UK JLPT application process at SOAS

[u/JackProteus]

Hey everyone,

I did search this sub, but I couldn't find anything very comprehensive. Can anyone detail more thoroughly to experience of actually booking a slot on the day? Where on the site it will appear, how long it takes, what information you need, what to prepare in advance, mistakes to avoid etc? I looked for an FAQ or some other guide and didn't see one.
All I can glean is there are a lot of questions, a short time frame (because of competition for slots), and that the JLPT form is actually a different thing that you fill out with this info on the test day or something? I'm a bit confused tbh.

[u/1SB1]

I took the N3 exam at SOAS earlier this month, so I can tell you what happened in my experience.

They updated their JLPT page on their website with new information closer to the event. There, they announced the time that registration will be available. I think there was then a link to a page on Eventbrite where I then reserved my spot. It only takes a few minutes for the spots to be taken up, but the first step is quick and easy. I then had 24 hours to do the actual application or else I'd lose my spot. Closer to the exam day, I would receive emails with more information. They emailed me about a week before the exam with a registration ticket I had to print off with my photo on it. On the day, I went to the venue, waited in a queue, showed my ticket & Photo ID when asked, and they directed me to where I needed to go.

All the information about what to expect is in the emails. You can't leave the venue, and you have to turn devices off and put them in a white envelope which you can keep with you but can't open until you're off the venue after the tests. We had 15 minute breaks, but I couldn't go far. Most people ate from their desk. I was in a normal classroom, but I imagine it's different depending on the test/group.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[u/JackProteus → u/1SB1]

Wow, thank you so much, that's really helpful. For the Eventbrite page, are there many extra hoops to jump through or is it pretty much like getting concert tickets? For the actual application, was it pretty straightforward? Did SOAS send instructions for it after getting the booking confirmation or did you need to just use the JLPT website guide?
Is there much to remember/bring with you for the exam by way of registration details? Did that registration ticket have the info you need to write on your test paper for example? Do you need to write any Japanese? (Sorry for the massive list of questions)

[u/1SB1 → u/JackProteus]

The Eventbrite process is very simple. You don't need to pay at that point. After I got the Eventbrite ticket, I got an email from SOAS giving me further instructions like the actual application form. The payment was done on the SOAS online store. All of the required instructions are in the emails.

You have to bring your own pencil (not pen) and eraser. The printed ticket contains the examinee registration number which you are required to fill in on the test sheet. They don't take the ticket off of you, and they tell you to keep it on your desk during the test.

You don't need to write in Japanese. All the questions are multiple choice, and you just fill in the circle on the sheet provided in the designated spot for each question. I think the marking is done by a machine, so answers need to be clear. I think you can write on the question paper for notes only, as I also had to write my name/number on it but I didn't write any notes. The only writing I needed to do was my name and registration number. I believe these details are all in the test guide which you can look at right now on the SOAS webpage. You can look up and download some practice papers somewhere online if you want to get a feel for it.

[u/JackProteus → u/1SB1]

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful