What is the JLPT — levels N5 to N1

2026-10-16

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, 日本語能力試験) is the most widely used exam for people whose first language is not Japanese. Its certificates are used for jobs, study and visa point systems.

Five levels

There are five levels: N5 is the easiest and N1 the hardest.

• N5 — understand short sentences in basic hiragana, katakana and a few kanji, and the simplest daily exchanges.
• N4 — grasp basic grammar, simple texts on familiar topics and slow, clear speech.
• N3 — a bridge level: handle most everyday situations. It connects N4 and N2.
• N2 — read newspapers and articles, and follow language used in work settings fairly freely.
• N1 — understand wide-ranging, abstract texts and fast speech in depth.

How long each takes depends on you. A new learner can often prepare for N5 in a few months of steady study; N1 is usually a multi-year project.

What it measures

The test checks knowledge and comprehension, not speaking or writing:

1. Language knowledge — vocabulary, kanji, grammar.
2. Reading — understanding texts of different lengths and types.
3. Listening — answering questions about audio.

Depending on the level, these are combined into one or two blocks. There is no speaking or writing section, and every question is multiple choice.

How often

In Japan the test is held twice a year: July and December. Outside Japan, some cities hold it once and others twice, so check the schedule for your country on the official site.

How to register

Registration periods, fees, required documents and venues change by year and by country, so this article gives no figures. The reliable source is the official site: jlpt.jp. There you can:

• find the organiser for your country and city,
• check the dates and fees on the official site,
• prepare any photo or details you need in advance.

Where to start

If you are a beginner, aim for N5. Begin with your first steps, hiragana and katakana, N5 vocabulary and N5 grammar patterns. Before the exam, look at the official sample materials on the official site to get used to the format.

Remember: the certificate is a tool for using the language, not the goal itself. A little study every day beats a last-night cram.