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JLPT Levels Explained: N5 to N1

From N5 to N1 β€” where does your level actually fall?

What Is the JLPT?

Short for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, an internationally recognized certification exam for Japanese ability, jointly administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. It is designed to measure and certify the Japanese ability of people whose native language is not Japanese, and is one of the most widely used Japanese proficiency exams in the world.

Beginner Levels (N5 & N4)

N5 covers basic hiragana, katakana, simple kanji, and everyday greetings. N4 covers understanding everyday conversations conducted in relatively simple Japanese. N5 is the entry-level target for people just starting to learn Japanese, while N4 tests whether you can understand somewhat easy sentences of the kind heard in a classroom or in daily surroundings.

Intermediate Level (N3)

A level that bridges the gap between N4 and N2, introduced because the jump in difficulty between the old 3rd- and 2nd-grade tests was considered too large. N3 measures whether you can generally understand somewhat more complex expressions in everyday situations.

Advanced Levels (N2 & N1)

N2 measures whether you can understand newspaper articles and news to a reasonable degree, while N1 β€” the highest level β€” measures whether you can logically follow writing and conversation across a wide range of topics, including abstract material.

Test Sections Differ by Level

N5 and N4 split the test into Vocabulary, Grammar & Reading, and Listening. N3 through N1 combine vocabulary, grammar, and script into a single "Language Knowledge" section alongside separate Reading and Listening sections, with the weight given to reading and listening increasing at higher levels.

Held Twice a Year (July and December)

The JLPT is administered twice yearly, in July and December, at major testing sites around the world. Exact registration dates and testing locations vary by country and session, so check the official announcement for your region before applying.

Want to Pick Up Some Travel Japanese Too?

If basic conversational phrases interest you, a guide to Japanese travel phrases is worth checking out as well.

Choosing the Right Level for a Goal

Many universities and employers set a minimum JLPT level as a requirement, so it is worth checking the specific level a target school or job actually asks for before registering, rather than assuming a higher level is always better. N2 is the most commonly requested level for university admission and general employment purposes, while N1 tends to matter more for graduate programs or roles requiring near-native reading of technical or abstract material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start from N3, or work through N4 first?

You can register for and take any level of the JLPT directly β€” passing a lower level first is not a requirement. That said, if you are unsure where your ability actually falls, working through a practice test first is a good way to check your level before choosing.

Does the JLPT include a speaking test?

No β€” the JLPT only evaluates vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. It does not test speaking ability separately, which sets it apart from some other language proficiency exams.