2026 guide · N5 to N1

What is the JLPT?

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, 日本語能力試験) is the standard test of Japanese for people whose first language is not Japanese. It is run by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).

There are five levels. N5 is the easiest and N1 is the hardest. Every level tests language knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), reading and listening with multiple-choice questions. There is no speaking or writing section.

2026 exam dates

  • Sunday, July 5, 2026Completed. July results became available online in late August; physical delivery timing depends on where you tested.
  • Sunday, December 6, 2026The next confirmed worldwide JLPT date. Not every country or city offers the December sitting.

Registration is handled by local hosts. See JLPT test dates and registration for regional deadlines.

How passing works

Every level is scored out of 180. To pass you need the overall pass mark and the minimum in every scoring section. A high total does not pass if one section is below its minimum. Details are on the official results page ↗.

The five levels

JLPT N5

90 minutes of test time. Pass mark 80/180.

  • Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (文字・語彙): 20 min
  • Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading (文法・読解): 40 min
  • Listening (聴解): 30 min

Section minimums: Language Knowledge and Reading 38/120, Listening 19/60.

もんだい1 ___のことばは どう よみますか。 1・2・3・4から いちばん いい ものを ひとつ えらんでください。

1. 先週 デパートに かいものにいきました。

  1. 1. せんしゅ
  2. 2. せんしゅう
  3. 3. ぜんしゅ
  4. 4. ぜんしゅう
Show answer

Answer: 2. せんしゅう

From N5 Practice Test 1, vocabulary

All N5 practice setsGet the N5 study pack

JLPT N4

115 minutes of test time. Pass mark 90/180.

  • Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (文字・語彙): 25 min
  • Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading (文法・読解): 55 min
  • Listening (聴解): 35 min

Section minimums: Language Knowledge and Reading 38/120, Listening 19/60.

もんだい1＿＿＿ の ことばは ひらがなで どう かきますか。1・2・3・4から いちばん いい ものを ひとつ えらんで ください。

1. くつに 石が入っていました。

  1. 1. いし
  2. 2. すな
  3. 3. くさ
  4. 4. えだ
Show answer

Answer: 1. いし

From N4 Practice Test 1, vocabulary

All N4 practice setsGet the N4 study pack

JLPT N3

140 minutes of test time. Pass mark 95/180.

  • Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) (文字・語彙): 30 min
  • Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading (文法・読解): 70 min
  • Listening (聴解): 40 min

Section minimums: Language Knowledge 19/60, Reading 19/60, Listening 19/60.

問題１ ＿＿＿のことばの読み方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4 から一つ えらびなさい。

1. 山田さんがちらしを配った。

  1. 1. ひろった
  2. 2. くばった
  3. 3. やぶった
  4. 4. はった
Show answer

Answer: 2. くばった

From N3 December 2024 past exam set, vocabulary

All N3 practice setsGet the N3 study pack

JLPT N2

155 minutes of test time. Pass mark 90/180.

  • Language Knowledge and Reading (文字・語彙・文法・読解): 105 min
  • Listening (聴解): 50 min

Section minimums: Language Knowledge 19/60, Reading 19/60, Listening 19/60.

問題1: ＿＿＿の言葉の読み方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。

1. 山本さんは優秀な社員だ。

  1. 1. ゆしゅう
  2. 2. ゆうしゅ
  3. 3. ゆしゅ
  4. 4. ゆうしゅう
Show answer

Answer: 4. ゆうしゅう

From N2 December 2024 past exam set, vocabulary

All N2 practice setsGet the N2 study pack

JLPT N1

165 minutes of test time. Pass mark 100/180.

  • Language Knowledge and Reading (文字・語彙・文法・読解): 110 min
  • Listening (聴解): 55 min

Section minimums: Language Knowledge 19/60, Reading 19/60, Listening 19/60.

問題1___の言葉の読み方として最もよいものを、1から一つ選びなさい。

1. 佐藤選手がゴールを決めたとき、観客は絶叫した。

  1. 1. せっきょう
  2. 2. ぜっきょう
  3. 3. ぜっきゅう
  4. 4. せっきゅう
Show answer

Answer: 2. ぜっきょう

From N1 December 2024 past exam set, vocabulary

All N1 practice setsGet the N1 study pack

JLPT Practice Test is independent and not affiliated with the JLPT administering organizations.