2009 Changes

The big change for 2009 is that if you live in Japan (or select other countries) the 1kyuu and 2kyuu will be administered in December and in July. This will give you two chances to take the tests! Other countries' tests will take place in December.

2010 Format Changes

From 2010, the JLPT will have five grades, instead of the current four. This is being done to ease the current transition from 3kyuu to 2kyuu, which is said to be fairly difficult (in my opinion, this is just a move to grab more money from test fees; yes, there is a big difficulty increase between 3kyuu and 2kyuu, but that's because the 3kyuu and 4kyuu are very easy tests, whereas the 2kyuu actually indicates some proficiency with the language).

Because of this, the tests will change the format slightly, and the current 1kyuu will become more difficult.

Also, the 2kyuu and 1kyuu will be offered twice per year in Japan, in December and July.

In other words, if you're at or approaching the 1kyuu or 2kyuu level, you should aim to take the test soon if you're not already preparing to do so.

Of course, there's still plenty of time to start preparing. But, better to start sooner than later ;)

More information is available at the JLPT site: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/index.html