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.

Are your mock papers the actual past papers?

Our papers are assembled from real sample questions in our bank, mixed into new full-length papers per level in the official layout. They are for private study and are not affiliated with the test organisers.

How do I get the free paper?

Enter your email on the papers page. A complete N3 paper with answer key arrives as a PDF within a few minutes. There is no newsletter.