Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

Standardized proficiency test

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

Acronym| JLPT
Type| Language proficiency test
Administrator| Japan Foundation
Japan Educational Exchanges and Services
Year started| 1984
Languages| Japanese
Website| www.jlpt.jp

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken), or JLPT, is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability.[1] The test is held twice a year in Japan and selected countries (on the first Sunday of July and December), and once a year in other regions (either on the first Sunday of December or July depending on region).[2] The JLPT is conducted by the Japan Foundation for tests overseas (with cooperation of local host institutions), and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services for tests in Japan.[3]

The JLPT consists of five independent levels of certification, with 5 the lowest and 1 the highest.[4] Until 2009, the test had four levels of certification.[5] JLPT certificates do not expire or become invalid over time.[6]

## History

[edit]

The JLPT was first held in 1984 in response to the growing demand for standardized Japanese language certification.[7] Initially, 7,000 people took the test.[8] Until 2003, the JLPT was one of the requirements for foreigners entering Japanese universities. Since 2003, the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used by most universities for this purpose;[9] unlike the JLPT, which is solely a multiple-choice exam, the EJU contains sections which require the examinee to write in Japanese.

## Uses and equivalencies

[edit]

JLPT Total Score compared to the CEFR level JLPT Total Score  | CEFR

|

N1 Total Score 142–180  | C1
N1 Total Score 100–141

N2 Total Sore 112–180

| B2
N2 Total Score 90–111

N3 Total Score 104–180

| B1
N3 Total Score 95–103

N4 Total Score 90–180

| A2
N5 Total Score 80–180  | A1

JLPT certification can be used for many official purposes in Japan. For example, JLPT N1 or N2 certification can help foreign nationals receive preferential immigration treatment in some circumstances.[10] Similarly, those who have passed either N1 or N2 (regardless of citizenship) are exempt from the Japanese language section of the middle school equivalency examination, which is required to enter a Japanese high school if the applicant did not graduate from a Japanese middle school,[11] and N1 certification is sometimes accepted as an alternative to the Examination for Japanese University Admission for foreign students who wish to study at Japanese universities.

JLPT certification can also be required as a component of licensing in Japan. N1 certification is a prerequisite for foreign medical professionals who wish to take examinations to be licensed in Japan, and for certain foreign nationals who wish to attend nursing school in Japan.[12] Further, under Japan's Economic partnership agreement with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, a JLPT certificate is required for Indonesian, Filipino, and Vietnamese nurse or caregiver candidates who visit Japan.

The Japan Foundation provide an official table[13] of comparison between the JLPT and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale based on the total score required to pass the exam. Beginning in December 2025, JLPT score reports will include an official indication of corresponding CEFR levels.

## Administration

[edit]

In Japan, the JLPT is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology through the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).[14] Overseas, the Japan Foundation co-proctors test administration with local cultural exchange and/or educational institutions, or with committees specially established for this purpose.[15][16]

## Test format

[edit]

The revised test pattern was implemented in 2010. The test consists of five levels, with N1 the highest level and N5 the lowest. According to the exam, N1 represents "the ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances", N2 represents "the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree", N3 represents "the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree", N4 represents "the ability to understand basic Japanese", and N5 represents "the ability to understand some basic Japanese".[17] No Test Content Specification is published as it is discouraged to study from kanji and vocabulary lists.[18]

### Scoring

[edit]

Passing is based on scaled scores calculated using item-response theory so that equivalent performance on tests from different years and different levels of difficulty yields the same scaled score. Raw scores are not directly used to determine conditions for passing, nor are they reported, except in rough form in the "Reference Information" of the score report, which tells test takers whether their raw scores were 67% or above, between 34% and 66%, or below 34%.[18] This reference information is given for vocabulary, grammar, and reading on the N4 and N5, and for vocabulary and grammar (but not reading) on the N1, N2, and N3.

Since 2010, passing the test requires both achieving an overall pass mark for the total points, and passing each section individually. The overall pass mark depends on the level, and varies between 100/180 (55.55%) for the N1 and 80/180 (44.44%) for the N5. Meanwhile, scores of at least 31.67% are required for each section in order to ensure that test takers cannot pass by doing very well on one section and very poorly on another.

