Missed the JLPT? How to still prove N2-level Japanese for your visa
Registration for the December 2026 JLPT closed on 7 September. If you need N2 for a visa, a job change or permanent residence points, here is what you can do now.
Short answer
You cannot join the December 2026 JLPT any more. The next JLPT in Japan is in July 2027. If your visa rule accepts it, take BJT instead: you can book it for almost any day, see your score as soon as you finish, and a score of 400 counts like JLPT N2 (480 like N1) for several visas.
First, check the dates
JLPT in Japan runs twice a year. In 2026 the tests were on 5 July and 6 December. Applications for December ran from 17 August to 7 September, so the next chance to apply is for July 2027. Those dates are not announced yet. With the 2026 pattern, you would apply in March or April 2027, sit in early July, see your result in late August and receive the certificate in late September 2027.
If you decide in September 2026
That is about a year from today, with one attempt. If you need N2 before then, or you are not sure you will pass N2 on the first try, you need a second route.
Your options, from fastest to slowest
Fastest · this month
1. Take BJT, the Business Japanese Proficiency Test
BJT is a computer test run by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, the same organisation behind the Kanji Kentei. You book a slot at a Pearson VUE test centre, sit 80 questions in about two hours, and leave with your score. You can retake it after three months, so between now and July 2027 you could sit it three times.
Immigration rules list BJT scores next to JLPT levels: 400 = N2 and 480 = N1 for Highly Skilled Professional points, the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa, the Business Manager visa and university admission.
Check first
2. See if your visa accepts something you already have
Some rules accept proof other than a test. For the Business Manager visa, for example, the Japanese requirement is also met if you graduated from a Japanese university, completed compulsory education and high school in Japan, or have lived in Japan for 20 years or more on a mid- to long-term status. Read your visa's rule before you book anything.
Slowest · about a year
3. Wait for the July 2027 JLPT
If an employer or a rule asks for JLPT by name, this is the only way. Put the application period in your calendar now, because it lasts only about three weeks. You can still take BJT in the meantime as a backup and as practice.
Two things that are usually not a solution: sitting JLPT abroad (each country has its own dates and deadlines, and you have to be there on test day), and JFT-Basic, which is a different test for Specified Skilled Worker visas and only checks basic Japanese at A1–A2 level, far below N2.
Is BJT harder or easier than JLPT N2?
It is different. JLPT N2 tests a broad range of kanji, vocabulary and grammar from everyday and academic Japanese. BJT tests Japanese used at work: phone calls, meetings, emails, notices and charts, with a lot of keigo. There is no pass or fail; every answer adds to one score from 0 to 800, so a strong part can make up for a weaker one.
If you already use Japanese at work, much of BJT will look familiar. If you studied mainly from JLPT textbooks, plan time for business vocabulary and keigo. Our founder took BJT after missing the July JLPT and scored 406 after three weeks of preparation; she describes what she found in her own article.
A plan if you need N2 level by spring
- This week: read your visa rule and confirm that BJT is accepted, and which score you need, 400 or 480.
- Next: take a full mock exam to see where you stand on the 0–800 scale.
- Book BJT for a date 3–6 weeks away. Work on the part where you lose the most points.
- If you miss the target, book the retake exactly three months later. You have room for three attempts before July 2027.
- Still need JLPT? Apply for July 2027 in spring as a backup. BJT practice with business Japanese helps N2 listening and reading too.
Questions people ask
Can I still register for the December 2026 JLPT?
No. Applications in Japan closed on 7 September 2026.
When is the next JLPT in Japan?
July 2027. The exact date and application period are not announced yet. In 2026, applications for July were open from 17 March to 7 April.
Is BJT 400 the same as JLPT N2?
It is a different test. Immigration rules treat 400 like N2 for the visas listed above. Some employers ask for JLPT by name, so check with them.
How fast do I get a BJT result?
Your score is ready when you finish. The certificate with your photo can be printed from your Pearson VUE account three days later.
What level do I need before trying BJT?
Most people who sit BJT score between 320 and 529. If you are around JLPT N3 and use Japanese at work, a mock exam will show how far you are from 400.
Find out today how far you are from 400.
Try three business situations for free, or join the waitlist for full 80-question mock exams with a score forecast in your language.