JLPT Guide

JLPT Test Guide — Dates, Levels, Scoring & Pass Marks

Plain-English answers to the practical questions about the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test: when it runs, which level to take, what each level covers, and exactly what score you need to pass.

Planning your test

Test Dates 2026 & 2027 Next test: December 6, 2026 How Long to Study Study hours for every level

Choosing a level

N5 vs N4 Differences & which to take N4 vs N3 Differences & which to take N3 vs N2 Differences & which to take N2 vs N1 Differences & which to take

What each level covers

JLPT N5 Requirements Kanji, words & test format JLPT N4 Requirements Kanji, words & test format JLPT N3 Requirements Kanji, words & test format JLPT N2 Requirements Kanji, words & test format JLPT N1 Requirements Kanji, words & test format

Scoring & results

How JLPT Scoring Works Sections, pass marks & score reports JLPT N5 Pass Mark 80 / 180 points to pass JLPT N4 Pass Mark 90 / 180 points to pass JLPT N3 Pass Mark 95 / 180 points to pass JLPT N2 Pass Mark 90 / 180 points to pass JLPT N1 Pass Mark 100 / 180 points to pass

Source: the official JLPT website (jlpt.jp), run by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. These pass marks have applied since the 2010 tests; CEFR levels appear on score reports from the December 2025 test onward.