If you are registering for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), you’ll have a checklist of things to do. But one question often causes confusion: Do you need a jlpt photo for the application?
The short answer is: It completely depends on where you are taking the test.
Since the JLPT is administered by various institutions in each country, the regulations can differ depending on the location. This decentralized system has created two main approaches to photo requirements for registration.
The Two Systems: Pre-Verification vs. On-Site Verification
Globally, JLPT application procedures fall into one of two categories:
- Photo Required at Registration: In many countries, particularly in Asia, you are required to upload a digital, passport-style photo during the online application process. This JLPT photo will become part of your official record. It’s often printed on your test voucher and even your final certificate if you pass the exam.
- No Photo Required at Registration: In other regions, like the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the application process is streamlined and does not require a photo upload. These systems prioritize a simpler online registration and place all the emphasis on in-person identity verification on the day of the test.
JLPT Photo Required: A Look Around the World
To give you a clearer picture, here is a quick summary of the policies in different locations:
East Asia
| Country/Region | Photo Required for Application? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | Yes | You must submit a recent, unedited 3cm x 4cm physical photo or a 360×480 pixel digital photo with no hats, colored glasses, or background, as this will be printed on your official certificate. Source: JLPT 사진규정 |
| China | Yes | Your photo for the JLPT must be a recent, clear, front-facing, color (with a blue, red, or white background) digital ID picture in JPG format, between 20KB and 200KB in size, and at least 360×480 pixels. Source: 教育部教育考试院—日本语能力测试网上报名系统 |
| Taiwan | Yes | A photo must be uploaded after logging into the member system to complete registration. Source: 照片範例 |
| Hong Kong / Macau | Yes | A 4cm x 3cm ID photo with a plain background is required. |
| Mongolia | Yes | At the top of the form, upload a 3:4 aspect ratio photo of yourself taken within the last 6 months, no larger than 500kb. Source: JPLT | Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar |
Southeast Asia
| Country/Region | Photo Required for Application? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | Yes | A recent color passport photo (from the shoulders up) measuring 3×4 (max. 1 MB data size) Source: FAQ – JLPT Indonesia |
| Cambodia | Yes | Two (2) recent photographs (3 cm × 4 cm) of the applicant. Source: Application and Registration – CJCC |
| Singapore | No | The registration guide explicitly states that “photos are not required”. Source: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) – JCSS |
| Thailand | Yes | 2 photos of yourself 1.5 inch x 1.5 inch |
| Vietnam | Yes | You are required to submit three 3cm×4cm photos with your name and date of birth written on the back. |
| Myanmar | Yes | The applicant must upload a photo of himself/herself taken within the last (3) months. Photos that are not suitable for beauty, makeup, nude, side profile, or photos taken from a website or mobile phone will not be accepted. |
South Asia
| Country/Region | Photo Required for Application? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| India | Yes | Requirements vary by city. For example, New Delhi specifies a 3.5cm x 4.5cm photo, while Chennai requires 3cm x 4cm. Always check with the local host institution. |
| Pakistan | Yes | Recent passport-size photographs Source: National University of Modern Languages |
Oceania
| Country/Region | Photo Required for Application? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | No | The official guide confirms that photo submission is not necessary. A strict in-person ID check is conducted on test day. Source: FAQs – Japan Foundation, Sydney |
North America
| Country/Region | Photo Required for Application? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | No | |
| USA | No | The focus is entirely on bringing a valid, government-issued photo ID on the day of the test. |
Western Europe
| Country/Region | Photo Required for Application? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Yes | Do not upload full-length photos, photos with non-uniform backgrounds, photos of documents, etc. if done well, a photo of your face taken with a smartphone can also be uploaded, provided the background is clear and uniform. |
| UK | No | The application process does not mention a photo, but emphasizes that the name on your application must exactly match your official photo ID. Source: Japanese Language Proficiency Test | SOAS |
| Spain | Yes | Have a scanned passport-size photograph in digital format, legible and current. |
| Norway | No | |
| Belgium | Yes | 2 passport size photo Source: Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
Understanding the JLPT Photo Requirements
For test centers that do require a photo, it’s crucial to meet their specific guidelines to avoid having your application rejected. While the exact jlpt photo requirements can vary slightly from one host institution to another, they generally follow a common set of standards.
Here are the key details to pay attention to:
- The most common jlpt application photo size is 3cm wide x 4cm high (which corresponds to 360 x 480 pixels for digital uploads). However, some test centers, particularly in India, may specify a size of 3.5cm x 4.5cm. Always double-check the specific dimensions required by your local test center.
- For online applications, the photo should typically be in JPG or JPEG format. The file size limit is usually under 100KB, with some centers requiring it to be less than 50KB.
- The photo must be taken against a plain white or light-colored background with no shadows or patterns.
- It should be a recent photo (taken within the last 6 months), showing your full face looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
- Hats and glasses are generally not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons.
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The Golden Rule for ALL Test Takers: Your Photo ID on Test Day
Regardless of whether you had to upload a photo during registration, there is one rule that is universal and non-negotiable: You MUST bring a valid, government-issued photo ID with you to the test center.
This is the single most important requirement. Failure to produce an acceptable photo ID will result in you being denied entry to the exam, with no refund.
Key points for your test-day ID:
- Name Match: The name on your ID must exactly match the name you used to register for the test.
- Type of ID: Acceptable forms are typically a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. Credit cards, social security cards, and photocopies are not accepted.
- Current and Physical: The ID must be current (not expired) and a physical card. Digital IDs are generally not accepted.
Your Action Plan: How to Be Sure
To avoid any registration-day stress, follow these simple steps:
- Find Your Local Host Institution: Start with the official JLPT list of overseas test centers to find the organization that runs the test in your city.
- Check Their Specific Guidelines: Look for a “Test Guide,” “FAQ,” or “Registration Information” page on the local institution’s website. This is where you will find the definitive rules, including the specific jlpt photo requirements and the correct jlpt photo size for your locati0n.
- Prepare Your Photo in Advance: If a photo is required, prepare a digital file that meets all the specifications. Getting the jlpt application photo size and background right is essential for a smooth registration process.
In conclusion, while you may not need to bring a physical photo to the application, you might need to upload a digital one. Always check the rules of your local test center first. And no matter what, make sure your official photo ID is ready for test day.