I just finished the JLPT Test Level and I`m pretty sure I passed it. I have a short term memory problem and so the listening part I found the hardest. If they`d have let you listen two times to each skit, I`d have been fine. Oh well.
There`s been a lot said about the third level. That you can`t get a job with it and it`s a pointless exam to take. My view is that I learnt more words, kanji and grammar points in the last three months I spent studying for the test than I did in the last two years I`ve been in Japan with no impending test date looming.
I can now also say, “I was made to take piano lessons by my mother” in Japanese. A sentence which although factually incorrect requires a tongue twisting ability found only in Amazonian reptiles and I believe that alone justifies the test fee.
Results are in February.

I’ve been a long-timre reader of your site, and never posted a comment before (I think?). Anyway, I just had to comment on this one. First of all, congrats on your test, I hope it went well. But ‘results in february’, do you have to wait THAT long? That’s pretty tough huh!
-Dave
Ganbatte! Here’s hoping you passed the test. Kudos to you for giving it a shot! I don’t envy you waiting until February for results.
Yes, contratulations. I studied so hard for the JLPT once, I couldn’t stop myself, and kept studying even after the test. It was pretty strange…
Well done Simon. I was down at IzumiChuo which I imagine was the closest centre to you too. I found the statistics listening part tough and some grammar. I agree that a deadline is a great motivator. take it easy now – ゆっくりをしてください。
I was taking the Level 1 test at the same time, or rather, it was taking me.
Good for you for going for it. Too many people live here for years without trying to learn the causative form! And, as you point out, pronouncing it is a whole ‘nuther level of difficulty…
Thanks guys I hope you all get the results you want.
Makes me wonder if I should have gone ahead and studied to take Level 2… It’s been awhile since I’ve touched the language at all though.
go for it suki!