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JLPT and exams

Common JLPT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

By the Hanabuddies team · · 3 min read

The most common JLPT mistakes are running out of time in the reading section, failing one section’s minimum score even when the total is high enough, leaving answers blank, studying vocabulary lists without reading or listening practice, never doing a full timed practice test, and choosing a level that is too high. Almost all of them are fixable with a few weeks of planning. Here is what goes wrong most often and how to avoid it.

1. Only aiming for the overall pass mark

The JLPT has an overall pass mark and a minimum score for each scored section. If you fall below the minimum in one section, you fail even if your total is above the pass mark. Many learners who are strong in reading and weak in listening (or the other way round) are caught by this. Check the official JLPT site for the pass marks for your level, and make sure your weakest section is safely above its minimum. See JLPT results and certificates.

2. Running out of time in reading

Reading is where most test takers run short of time, because it shares one timed section with the grammar questions (and at N1 and N2, the vocabulary questions too), so time lost early comes out of your reading time. Fixes:

  • Set a time limit for the questions before the reading passages and move on when it’s up.
  • Read the question before the passage, so you know what to look for.
  • Don’t translate every sentence in your head; practise reading for gist.

See JLPT time management and JLPT reading tips.

3. Leaving answers blank

The JLPT is multiple choice, and an empty answer can’t score. If you’re not sure, eliminate what you can and make your best choice. Keep an eye on the answer sheet too: one skipped line can shift every answer after it.

4. Learning words from lists only

Word lists help, but the test checks whether you can use words in context, choose between similar words and catch them at natural speed. Learn vocabulary in example sentences and review with spaced repetition. See JLPT vocabulary tips and flashcards and spaced repetition.

5. Neglecting listening

Each listening clip plays only once. Learners who study mostly from books often find this the hardest part on the day. Practise with audio at natural speed every week, and train yourself to let go of a missed question and focus on the next. See JLPT listening tips.

6. Never doing a full timed practice test

Doing sections separately is useful, but stamina and pacing only show up when you sit a full paper in one go. Do at least two or three timed practice tests in the last couple of months. See JLPT practice tests.

7. Picking the wrong level

Choosing a level that is too high because a job ad mentions it can mean a year’s wait for the next attempt. Choosing one that is too low can mean a certificate you don’t need. Take a practice test before you register. See which JLPT level to take.

8. Test-day slip-ups

Forgetting your test voucher or photo ID, arriving late, or not following the rules on what you may bring can cost you the whole exam. Read your own test site’s instructions a week before. See JLPT test day tips.

How Hanabuddies can help

Our native Japanese tutors teach one-to-one online, in English, and help with JLPT preparation at every level: finding your weakest section, building a study plan to the test date, and going through practice tests together so you understand every mistake. If you didn’t pass last time, see what to do after failing the JLPT. Your first 15 minutes are a free trial.