How to Put the JLPT on Your CV, Résumé or Rirekisho
List the JLPT on your CV or résumé by level, result and year, for example “Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2, passed 2025”. Put it in a Languages or Certifications section, and only list levels you have actually passed; if you are preparing for a level, say so honestly, such as “JLPT N2, sitting December 2026”. On a Japanese rirekisho, write it in the licences and qualifications section as 日本語能力試験N2 合格 with the year and month you passed. Employers also care about what you can do in Japanese, so add a line on your speaking and work experience.
How to write it on an English CV or résumé
| Situation | How to write it |
|---|---|
| Passed | Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2, passed December 2025 |
| Passed, with a strong score | JLPT N1, passed July 2025 (score 150/180) |
| Preparing | JLPT N2, sitting December 2026 (N3 passed 2025) |
| Never taken the test | Japanese: conversational (equivalent to around JLPT N3, not certified) |
Spell out “Japanese Language Proficiency Test” at least once, because recruiters outside Japan may not know the acronym. If you add a score, make sure it’s the one on your score report. Use “around” or “equivalent to” only when you’re being honest about an uncertified level, and be ready to show it in an interview.
How to write it on a Japanese rirekisho
Japanese résumés have a section for licences and qualifications (免許・資格). Write the year and month you passed, then the qualification:
- 2025年12月 日本語能力試験N2 合格
- Some people write the full official name, 日本語能力試験 N2 合格, or add the Japanese era year. Follow the format used for the other dates on your rirekisho and stay consistent.
- If you’re studying for a higher level, many applicants add a line in the self-PR or notes section, such as 現在、日本語能力試験N1の合格を目指して勉強中です.
See how to write a rirekisho and how to write a shokumu keirekisho.
Show what you can actually do
The JLPT tests reading and listening only, not speaking or writing, and employers know it. Strengthen your CV with evidence:
- Work you did in Japanese: emails, calls, meetings, customer support, translation.
- Time in Japan: study abroad, working holiday, internships.
- Other tests, such as the BJT for business Japanese. See the BJT and the JLPT vs other tests.
- A short line on speaking level, such as “Business-level spoken Japanese; conducted weekly supplier calls in Japanese”.
See does the JLPT test speaking?
Common questions
- Does the JLPT expire? No, a JLPT certificate has no expiry date, but if you passed many years ago, employers may want to see your current level.
- Should I list N5 or N4? They show interest and effort, which helps for roles where Japanese is a bonus. For jobs that require Japanese, list your highest level only.
- Do employers check? Many ask for a copy of your certificate of proficiency or score report, so keep both safe. See JLPT results and certificates.
- Which level do jobs ask for? Often N2 for office work in Japanese and N1 for roles where Japanese is the main working language. See the level you need for jobs in Japan.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native Japanese tutors help you prepare for the JLPT and for the interview that follows it, where speaking matters. We also translate your CV into Japanese (an uncertified translation for job applications) and our career coaching helps with rirekisho, shokumu keirekisho and interview practice. See translating your CV into Japanese.