My JLPT N1 Exam Day Experience in Kuala Lumpur – Easy Tips For Future Test Takers

Join me as I share my JLPT N1 exam day experience in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, along with some tips on the easiest way to get to the test site, what you need to bring and prepare, and many more wink.

My JLPT N1 Exam Day Experience in Kuala Lumpur – Tips For Future Test Takers

What is JLPT?

JLPT, which stands for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, is designed to gauge your Japanese proficiency in terms of general language knowledge, including Kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. The absence of a subjective essay or speaking test has fuelled debates about whether the JLPT accurately measures proficiency levels, but that’s a topic for another post.

There are five levels of JLPT, with N1 being the highest and N5 the lowest.

My JLPT Experience So Far

I have taken the JLPT three times, including this attempt.

First time: JLPT N2 at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.

Result: Pass
It felt easier than the EJU (an entrance exam to enter Japan university), which I took a week prior.

Second time: JLPT N1 at Kobe University in Hyogo.

Result: Pass
Despite the challenges of adapting to university life in a region with a distinct dialect (Kansai-ben), I somehow passed.

Why I’m Taking JLPT N1 Again?

I haven’t discussed this publicly, but I’m applying for a postgraduate program in Japan, and my prospective supervisor advised me to obtain a more recent JLPT N1 certificate.

Wish me luck, guys!

What do you need to bring for the JLPT test?

• Printed JLPT test voucher. You can print it from the JLSM website for Malaysian.
• Identification card: IC or passport
• Stationery: Pencils (bring extras) and eraser
• Water bottle
• Snacks
  I didn’t see any stalls or a canteen at the JLPT KL test site. My advice is to bring snacks, some bento, or onigiri beforehand so you can relax and eat while waiting for the test to start or during the break.
• Umbrella
  It rained a little around 12 pm, and I was glad I brought my mini umbrella.
• Sweater or cardigan
  The air conditioning is on full blast, so it’s better to bring a sweater or cardigan, or you’ll end up shivering in the hall.

Where is the JLPT test site in Kuala Lumpur?

Confucian Private Secondary School.

How to access the JLPT test site in Kuala Lumpur?

You cannot park inside the school, so your only options are buildings with parking nearby. However, the building parking may be full due to many churches in the area (weekly prayer), and the traffic jam is terrible. I suggest using public transport or asking friends or family to drop you off.

• MRT Merdeka: The nearest station to the test site.
• LRT Pasar Seni: I actually arrived at Pasar Seni and had to walk past the MRT Merdeka.

Pro tips: Since there are many test-takers heading to the same place, if in doubt, just follow someone who looks like they are going to take the test. There’s a good chance they are wearing Japan-related T-shirts or donning anime merchandise.

What should you do when you arrive at the school?

There will be signage everywhere, so just follow the signboards. For the KL test site, there will be a foyer or a hall where you can wait. No chairs, but it was clean, so you can sit cross-legged.

How was the test?

• Kanji: Easy
• Vocabulary: 💀 Challenging
• Grammar: Not bad. Made a few mistakes. I should’ve trusted my instinct and not double-checked, though.
• Reading: I think it’s quite easy compared to last year’s paper.
• Listening: Easy. Full marks, please.

One thing I will never forget is that one test-taker’s phone vibrated twice during the test, and the examiners checked every bag to find whose phone it was. So, please, TURN OFF YOUR PHONE! Don’t just put it on silent mode.

p/s: If you’re new to learning Japanese, check out my guide on how to start learning Japanese from zero.

Is there a clock in the classroom?

Yes! There is a wall clock in the centre of the classroom. I personally did not bring an analogue clock because, based on my experience with past JLPT exams, I usually have 30–40 minutes of extra time.

Can you bring and drink water during the test?

Also yes! I brought a huge water bottle, and I’m glad I did. It’s too hot, and drinking water calms me down.

Is there a praying room for Muslims at the JLPT test site?

There is a prayer room on the 6th floor. You can see SURAU signage on the building’s wall. If you’re lost, you can always ask the staff at the test site for help. The staff are easy to spot—they are the only ones wearing red shirts? with Japanese writing.

I accidentally saw a site that uploaded the answers and questions for JLPT N1, and it’s safe to say that I’m not going to get a full mark, lol. My marks might not even reach 170 points. Maybe I’ll take it again next year and properly study, unlike this time, where I just relied on doing two past paper questions.

Anyway, that’s all for my JLPT N1 exam day experience in Kuala Lumpur. It was tiring but fun.

Goodbye, and good luck guys!