mockJLPT What the JLPT is and how it works
One test, five levels, twice a year, comprehension only. Here is the format, how scoring works, and what the dates and fees look like.
Format
| Sections | Language knowledge (vocabulary, grammar), reading, listening. N1 and N2 combine language knowledge and reading into one booklet; N3 to N5 use separate booklets for vocabulary and for grammar and reading. |
|---|---|
| Question type | Multiple choice throughout, marked on a machine-read answer sheet. Most items have four choices; some listening items have three. |
| No speaking or writing | The test measures comprehension only. |
| Levels | N5 is the easiest, N1 the hardest. N3 was added in 2010 as a bridge between the old level 3 and level 2. |
Scoring and pass marks
Raw marks are converted to scaled scores so that results are comparable across sessions. Each level is scored out of 180. To pass you need two things at once: a total at or above the level's pass mark, and at least the sectional minimum in every section (19 out of 60, or 38 out of 120 where two sections are combined). Miss one sectional minimum and you fail regardless of the total.
| Level | Test time | Pass mark | Typical pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | 90 minutes | 80 / 180 | around 45 to 50% |
| N4 | 115 minutes | 90 / 180 | around 35 to 40% |
| N3 | 140 minutes | 95 / 180 | around 40 to 45% |
| N2 | 155 minutes | 90 / 180 | around 35 to 40% |
| N1 | 165 minutes | 100 / 180 | around 30% |
Pass rates vary by session and country. The figures above are typical of recent sessions; the official per-session tables are published at jlpt.jp under "Past test data".
Dates and registration
- Test days: the first Sunday of July and of December in Japan and most countries. Some countries hold only one of the two.
- Registration in Japan: online through MyJLPT, roughly late March to mid April for July, and late August to mid September for December. Places at popular venues fill within days.
- Registration overseas: through the local host institution listed at jlpt.jp; windows and fees differ by country.
- Fee in Japan: 7,500 yen for every level.
- Results: online on MyJLPT about two months after the test (late August and late January), with the certificate posted a few weeks later.
On the day
- Bring the test voucher, photo ID and pencils (HB or 2B) with an eraser. Pens are not accepted on the answer sheet.
- Sections run back to back with short breaks. Listening is last and plays once, with no replays.
- Arrive early: doors close before the first section starts and late entry is refused.
How to prepare
- Learn the question types. Every level has a fixed set of formats. Knowing what 問題2 文の組み立て or 問題5 即時応答 asks of you saves minutes on the day. See the layout for each level.
- Sit full mock tests under the clock. Reading stamina is what fails most N2 and N1 candidates, not vocabulary.
- Mark yourself against the sectional minimums. A weak listening score sinks an otherwise passing total.
Full JLPT mock tests and practice drills
Sit a complete JLPT mock test in your browser under exam timing and get an estimated score out of 180, pass or fail against every section minimum, and a review of every answer. Between tests, practise one skill at a time with 20-question kanji, vocabulary and grammar drills that show the answer and an explanation after each question. One mock test and one drill per skill are free; the rest of a level is ¥5,500 once, no subscription.
Take the free mock test See all levelsFormats, fees and dates are set by the Japan Foundation and JEES and change with little notice. Checked against jlpt.jp in October 2026.