JLPT Goals

[Matazi]

I'm trying to determine and establish goals for myself using the JLPT (I won't be able to go to Japan for some time).

Baring in mind that everyone has different study methods and rates of absorption; would it be feasible to set a goal to pass the 3-kyuu (4-kyuu as of the new modification) in December 2009, starting from scratch?

Also, is it actually possible to skip 4-kyuu (5-kyuu), or do I have to take it as a formality?

[richvh]

There are no prerequisites for any of the levels; you can take 1 kyuu without having taken any of the other test levels if you wish. And taking 4 (formerly 3) kyuu after a single year of study should definitely be doable.

[clay]

And taking 4 (formerly 3) kyuu after a single year of study should definitely be doable.

I did that. When I arrived in Japan, I probably could have passed 4 kyuu, but decided to wait a year and study for 3 kyuu.