How to prepare for the December JLPT

Best for: Learners who already know kana and most beginner grammar.

1. Take one untimed practice test and list every missed vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening pattern.
2. Study in short daily blocks: vocabulary and kanji, one grammar pattern, then a short reading or listening drill.
3. Complete at least two timed section runs in the final two weeks and review every wrong answer.

You are close to ready when:

• I can read hiragana and katakana without translating each symbol.
• I recognize common beginner kanji for numbers, time, places, people, and daily activities.
• I can understand basic particles and verb or adjective forms in short sentences.
• I can find concrete details in a short notice, message, or simple paragraph.
• I can follow a slow conversation about familiar daily topics and choose an appropriate response.

Best for: Learners who have completed beginner Japanese and need exam practice.

1. Take a full diagnostic across vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening, then rank weak item types.
2. Alternate language-knowledge days with reading and listening days while reviewing mistakes every day.
3. Run each official section under its current time limit at least twice before test day.

You are close to ready when:

• I can read kana fluently and recognize elementary kanji in short sentences.
• I understand common vocabulary for home, school, work, shopping, travel, and daily routines.
• I can use basic conjugations, particles, comparisons, requests, and reasons without guessing every form.
• I can identify the main point and specific details in a short everyday passage or notice.
• I can follow a somewhat slow conversation and understand what someone will do next.

Best for: Strong N4 learners who already use intermediate Japanese regularly.

1. Complete a timed diagnostic and separate mistakes by item type and scoring section.
2. Prioritize the weakest scoring section while maintaining daily vocabulary and listening review.
3. Take weekly timed sections, then use the final week for recurring errors rather than new material.

You are close to ready when:

• I can read everyday Japanese without needing furigana on every common kanji.
• I can distinguish similar intermediate words and choose vocabulary that fits the context.
• I can follow connected sentences using conditionals, passive or causative forms, and common intermediate patterns.
• I can identify the writer’s main point and supporting details in a multi-paragraph everyday text.
• I can follow a near-natural conversation about a familiar topic and understand both details and overall intent.

Best for: Strong N3 learners already reading and listening to Japanese every day.

1. Take timed Language Knowledge and Reading plus Listening diagnostics and rank errors by scoring section.
2. Use most study time on the weakest section, with daily review of nuanced vocabulary and grammar.
3. Practice the 105-minute combined section repeatedly so reading receives enough time after language questions.

You are close to ready when:

• I can read general-topic articles and explanations while inferring some unfamiliar language from context.
• I can distinguish vocabulary and grammar choices that are similar in meaning but different in nuance or register.
• I can track an argument across multiple paragraphs and identify the writer’s conclusion or purpose.
• I can compare information from two related texts or locate details in notices and reference material quickly.
• I can follow near-natural conversations and short reports while tracking speakers, intent, and key points.

Best for: Advanced learners already operating comfortably in Japanese.

1. Take both timed sections immediately and classify errors by item type, cause, and scoring section.
2. Concentrate on the lowest scoring section while reviewing advanced vocabulary and grammar in context every day.
3. Rehearse 110-minute pacing, natural-speed listening, and full error review rather than chasing large new lists.

You are close to ready when:

• I can read editorials, essays, and explanatory texts while tracking abstract claims and subtle shifts in viewpoint.
• I can distinguish advanced words and grammar patterns by nuance, register, collocation, and context.
• I can compare multiple texts and explain where their arguments, assumptions, or conclusions differ.
• I can maintain reading pace across a long section without sacrificing accuracy on information-retrieval tasks.
• I can follow natural-speed lectures and discussions while retaining structure, speaker intent, and key details.