Pass marks for individual sections[19][20] Level | Overall pass mark | Language Knowledge
(Vocabulary/Grammar) | Reading | Listening

|
|
|
|

N1  | 100 points  | 19 points  | 19 points  | 19 points
N2  | 90 points  | 19 points  | 19 points  | 19 points
N3  | 95 points  | 19 points  | 19 points  | 19 points
Total possible  | 180 points  | 60 points  | 60 points  | 60 points
N4  | 90 points  | 38 points  | 19 points
N5  | 80 points  | 38 points  | 19 points
Total possible  | 180 points  | 120 points  | 60 points

### Test sections

[edit]

Level  | Test section[21]
(test time)  | Total duration

|
|

N1  | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)・Reading
(110 min)  | Listening
(55 min)  | 165 min
N2  | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)・Reading
(105 min)  | Listening
(50 min)  | 155 min
N3  | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
(30 min)  | Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading
(70 min)  | Listening
(40 min)  | 140 min
N4  | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
(25 min)  | Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading
(55 min)  | Listening
(35 min)  | 115 min
N5  | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
(20 min)  | Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading
(40 min)  | Listening
(30 min)  | 90 min

* Note: "Vocabulary" includes kanji and vocabulary (previous 文字・語彙)

### Estimated study time

[edit]

Self-reported study hour comparison data for students residing in Japan, published by the Japanese Language Education Center:

JLPT Study Hour Comparison Data 2010-2015[22] Level  | Students with kanji knowledge

(e.g. speakers of Chinese)

| Other students

(no prior kanji knowledge)

|
|

N1  | 1700–2600 hours  | 3000–4800 hours
N2  | 1150–1800 hours  | 1600–2800 hours
N3  | 700–1100 hours  | 950–1700 hours
N4  | 400–700 hours  | 575–1000 hours
N5  | 250–450 hours  | 325–600 hours

## Applications and results

[edit]

The application period is usually around early March until late April for July's examination and around early August until late September for December's exam.

Results for the December test are announced the following February for examinees in Japan, and March for overseas candidates. Test results are sent to the examinees through the testing organization or center to which they applied.[23] From 2012, with online registration, results are available online before they are mailed out (late August for the July test). All examinees receive a report indicating their scores by section. Those who pass also receive a Certificate of Proficiency.

As of 2004, when there were 302,198 total test takers, the JLPT was offered annually in 40 countries including Japan.[24] Since 2009, two exams have been held each year in East Asia, and the yearly number of test takers had risen to 1,168,535 by 2019.[25] As of 2021, the regions with the most test takers were Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.[26]

