The Pushbike Surfer

Planning to take the JLPT N5? Here’s my first-hand experience taking the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in Okinawa, with tips on what to expect and how to prepare.

Need quick tips? Scroll to the bottom.

What is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) measures non-native speakers’ Japanese skills in reading, vocabulary, and listening. It’s a standardized test recognized by many Japanese companies, especially those hiring foreigners with Japanese language proficiency.

In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal experience taking the JLPT N5 test in Okinawa, including test day tips, what the room was like, and advice for beginners.

📅 Before the JLPT N5 Test

I registered for the JLPT N5, the most basic level of the exam. My test was scheduled to begin at 3:10 PM, with doors opening at 2:30 PM.

Being the kind of person who feels late when I’m on time, I arrived early. At 2:30 PM, the doors opened and a staff member came out to greet us. I walked up to the test room and found my seat using the registration number listed on my test voucher. The tables were clearly labeled and easy to find.

The atmosphere was calm as more people slowly arrived and settled in.

🔒Security & Rules Before the Test Start

There were four proctors in the room, along with a fifth staff member who occasionally came in to check on things. The proctors explained the test rules in Japanese, essentially reading directly from the test voucher.

⚠️ Important tip:
You cannot bring any electronic devices — including Bluetooth-enabled watches — into the room. There are no clocks, so I recommend buying a simple analog or digital wristwatch. I got mine at Daiso, and it was a lifesaver.

🧠The JLPT N5 Test Structure

The JLPT N5 consists of three sections:

1. Vocabulary & Grammar (25 minutes)
2. Reading (around 30 minutes)
3. Listening (around 30 minutes)

Each section comes with its own scantron sheet and test booklet.

📘Vocabulary & Grammar Section

This part was straightforward — exactly the kind of material I had been studying using online resources and N5 prep books. Most of the questions were basic and fair, though a few could trip you up if you’re not confident in the material.

We had 25 minutes to complete this section. Afterward, we were given a 15-minute break.

📖Reading Section

This portion ramped up in difficulty gradually:

• One-sentence reading questions
• Fill-in-the-blank sentences
• Paragraph-length reading with comprehension questions
• One-page story with multiple questions

The questions were clear, and again, nothing was too tricky if you’ve practiced regularly with JLPT N5-level texts.

🎧Listening Section

After another 15-minute break, we began the listening section. This was the part I felt most comfortable with, thanks to listening to Japanese daily at work.

Topics included:

• Basic conversations
• Workplace exchanges
• Simple questions and answers
• Describing people and objects

If you’ve practiced with JLPT N5 listening drills or watched beginner-level Japanese media, you’ll find this part manageable.

⏳What Happens After the Test?

Test results typically take around two months to be released. While I wait, I’ve already started studying for the JLPT N4 — the next level up.

💬Final Thoughts and JLPT N5 Tips

Taking the JLPT N5 was a great way to benchmark my Japanese skills and gain testing experience in Japan.

My quick tips:

• Bring a simple wristwatch
• Practice with official JLPT materials
• Don’t overthink — questions are usually straightforward
• Arrive early and bring snacks for the break

If you’re planning to take the JLPT N5 in Japan, I hope this article gives you a clear idea of what to expect.

If you have any specific questions about the test, the proctors, the dynamics of the room, or the material, please leave a comment down below.