JLPT levels N5 to N1: sections, times and pass marks

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT, 日本語能力試験), run by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, is the best-known Japanese exam in the world. This guide explains the JLPT levels from N5 to N1 as the official JLPT site describes them: what you should be able to do at each level, how long each paper takes and how many points you need to pass. Not sure where you are? The free Japanese level test gives you a first estimate in a few minutes.

Updated November 7, 2026 · 5 min read

Five levels, N5 is the easiest

According to the official level summary, the JLPT has five levels — N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5 — and N5 is the easiest, N1 the hardest. N5 and N4 test the basic Japanese mostly learned in class; N2 and N1 test the Japanese of real life in a wide range of situations; N3 bridges the two.

What the JLPT tests — and what it does not

The JLPT's key characteristics are three elements: Language Knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), Reading and Listening. Answers are machine-scored, and the test has no speaking or writing section. If you need to prove you can speak Japanese, plan to practise and show that another way.

Test sections and times

The test sections page gives these times. N1 and N2 combine vocabulary, grammar and reading in one long paper; N3 to N5 split vocabulary off into its own short paper:

The JLPT notes that section times may change and that Listening can differ slightly with the length of the recordings.

Pass marks: total and per section

Every level is scored out of 180. On the scoring page, N1–N3 have three scoring sections of 0–60 each (Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening); N4 and N5 have two (Language Knowledge and Reading together 0–120, Listening 0–60). To pass you need both the overall pass mark and the minimum in every section — one section below its minimum means a fail, however high your total.

The JLPT uses scaled scores: sessions differ slightly in difficulty, so raw answers are converted to a common scale and a score means the same whichever session you sit.

When the test takes place

In 2026 the JLPT was held on Sunday 5 July and Sunday 6 December. Outside Japan some cities hold it only in July or only in December, so check the schedule for your city. Everyone receives a score report and those who pass also receive a certificate; outside Japan, the results page says reports arrive around mid-October for the July test and mid-March for the December test.

Which level should you choose?

• Just started? N5 is a good first goal once you read hiragana and katakana comfortably.
• You can handle daily life slowly? N4, then N3 — the bridge from classroom to real Japanese.
• Aiming at work or study in Japan? Look at the level your employer or school asks for; N2 and N1 cover the Japanese of newspapers, news and lectures.
• Not sure? Take the Japanese level test before you register.

A study plan that matches the test

1. Vocabulary and kanji every day. Short daily sessions beat weekend marathons — that is how 16Word's Japanese course is built.
2. Reading at your level. Graded readers for N5–N4, short news articles for N3 and above.
3. Listening without subtitles. The sections get faster as levels rise; train your ear at the speed of your target level.
4. Timed practice. Do full papers with the times above, so the long N1/N2 paper does not surprise you.
5. Watch every section. The section minimums mean a weak listening score can sink a strong total.

Japanese, Chinese and kanji

Japanese kanji come from Chinese characters, which is why many learners study both. If you are curious, read a short history of Chinese, why learn Chinese or the Chinese grammar basics, and try the Chinese level test or our Chinese course. Learning Korean as well? Try the Korean level test.

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• TOPIK levels explained: the Korean exam
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