Year | Level | JLPT in Japan | JLPT overseas

|
|
|

Applicants | Examinees | Certified (%) | Applicants | Examinees | Certified (%)
2007[27] | 1 kyū  | 47,761 | 42,923 | 14,338 (33.4%) | 135,616 | 110,937 | 28,550 (25.7%)
2 kyū  | 34,782 | 31,805 | 11,884 (37.4%) | 186,226 | 152,198 | 40,975 (26.9%)
3 kyū  | 16,808 | 15,710 | 8,664 (55.1%) | 143,252 | 113,526 | 53,806 (47.4%)
4 kyū  | 3,908 | 3,383 | 2,332 (68.9%) | 64,127 | 53,476 | 27,767 (51.9%)
2008[28] | 1 kyū  | 52,992 | 46,953 | 18,454 (39.3%) | 138,131 | 116,271 | 38,988 (33.5%)
2 kyū  | 41,924 | 38,040 | 16,289 (42.8%) | 187,482 | 157,142 | 58,124 (37.0%)
3 kyū  | 22,016 | 20,351 | 13,304 (65.4%) | 147,435 | 120,569 | 69,605 (57.7%)
4 kyū  | 4,524 | 3,903 | 2,765 (70.8%) | 65,877 | 55,828 | 31,227 (55.9%)
2009-1[29] | 1 kyū  | 29,274 | 26,578 | 11,738 (44.2%) | 103,349 | 87,104 | 28,230 (32.4%)
2 kyū  | 26,437 | 24,793 | 9,279 (37.4%) | 130,753 | 110,266 | 27,543 (25.0%)
2009-2[30] | 1 kyū  | 46,648 | 41,998 | 12,293 (29.3%) | 137,708 | 114,725 | 26,427 (23.0%)
2 kyū  | 36,528 | 33,807 | 12,462 (36.9%) | 176,628 | 147,328 | 41,488 (28.2%)
3 kyū  | 17,703 | 16,675 | 9,360 (56.1%) | 131,733 | 108,867 | 51,903 (47.7%)
4 kyū  | 3,212 | 2,932 | 2,155 (73.5%) | 61,995 | 53,041 | 29,529 (55.7%)
2010-1[31] | N1  | 26,225 | 23,694 | 9,651 (40.7%) | 73,863 | 62,938 | 19,402 (30.8%)
N2  | 24,738 | 23,126 | 13,768 (59.5%) | 87,889 | 74,874 | 32,530 (43.4%)
N3  | 6,947 | 6,280 | 3,051 (48.6%) | 42,227 | 32,100 | 12,574 (39.2%)
2010-2[32] | N1  | 40,041 | 36,810 | 12,774 (34.7%) | 100,689 | 87,763 | 25,781 (29.4%)
N2  | 27,947 | 26,020 | 11,679 (44.9%) | 106,402 | 91,996 | 30,460 (33.1%)
N3  | 8,363 | 7,665 | 3,501 (44.9%) | 56,236 | 45,906 | 18,883 (41.1%)
N4  | 7,764 | 7,317 | 3,716 (50.8%) | 48,613 | 41,484 | 19,235 (46.4%)
N5  | 2,065 | 1,870 | 1,458 (78.0%) | 43,676 | 38,128 | 22,846 (59.9%)
2011-1[33] | N1  | 24,716 | 22,782 | 6,546 (28.7%) | 89,744 | 76,991 | 20,519 (26.7%)
N2  | 19,203 | 17,957 | 9,057 (50.4%) | 92,015 | 79,716 | 30,216 (37.9%)
N3  | 5,642 | 5,211 | 2,511 (48.2%) | 36,841 | 29,507 | 13,230 (44.8%)
N4  | 3,643 | 3,358 | 1,431 (42.6%) | 19,010 | 15,453 | 5,802 (37.5%)
N5  | 716 | 649 | 464 (71.5%) | 12,346 | 10,510 | 6,108 (58.1%)
2011-2[34] | N1  | 36,426 | 33,460 | 11,849 (35.4%) | 100,873 | 88,450 | 26,715 (30.2%)
N2  | 22,875 | 21,296 | 8,695 (40.8%) | 94,538 | 82,944 | 28,679 (34.6%)
N3  | 8,149 | 7,580 | 3,073 (40.5%) | 49,917 | 41,655 | 16,576 (39.8%)
N4  | 7,008 | 6,596 | 3,083 (46.7%) | 38,888 | 33,402 | 14,722 (44.1%)
N5  | 1,603 | 1,481 | 1,045 (70.6%) | 33,245 | 29,159 | 16,986 (58.3%)
2012-1[35] | N1  | 26,051 | 24,142 | 11,074 (45.9%) | 78,904 | 69,082 | 23,789 (34.4%)
