JLPT levels from N5 to N1: where you are and what comes next
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test has five levels. N5 is the first, N1 the highest. Here is what each level asks and how long it usually takes to get there.
Levels at a glance
| Level | What you know | Study time |
|---|---|---|
| Start Free | Hiragana, Katakana, basic grammar, first Kanji | 2–4 weeks |
| N5 | 800 words, 100 Kanji, simple dialogues, first exam | 2–3 months |
| N4 | 1,500 words, 300 Kanji, texts with furigana, te-form grammar | 3–4 months |
| N3 Intermediate | 3,000 words, 600 Kanji, long texts, complex grammar | 4–6 months |
| N2 | 6,000 words, 1,000 Kanji, newspapers, anime without subtitles | 6–8 months |
| N1 Advanced | 10,000+ words, 2,000+ Kanji, literature, professional Japanese | 8–12 months |
How the exam works
- It is held in July and December in Japan and many other countries; some cities hold it only once a year.
- All questions are multiple choice: vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening. There is no speaking or writing part.
- The score goes up to 180. To pass, you need the level's pass mark and a minimum score in every section.
| Level | Pass mark (of 180) |
|---|---|
| N5 | 80 |
| N4 | 90 |
| N3 | 95 |
| N2 | 90 |
| N1 | 100 |
How to prepare for N5
Kana first
Hiragana and katakana take 2–4 weeks. Everything else on the exam is written with them.
Grammar and words in order
About 800 words and the basic grammar: です, particles, the main verb forms.
Read and listen every day
Short texts and dialogues at your level: the exam checks understanding, not memorized lists.
Mock tests
Two or three timed practice exams in the last month show where you lose points.
FAQ
Which JLPT level should I take first?
From zero, N5. You do not have to pass the lower levels first, so experienced learners often start with N4 or N3.
Does the JLPT test speaking?
No. All sections are multiple choice: vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening.
How long does it take to reach N5?
Usually 2–3 months at 30–60 minutes a day, after you have learned kana.
Prepare for the JLPT step by step
In the app: lessons from N5 to N1 in order, a mock exam for every level and review that keeps it all in memory. Free to start.