JLPT & NAT-TEST
Japanese proficiency tests for students, job seekers and anyone heading to Japan. Classes from N5 to N3, physical and online.
N5 සිට N3 දක්වා JLPT සහ NAT විභාග සඳහා පන්ති. භෞතික සහ ඔන්ලයින් පන්ති.
Which level are you?
Start at N5 if you're new to Japanese. Each level has a study checklist, grammar points and a practice quiz.
The first step: basic Japanese you meet in class and daily life.
~100 kanji90 min test Open N5 guide → N4= NAT 4Q මූලික මට්ටමBasic Japanese: everyday conversations, spoken slowly.
~300 kanji115 min test Open N4 guide → N3= NAT 3Q මධ්යම මට්ටමThe bridge level: everyday Japanese at close to natural speed.
~650 kanji140 min test Open N3 guide →N2 and N1 guides will follow as the classes grow.
JLPT or NAT-TEST?
Two tests with the same levels and the same three sections. The big difference in Sri Lanka is how often you can sit them.
| Topic | JLPT | NAT-TEST |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | N5 (easiest) to N1 | 5Q (easiest) to 1Q |
| Run in Sri Lanka by | Japanese Language Education Association (JLEA), Colombo | NAT-TEST Colombo |
| How often | Twice a year: July and December | Up to 12 times a year in Colombo |
| Format | Paper test | Paper test or computer test |
| Sections | Vocabulary · Grammar & Reading · Listening | Same split as the JLPT |
| Good for | The most widely known certificate | Testing sooner, without waiting six months |
Next test dates
In Sri Lanka the JLPT is on the first Sunday of July and December.
Sunday 6 December 2026
Registration was in August 2026.
Up to 12 tests a year
Paper or computer test, so you don't have to wait for July or December.
Next paper test: Sunday 13 December 2026. Register by 13 November 2026. Fee: LKR 7,000 at the JLEA test centre, Colombo 03.
JLPT / NAT classes: N5 to N3
- Physical classesLocation and times vary. Contact us for the current details.
- Online classesJoin from anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Common questions
Should I take the JLPT or the NAT-TEST?
The JLPT is the best-known certificate, but in Sri Lanka it runs only in July and December. The NAT-TEST uses the same levels and sections and runs many times a year, so it suits students who want a result sooner. Many students sit both.
Which level should I start with?
If you are starting from zero, or have only learned hiragana and katakana, start with N5. O/L students who have finished most of the syllabus are usually close to N5. Not sure? Contact us and we will help you choose.
Is N5 the same as NAT 5Q?
They are set at the same level and have the same three sections and timing. They are separate tests with separate certificates.
Are the classes physical or online?
Both. Online classes are open island-wide. For physical classes, the location and times vary, so contact us for the current details.
How many kanji and words do I need?
The JLPT has not published official lists since 2010. The figures on this site are common study targets: about 100 kanji for N5, 300 for N4 and 650 for N3.