N2  | 20,041 | 18,843 | 9,683 (51.4%) | 78,553 | 69,418 | 29,191 (42.1%)
N3  | 7,317 | 6,878 | 3,232 (47.0%) | 38,650 | 31,942 | 14,391 (45.1%)
N4  | 5,437 | 5,116 | 2,388 (46.7%) | 22,431 | 18,590 | 8,489 (45.7%)
N5  | 1,004 | 925 | 679 (73.4%) | 16,361 | 13,911 | 8,129 (58.4%)
2012-2[36] | N1  | 32,917 | 30,296 | 7,998 (26.4%) | 86,004 | 75,250 | 17,411 (23.1%)
N2  | 21,139 | 19,612 | 7,919 (40.4%) | 79,513 | 69,790 | 25,617 (36.7%)
N3  | 10,085 | 9,422 | 2,668 (28.3%) | 47,301 | 39,763 | 12,722 (32.0%)
N4  | 6,961 | 6,562 | 2,371 (36.1%) | 36,799 | 31,620 | 11,783 (37.3%)
N5  | 1,416 | 1,307 | 945 (72.3%) | 34,178 | 29,700 | 16,225 (54.6%)
2013-1[37] | N1  | 27,099 | 25,117 | 8,503 (33.9%) | 74,674 | 65,225 | 20,139 (30.9%)
N2  | 20,956 | 19,712 | 9,117 (46.3%) | 73,729 | 64,885 | 29,725 (45.8%)
N3  | 9,988 | 9,337 | 3,623 (38.8%) | 39,870 | 32,895 | 13,063 (39.7%)
N4  | 5,637 | 5,297 | 2,485 (46.9%) | 23,746 | 19,941 | 9,823 (49.3%)
N5  | 1,000 | 905 | 696 (76.9%) | 18,720 | 16,016 | 9,957 (62.2%)
2013-2[38] | N1  | 31,691 | 28,929 | 10,031 (34.7%) | 81,794 | 71,490 | 25,524 (35.7%)
N2  | 22,859 | 21,211 | 8,410 (39.6%) | 73,935 | 64,989 | 28,148 (43.3%)
N3  | 12,436 | 11,501 | 3,911 (34.0%) | 48,875 | 41,129 | 17,901 (43.5%)
N4  | 6,963 | 6,430 | 2,871 (44.7%) | 38,078 | 32,752 | 14,290 (43.6%)
N5  | 1,519 | 1,392 | 983 (70.6%) | 37,313 | 31,922 | 18,248 (57.2%)
2014-1[39] | N1  | 26,277 | 24,395 | 9,513 (39.0%) | 73,782 | 64,409 | 21,108 (32.8%)
N2  | 22,226 | 20,855 | 9,359 (44.9%) | 73,829 | 64,699 | 29,313 (45.3%)
N3  | 14,842 | 13,749 | 4,362 (31.7%) | 42,746 | 35,251 | 15,535 (44.1%)
N4  | 6,643 | 6,208 | 3,028 (48.8%) | 27,271 | 22,944 | 10,657 (46.4%)
N5  | 1,318 | 1,175 | 885 (75.3%) | 23,154 | 19,658 | 10,726 (54.6%)
2014-2[40] | N1  | 30,061 | 27,309 | 8,663 (31.7%) | 76,516 | 66,610 | 20,260 (30.4%)
N2  | 27,725 | 25,548 | 8,785 (34.4%) | 73,274 | 63,494 | 25,361 (39.9%)
N3  | 18,415 | 16,767 | 4,796 (28.6%) | 51,365 | 42,642 | 17,189 (40.3%)
N4  | 8,123 | 7,516 | 2,482 (33.0%) | 40,292 | 34,265 | 13,142 (38.4%)
N5  | 1,862 | 1,696 | 1,119 (66.0%) | 42,172 | 35,492 | 17,002 (47.9%)
2015-1[41] | N1  | 27,218 | 24,971 | 8,958 (35.9%) | 70,453 | 60,642 | 20,625 (34.0%)
N2  | 28,788 | 26,788 | 10,819 (40.4%) | 74,931 | 64,764 | 28,538 (44.1%)
N3  | 22,389 | 20,867 | 6,398 (30.7%) | 46,799 | 38,489 | 16,081 (41.8%)
N4  | 9,874 | 9,332 | 3,556 (38.1%) | 32,597 | 27,241 | 9,383 (34.4%)
N5  | 1,796 | 1,634 | 1,190 (72.8%) | 29,201 | 24,569 | 12,940 (52.7%)
2015-2[42] | N1  | 32,200 | 29,305 | 8,911 (30.4%) | 74,059 | 64,355 | 17,768 (27.6%)
N2  | 36,147 | 33,374 | 10,922 (32.7%) | 76,202 | 65,804 | 26,408 (40.1%)
