JLPT questions, answered

The things people ask before registering.

Is there a speaking or writing section?

No. The JLPT tests vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening only, all multiple choice.

Can I skip levels?

Yes. There are no prerequisites; you register directly for the level you want, and you may sit two different levels in the same year (one per session).

How is the test scored?

Raw marks are converted to scaled scores out of 180. You pass with a total at or above the level's pass mark and at least 19 out of 60 in every section (38 out of 120 for the combined section at N4 and N5).

What are the pass marks?

N1: 100, N2: 90, N3: 95, N4: 90, N5: 80, all out of 180, plus the sectional minimums.

When is the JLPT held?

The first Sunday of July and of December. Registration in Japan runs roughly March to April and August to September through MyJLPT.

How much does it cost?

7,500 yen per level in Japan. Overseas fees are set by each host institution.

Does the certificate expire?

No. JLPT certificates have no expiry date, although some employers and immigration programmes ask for a result from the last few years.

Which level do I need for a visa?

N4 (or JFT-Basic A2) for the Specified Skilled Worker visa; N2 or N1 for immigration points under the Highly Skilled Professional system; N1 for the medical national examinations. See the requirements page for the full list.

Which level should I take?

Take the free level finder: a few minutes of vocabulary and grammar questions from N5 up that suggest a level. Then confirm it with that level's free mock test.

Can I try a mock test or a drill for free?

Yes. Every level has one full mock test that is free: start it without an account, then create a free account at the end to see your score and review. N5, N4 and N3 also have one free practice drill for each skill (kanji, vocabulary and grammar).

How much are the mock tests and drills, and is it a subscription?

No subscription. Each level is a one-time payment of ¥5,500 that unlocks all of that level's mock tests and practice drills on your account, with no expiry.

What do I get when I unlock a level?

Every paid mock test for that level (full timed sections with listening audio, an estimated score out of 180, pass or fail against each section minimum, accuracy by question type, and a review of every answer) and every practice drill for that level.

What are the practice drills?

Short sets of 20 questions on one skill (kanji, vocabulary or grammar) for N5, N4 and N3, with no time limit. After each answer you see whether it is right, the correct answer and an explanation. They use different questions from the mock tests, so you can practise between full tests.

I think a question is wrong. What do I do?

Use the "Report a problem" link under the question, during the test or in the review. We check every report and fix the question if needed.