JLPT Japanese Test Results 'Inconclusive' After Answers Leaked

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Numerous results from a nationalized Japanese proficiency test for foreigners conducted in December 2024 turned out "inconclusive" due to highly similar answers. The Sankei Shimbun learned of the issue from sources close to the matter.

According to the Japan Foundation, which manages the test at overseas locations, a collection of results showed statistical patterns with little chance of occurring naturally." The foundation believes that test takers in China, who finished before those in other countries, leaked answers via social media.

No Official Declaration of Cheating

Despite the discrepancies, the foundation did not officially recognize them as cheating and declined to reveal the number of tests involved.

Many in Japan use the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), a multiple-choice exam, to assess the language ability of foreigners applying for visa status or domestic jobs. While the contents of the test are not public because it is administered both domestically and outside of Japan, some locations finish the test before others due to time differences.

A notification that Japanese proficiency test results were "inconclusive" (provided to ©Sankei, personal details obscured ) — *Pass/fail results of examinees whose outcomes were deemed indeterminable (part of the image has been edited. Provided by a related party)*

Problems on Second Most Difficult Version

The problems occurred on the "N2" version of the test, the second most difficult of the five levels offered. A total of 230,000 took the test domestically and internationally on December 1, 2024.

Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES), which oversees the test within Japan, confirmed that both domestic and international tests showed signs of irregularity. The organization sent explanations to Japanese schools administering the test, stating that an "unnatural event" had compromised the results, and promised to refund the test fees.