JLPT levels explained: which one should you take?
The JLPT is the exam most Japanese learners take, and the certificate employers and universities in Japan ask for. It has five levels, and picking the right one is the first decision. Here’s what each level means and how to choose.
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken) is run by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. It tests reading and listening at five levels, from N5 (the easiest) to N1 (the hardest). The questions are multiple choice, and there is no speaking or writing section.
The five levels at a glance
| Level | What it shows | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | You can read hiragana, katakana and basic kanji, and understand simple everyday phrases. | A first milestone after a few months of study. |
| N4 | You can read short texts on familiar topics and follow slow, everyday conversation. | Proving you have the basics; travel and daily life. |
| N3 | You understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. | The bridge from beginner to intermediate. |
| N2 | You understand everyday Japanese and, to some degree, a wider range of situations such as news at natural speed. | Many office jobs and universities in Japan. |
| N1 | You understand Japanese in a wide range of situations, including editorials and lectures. | Roles where Japanese is used all day, translation, and the strongest applications. |
How the test works
- Sections. Every level tests language knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), reading and listening.
- Passing. You need both an overall pass mark and a minimum score in each section, so you can’t fail one section and make it up elsewhere.
- When. In Japan the test runs twice a year, in early July and early December. Abroad, some cities hold both sittings and some hold only one, so check your local test site.
- Registration usually closes several months before the test date. Put the deadline in your calendar first.
Pass marks and test dates can change, so always confirm the current details on the official site, jlpt.jp, which also has free sample questions for every level.
Which level should you take?
- You’re a beginner who has learned the kana and some basic grammar: take N5. Passing gives you a goal and a sense of progress.
- You can hold a simple conversation and read kana easily: try the N4 sample questions. If most feel comfortable, register for N4.
- You want to work in Japan: aim for N2. It is the level many employers list for office jobs, and it also counts towards Japan’s points-based visa for highly skilled professionals (N1 counts for more).
- You’re not sure: do the official sample test for two neighbouring levels. Register for the one where you can answer most questions but still have to think.
Don’t forget speaking
Because the JLPT has no speaking section, it’s possible to pass N3 or N2 and still freeze in a real conversation. The learners who do best combine exam practice with regular speaking. That’s how we plan JLPT lessons: grammar and reading for the exam, and conversation every lesson so the Japanese you learn is Japanese you can use.