Which JLPT Level Should I Take? How to Choose N5 to N1
Take the highest JLPT level you can realistically pass on the next test date, not the level you hope to reach one day. A good rule of thumb: if you can already pass a full practice test for a level with a comfortable margin, aim one level higher; if you can’t pass that practice test yet but have several months to study, that level is probably the right target; and if you are far below the pass mark with only a few months left, choose the level below. Your goal matters too, because jobs, universities and visas often ask for a specific level, usually N2 or N1.
A quick guide to the five levels
| Level | Roughly means you can… | A good target if… |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | Read hiragana, katakana and basic kanji; understand slow, simple everyday Japanese. | You’ve studied for a few months and want a first milestone. |
| N4 | Handle basic daily conversations and simple texts. | You’ve finished a beginner course and can talk about your day. |
| N3 | Follow everyday Japanese at close to natural speed; read simple articles. | You’re a solid intermediate learner or preparing for N2. |
| N2 | Understand news, workplace and general topics in natural Japanese. | You want to work or study in Japanese. |
| N1 | Understand complex, abstract Japanese across a wide range of topics. | You need advanced Japanese for a career, translation or academic work. |
For a full breakdown, see JLPT levels explained.
Five questions to decide
- What do you need it for? If an employer or university asks for N2, plan your path to N2. If it’s for motivation, any level that stretches you is fine. See the Japanese level you need for jobs and the JLPT and Japanese visas.
- How do you score on a practice test? Take an official sample or practice test under timed conditions. This is the single best guide. See JLPT practice tests.
- How long until the test? Moving up one level usually takes many months of steady study, more at the higher levels. See how long it takes to learn Japanese.
- Which section is weakest? You need to pass each section as well as the total, so a very weak listening or reading section can sink an otherwise strong attempt.
- How many hours a week can you study? Be honest. A higher level you fail is less useful than a lower level you pass, especially as the test is held only once or twice a year in most places.
Should you skip a level?
You don’t have to take the levels in order. Many learners skip N5 or N4 and go straight to N3 or N2. Skipping makes sense if practice tests show you’re ready; it doesn’t if you’re hoping a harder target will force you to study more. See skipping JLPT levels.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a level from the number of kanji or words you’ve memorised, without testing listening and reading speed.
- Booking N1 because a job “prefers” it, when N2 would meet the requirement and is within reach now.
- Taking a level you passed comfortably in practice months ago and spending a test date on a certificate you don’t need.
- Deciding after registration closes. Check registration deadlines early. See registering for the JLPT abroad.
How Hanabuddies can help
Not sure which level to book? Our native Japanese tutors can assess your level in a short placement chat, look at your practice-test results and suggest a realistic target and a study plan for the next test date. We teach one-to-one online, in English. See our placement test guide and JLPT tutoring.