JLPT Levels

Complete guide to JLPT N5–N1: vocabulary counts, kanji counts, grammar points, CEFR equivalents, exam format, and recommended resources for each level.

5 items

JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test / 日本語能力試験 Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken) is the official Japanese proficiency certification, administered jointly by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). It is the most widely recognized Japanese certificate globally, accepted by employers, universities, and immigration authorities in Japan and abroad.

All Five Levels

Level Vocab (approx.) Kanji Grammar Points CEFR Hours Band
N5 ~800 words 103 ~100 patterns A1 150–300 Beginner
N4 ~1,500 words 181 ~150 patterns A2 300–600 Elementary
N3 ~3,750 words 367 ~200 patterns B1 600–1,200 Pre-intermediate
N2 ~6,000 words 1,000 ~200 patterns B2 1,200–2,200 Upper-intermediate
N1 ~10,000 words 2,000+ ~200 patterns C1–C2 2,200–4,000+ Advanced

Note: The JLPT does not publish official vocabulary lists. The counts above are widely accepted community estimates compiled from JLPT Sensei, Bunpro, and historical test analysis.

Skills Tested at Each Level

Level Vocabulary/Grammar Reading Listening
N5 ✓ ✓ ✓
N4 ✓ ✓ ✓
N3 ✓ ✓ ✓
N2 ✓ ✓ ✓
N1 ✓ ✓ ✓

Note: The JLPT does not test speaking or kanji writing. To test speaking and writing, look at the JLCT (Japanese Language Communication Test) or the Japanese speech contest circuits.

Exam Format Details

N5 and N4

  • Language Knowledge (vocabulary + grammar): 25–35 min
  • Reading: Integrated with Language Knowledge section
  • Listening: 30–35 min
  • Pass threshold: Total ≥ 80/180 (N5), 90/180 (N4); section minimums: 19 pts each

N3

  • Language Knowledge (vocabulary): 30 min (separate from grammar/reading)
  • Language Knowledge (grammar) + Reading: 70 min
  • Listening: 40 min
  • Pass threshold: Total ≥ 95/180; section minimums: 19/60, 19/60, 19/60

N2 and N1

  • Language Knowledge (vocabulary + grammar) + Reading: 105–110 min
  • Listening: 50–55 min
  • Pass threshold: N2 ≥ 90/180; N1 ≥ 100/180; section minimums apply

JLPT vs CEFR

JLPT CEFR What you can do
N5 A1 Handle very basic greetings, numbers, simple questions; read hiragana/katakana and 103 kanji
N4 A2 Have simple conversations on everyday topics; read short passages on familiar subjects
N3 B1 Understand main points of everyday topics; get through most travel and daily life situations
N2 B2 Read newspapers; understand complex arguments; handle professional correspondence
N1 C1–C2 Understand virtually everything; read books, newspapers; work at a professional level

Registration and Schedule

  • Official site: jlpt.jp/e/
  • In Japan: July and December
  • Overseas: December in most countries (some countries also offer July)
  • Registration: Typically 3–4 months before exam; check the JLPT official site for your country
  • Fee: ~$30–$70 USD depending on level and country
  • Results: ~2 months after exam; viewable online; paper results mailed
  • Certificate: No expiry — a permanent record of passing

Common Questions

Does N2 help get a job in Japan? N2 is the commonly cited minimum for white-collar work in Japan. Many job postings explicitly require N2 or higher. N1 is required for advanced professional roles (legal, medical, academic).

Should I skip levels? Yes — take N5 only if you want an official certificate for your resume. Many learners skip N5 and N4 and aim directly for N3 as their first exam, then N2. Experienced learners often jump directly to N2 or N1.

Can I fail just one section? Yes — even with a high total score, you fail if any single section is below the minimum. This is particularly important for listening: if you have a bad listening day, you can fail despite a high vocabulary/reading score.

See Also

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N5 — Beginner A1

Complete guide to JLPT N5: ~800 vocabulary words, 103 kanji, ~100 grammar points, CEFR A1. Includes sample vocabulary, grammar guide, study tips, and resources.
japanese jlpt jlpt-n5 cefr language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N4 — Elementary A2

Complete guide to JLPT N4: ~1,500 vocabulary words, 181 new kanji (284 cumulative), ~150 grammar points, CEFR A2. Sample vocabulary, grammar overview, and study tips.
japanese jlpt jlpt-n4 cefr language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1

Complete guide to JLPT N3: ~3,750 vocabulary words, 367 new kanji (651 cumulative), ~200 grammar points, CEFR B1. The key milestone for functional Japanese.
japanese jlpt jlpt-n3 cefr language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2

Complete guide to JLPT N2: ~6,000 vocabulary words, 1,000 new kanji (1,651 cumulative), ~200 grammar points, CEFR B2. The practical benchmark for working in Japan.
japanese jlpt jlpt-n2 cefr language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2

Complete guide to JLPT N1: ~10,000 vocabulary words, 2,000+ kanji (most Joyo kanji), ~200 grammar points, CEFR C1–C2. The pinnacle of Japanese certification.
japanese jlpt jlpt-n1 cefr language-learning May 30, 2026