The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognized certification of Japanese ability outside Japan, run twice a year (July and December) in most countries. It has five levels — N5 is the easiest, N1 the hardest — and you choose which level to sit; there's no requirement to pass lower levels first.

The Five Levels

  • N5 (beginner): Understands basic Japanese used in everyday situations. Roughly 100 kanji and 800 vocabulary words. Suitable after about 150 hours of study.
  • N4 (upper beginner): Understands basic Japanese in more everyday contexts. Roughly 300 kanji and 1,500 vocabulary words.
  • N3 (intermediate): The bridge level — understands everyday Japanese to a certain degree and can follow slightly more complex writing. Roughly 650 kanji and 3,750 vocabulary words. Many learners find the biggest jump in difficulty here.
  • N2 (upper intermediate): Understands Japanese in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. Roughly 1,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words — the level most often required for working or studying at a Japanese university.
  • N1 (advanced): Understands Japanese in a wide range of circumstances, including nuanced and abstract writing. Roughly 2,000 kanji and 10,000+ vocabulary words.

What Each Level Actually Tests

Every level tests three sections: Vocabulary/Grammar, Reading, and Listening. There's no Speaking or Writing component at any level — the JLPT only tests receptive skills, not production.

Pass/Fail and Scoring

Each level has a minimum overall score and a minimum score per section — passing overall doesn't help if you score too low on any one section. A strong reader can still fail N3 by underperforming on Listening alone.

Which Level Should You Take?

  • N5–N4: Good starting point if you've studied for under a year.
  • N3: Often the minimum requested for part-time work in Japan.
  • N2: The most commonly requested level for university admission and many jobs at Japanese companies.
  • N1: Needed for graduate school in fields requiring academic-level reading, and for jobs requiring native-level comprehension.

How to Prepare

Start with our Japanese grammar lessons, organized by level, alongside listening and reading practice.