the best
   You do not need to do this if you are a student.
6. Encircle the methods with which you come in contact with Japanese outside a class/classroom situation.
   You can encircle more than one.

For all the points where you need to fill in a number, I added some examples below. Be sure to always check the application guides which you can access when you apply for a test. These have all the up-to-date information you need and are provided by every institution for every test.

Since so far these options have remained mainly the same I included them here. This is to provide some visuals with explanation.

Also depending on some answers you can skip some questions. Students for example can skip the occupational details question.

point 2

Point 3

Point 4

Point 5

Note that you only need to fill in point 5, if you are currently employed.
And also you can only select one number, so choose the one that fits your situation the best.

Point 6

And that is step 2 complete. Don't worry we are nearly finished. The next step contains the final information we need to provide.

Step 3 Daily communication in Japanese and test history

First some explanation, for each skill (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) you encircle the number next to the person you use that skill with.
Is there someone you do not practice all the skills with, leave the 'unused' skills blank.
If you do not practice any skill with the listed example person encircle 5.

So let's begin

1. Encircle numbers listed after the person you practice a certain skill with
1. teacher
2. friends
3. family
4. supervisor
5. colleagues
6. customers
2. Fill in the number of times you have taken a JLPT test
   if this is the first time, leave it blank.
   If you did, fill in the number of times you have taken a certain level.
3. If you filled in a test by point 2, fill in whether you passed or failed
4. Finally fill in your signature and the date.

Example for point 1

I put in an 'O' for encircled. And a number for uncircled.

                   speaking       listening        reading         writing         None of the above

Teacher:           O                 O                  O                   O                         5
You use all skills with your teacher

Friends:            O                 O                  3                    4                         5

You use speaking + listening skills with friends, not reading or writing

Supervisor:       1                  2                  O                    O                        5
You only use reading and writing skills with your supervisor.

Hope that has made it somewhat clearer. Now for the finishing touch. There are some final details we need to add. And we can send the application form.

Step 4 Add a photo and your address (again)

At the bottom of the form, you fill in your name and address again. This is for the mailing of your test results.

So again use capital letters for your name, and encircle wether you are addressed as Mr. or Ms.

Fill in your address and telephone number again.

Leave the examinee registration number at the bottom open again.

Now you only need to add a photo and you are done. The photo is necessary to make sure you are making your own test and not someone else. You also need an ID at the test location. But further details of that will be mentioned in part 3.

Some rules to which your photo must comply:

1. 3~4 cm high x 3 cm wide.
2. Taken within the past 6 months.
3. Name + date of birth are written on the back.
   In the case of physical copy. If you upload it, it is obviously not necessary.
4. Can be black and white or in colour.
5. Can be taken with a digital camera.
6. Borderless photos.
7. Must be printed on photo paper (for physical copies).

What I usually use are Dutch passport photos. These fit the requirements perfectly. So make sure you have one at hand, or one on your computer for digital application.
For the last one in Leiden I needed to upload it digitally. For the one in London in 2015 I needed to send a physical copy with the application form.

What is not accepted:

1. Photos larger or smaller than 3~4 cm high x 3 cm wide.
2. Taken against a nonsolid background (dark/black background).
3. Blurred photos.
4. Your eyes are closed.
5. You are wearing a hat.
6. You are wearing sunglasses.
7. Your hands are in the photo.
8. Snapshots (like taken together with other people).
9. Your face is too small/too big for the photo size.
10. Colour photocopies.
11. Photos printed on ordinary copy paper.

When all that is sent, you will receive a confirmation by E-mail. And then you only have to wait until the end of the application period, and give or take, 2 weeks after that you will receive your test voucher by E-mail. This can vary per location, but it is a general guideline.

I will discuss everything needed for the test day in part 3. Now we will go on to the last part.

How much does a JLPT test cost?

Of course, through the years the costs of these tests may change. So always check at your local institution for the exact costs.

Another thing to look out for is that the costs can vary per location. At least I have seen some differences in the past, in the current situation not all prices are listed because of the cancellations.
For example, if we use the Euro (our local coin). In the Netherlands, the last time I took a test was around 105 Euros, in the UK is around 100 Pounds (110 Euros). I've seen prices of 60 Euros in Germany before (2 years back) And I think the last time I checked Belgium it was around 70 to 80 Euro's I believe. But I could be wrong about the last one.

Most of the current locations do not provide a price at this time because there are no tests conducted. But all the tests are usually start from 60 to around 110 Euro. In most cases, 100 Euros is the max, but you will most likely get administrative costs. These are included in the extra 10 Euros. So keep that in mind if you want a cost indication.

Another frequently asked question: Do you have different fees for the different levels?

Usually, all the levels have the same fee. So no price difference there. But some locations might handle a different fee for different levels.

Other handy information

Also, take into account that you can only take 1 test at a time. You can never apply for 2 tests at once. All the different levels are taken on the same day and start at the same time. They just end at different times, so it is impossible to take more than 1 test.

Another point that is worth to mention that you do not need to start at the N5 level. I never took N5.
1. Because it did not exist in earlier years.

2. I took it some time after I graduated with a Japanese major.

So most of the lower levels were irrelevant, so I went straight for N2.

So hopefully this will give you some more insight on the application process. For the next part I will mostly discuss what happens on a usual testing day, and what you need to prepare before you go.
So until next time~ ^_^

Link to part 3.