JLPT levels explained: N5 to N1
Last checked: 2026-11-06
The JLPT has five levels: N5 is the easiest and N1 is the hardest. N5 and N4 cover basic Japanese, mostly learned in class. N2 and N1 cover Japanese used in real life. N3 is the bridge between them.
What each level means
This table is our short version of the official summary. The JLPT describes each level by what you can read and hear.
| Level | Reading | Listening |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | Set phrases and sentences in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji | Short, slow conversations on classroom and daily topics |
| N4 | Short passages on familiar topics with basic words and kanji | Daily conversations spoken slowly |
| N3 | Everyday texts, newspaper headlines, and harder texts when reworded | Everyday conversations at near-natural speed |
| N2 | Clear newspaper and magazine articles, and simple critiques | Conversations and news at near-natural speed |
| N1 | Editorials, critiques and other complex or abstract writing | Conversations, news and lectures at natural speed |
Levels side by side
No single official page shows all of this together. We combined three of them.
| Level | Total test time | Overall pass mark | CEFR shown if you pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | 90 min | 80 / 180 | A1 |
| N4 | 115 min | 90 / 180 | A2 |
| N3 | 140 min | 95 / 180 | A2 or B1 |
| N2 | 155 min | 90 / 180 | B1 or B2 |
| N1 | 165 min | 100 / 180 | B2 or C1 |
Total times are our own sums of the official section times, which may change. Listening time can vary a little with the recordings. You must also reach each section minimum. The CEFR level depends on your score. See the JLPT to CEFR chart.
How many kanji does each level need?
The JLPT does not say. Its FAQ states that lists of vocabulary, kanji and grammar are not published since the 2010 revision. Any kanji count or word list you see for a level comes from a third party, not the test makers. The FAQ points you to the level summary, the test item composition and the sample questions instead. See what third-party kanji counts say and the JLPT test format.
We also found no study-hour figure in the FAQ, so we do not give one here.
What the JLPT does not test
The JLPT tests vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening with multiple-choice questions. The CEFR reference page says speaking and writing are not assessed. So an N2 pass shows what you understand, not how well you speak.
How to choose your level
This is our own decision rule, not an official one.
- Start with your goal. If a school, visa or job names a level, that is your target. See which level you need for Japan.
- Read the table above. Pick the highest level where you could do both the reading and the listening today.
- Test that choice. Try the official sample questions for that level, then the official workbook.
- Look at your weakest section. A low score in one section fails the whole test, so check the pass rates before you aim high.
The JLPT is held twice a year, and some cities hold it once a year. See how to register for your country.