JLPT passing scores for every level
Last checked: 2026-11-06
Every JLPT level is scored out of 180, and the overall pass mark runs from 80 for N5 to 100 for N1. You must also reach the minimum in every section. A high total does not save you if one section falls short.
Overall and section pass marks
| Level | Overall pass mark | Section minimums |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | 100 / 180 | Language knowledge 19/60, Reading 19/60, Listening 19/60 |
| N2 | 90 / 180 | Language knowledge 19/60, Reading 19/60, Listening 19/60 |
| N3 | 95 / 180 | Language knowledge 19/60, Reading 19/60, Listening 19/60 |
| N4 | 90 / 180 | Language knowledge and Reading 38/120, Listening 19/60 |
| N5 | 80 / 180 | Language knowledge and Reading 38/120, Listening 19/60 |
N3's overall mark is higher than N2's. That is not a typo in the official table. Your score is not a simple count of correct answers, so see how the JLPT is scored. To see how many people reach these marks, read the JLPT pass rates by level.
Why people fail with a good total
- One weak section. Missing any section minimum means failing, whatever your total.
- A missed section. Skipping any section also means failing. Your score report shows asterisks instead of scores. Know what to bring and when to arrive, so you do not miss one.
So plan your study around your weakest section. For many learners that is listening, which is a good reason to speak with a tutor. See Japanese tutor costs.
How long each test takes
| Level | Language knowledge and reading | Listening | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | 110 min | 55 min | 165 min |
| N2 | 105 min | 50 min | 155 min |
| N3 | 100 min | 40 min | 140 min |
| N4 | 80 min | 35 min | 115 min |
| N5 | 60 min | 30 min | 90 min |
Totals and the N3 to N5 language knowledge times are added up from the official section times. The JLPT site says times may change, and listening may vary slightly with the length of the recordings.
Not sure which level to take? See what each JLPT level means. Your total score also sets the CEFR level shown on your report. To find out when you will know, see when JLPT results come out.