Japanese Language Exam: How JLPT Works
The main Japanese language exam is JLPT (日本語能力試験, 'nihongo nōryoku shiken'), with five levels from N5 to N1. It is held twice a year, on the first Sunday of July and December. It tests only reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening: speaking and handwriting are not required.
JLPT is an exam without an oral section. You can get N1 and still not be able to order coffee: it tests comprehension, not speech. This is its main feature and the main reason not to consider the certificate proof that you speak Japanese.
How the Exam Is Structured
| Level | Kanji | Words | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | about 100 | about 800 | 80 out of 180 |
| N4 | about 300 | about 1,500 | 90 out of 180 |
| N3 | about 650 | about 3,700 | 95 out of 180 |
| N2 | about 1,000 | about 6,000 | 90 out of 180 |
| N1 | about 2,000 | about 10,000 | 100 out of 180 |
What Parts It Consists Of
- Vocabulary and writing: kanji readings, word selection, writing.
- Grammar and reading: constructions, word order, texts with questions.
- Listening: dialogues and announcements, each fragment plays once.
- There is no oral part or written essays at all — only multiple choice.
- For N1 and N2, the first two sections are combined into one block; for N5–N3 they are separate.
When, Where, and How Much It Costs
- Dates: first Sunday of July and first Sunday of December. In some countries, only the December session is held.
- Registration opens about 3–4 months in advance and closes quickly — seats are limited.
- The cost depends on the country and organizer, the order of magnitude is several thousand rubles.
- Results come in 1.5–2 months, the certificate has no expiration date.
- You need to reach the passing score both in total and in each section separately — failing one section voids the attempt.
Why Take It If It Doesn't Test Speaking
The certificate is needed for admission to a Japanese university, for a work visa in some specialties, and as formal proof of level on a resume. For yourself, it is useful differently: the deadline and structure are the only thing that forces you to finish learning grammar that you might otherwise easily skip.
How Many Times a Year and Where to Take It
JLPT is held twice a year — on the first Sunday of July and December; in Russia, test sites are not available every session, so registration opens several months in advance and seats run out quickly.
Try Tasks at Your Level
An adaptive test will determine which level you should start from.
What to Bring and What Won't Be There
You need a registration voucher, a photo ID, and a simple pencil. There is no oral part in JLPT at all: speaking is not tested, so a passed level does not mean the person speaks fluently.
FAQ
- What Japanese language exam exists?
- JLPT — 日本語能力試験 (nihongo nōryoku shiken), 'Japanese Language Proficiency Test'. Five levels: N5 is the easiest, N1 is the hardest.
- When is the exam held?
- Twice a year: on the first Sunday of July and December. In some countries, only the December session is available, so you need to register in advance.
- Is there an oral part on the JLPT?
- No. Only vocabulary, writing, grammar, reading, and listening are tested. Speaking and handwriting are not assessed.
- What is the passing score?
- From 80 to 100 out of 180 depending on the level. Important: you need to reach the minimum in each section separately, otherwise the exam is not passed even with a high total.
Updated: 2026-07-25