N3  | 27,047 | 24,683 | 6,839 (27.7%) | 55,103 | 45,589 | 19,739 (43.3%)
N4  | 11,874 | 10,969 | 3,325 (30.3%) | 45,623 | 38,566 | 14,794 (38.4%)
N5  | 2,408 | 2,146 | 1,398 (65.1%) | 45,543 | 38,431 | 19,203 (50.0%)
2016-1[43] | N1  | 30,218 | 27,810 | 10,340 (37.2%) | 69,147 | 59,790 | 19,396 (32.4%)
N2  | 39,136 | 36,525 | 14,037 (38.4%) | 79,208 | 68,642 | 32,324 (47.1%)
N3  | 36,559 | 34,368 | 11,447 (33.3%) | 50,857 | 41,816 | 19,531 (46.7%)
N4  | 13,435 | 12,547 | 4,272 (34.0%) | 36,637 | 30,498 | 11,960 (39.2%)
N5  | 2,191 | 1,977 | 1,282 (64.8%) | 32,286 | 27,106 | 13,671 (50.4%)
2016-2[44] | N1  | 37,492 | 34,065 | 10,152 (29.8%) | 74,584 | 64,866 | 20,041 (30.9%)
N2  | 49,620 | 45,687 | 12,962 (28.4%) | 86,649 | 74,949 | 29,862 (39.8%)
N3  | 39,881 | 36,536 | 11,966 (32.8%) | 63,187 | 52,404 | 23,389 (44.6%)
N4  | 15,219 | 13,937 | 4,076 (29.2%) | 52,626 | 44,393 | 15,444 (34.8%)
N5  | 2,989 | 2,686 | 1,577 (58.7%) | 54,373 | 45,200 | 21,515 (47.6%)
2017-1[45] | N1  | 34,982 | 31,677 | 11,100 (35.0%) | 74,034 | 63,021 | 20,861 (33.1%)
N2  | 50,787 | 47,316 | 18,145 (38.3%) | 94,523 | 80,933 | 38,216 (47.2%)
N3  | 47,820 | 44,847 | 13,296 (29.6%) | 62,494 | 50,635 | 22,560 (44.6%)
N4  | 15,887 | 14,809 | 5,084 (34.3%) | 43,995 | 36,193 | 14,135 (39.1%)
N5  | 2,791 | 2,527 | 1,629 (64.5%) | 39,094 | 32,148 | 17,180 (53.4%)
2017-2[46] | N1  | 44,029 | 39,616 | 12,278 (31.0%) | 80,973 | 69,322 | 22,010 (31.8%)
N2  | 62,404 | 57,374 | 16,425 (28.6%) | 101,151 | 86,145 | 34,593 (40.2%)
N3  | 52,901 | 48,471 | 14,907 (30.8%) | 74,761 | 60,855 | 26,432 (43.4%)
N4  | 18,190 | 16,759 | 4,680 (27.9%) | 61,986 | 51,643 | 18,504 (35.8%)
N5  | 3,679 | 3,280 | 2,033 (62.0%) | 60,630 | 49,809 | 23,972 (48.1%)
2018-1[47] | N1  | 40,718 | 36,791 | 12,488 (33.9%) | 80,896 | 68,235 | 22,494 (33.0%)
N2  | 58,763 | 54,619 | 17,994 (32.9%) | 105,171 | 89,320 | 37,326 (41.8%)
N3  | 61,878 | 58,126 | 17,547 (30.2%) | 71,951 | 58,417 | 26,691 (45.7%)
N4  | 18,218 | 16,737 | 5,126 (30.6%) | 51,353 | 42,468 | 14,412 (33.9%)
N5  | 3,251 | 2,903 | 1,836 (63.2%) | 51,990 | 42,463 | 20,768 (48.9%)
2018-2[48] | N1  | 48,422 | 43,589 | 12,015 (27.6%) | 83,808 | 71,416 | 21,509 (30.1%)
N2  | 71,816 | 66,200 | 19,661 (29.7%) | 110,457 | 94,099 | 37,523 (39.9%)
N3  | 67,610 | 62,627 | 16,690 (26.6%) | 79,761 | 64,907 | 28,027 (43.2%)
N4  | 21,114 | 19,481 | 6,418 (32.9%) | 68,296 | 57,009 | 20,345 (35.7%)
N5  | 4,290 | 3,857 | 2,254 (58.4%) | 68,237 | 55,810 | 24,913 (44.6%)
2019-1[49] | N1  | 48,079 | 42,997 | 12,660 (29.4%) | 87,919 | 73,863 | 21,575 (29.2%)
N2  | 69,844 | 64,503 | 21,885 (33.9%) | 118,683 | 99,931 | 37,275 (37.3%)
N3  | 72,951 | 68,231 | 24,513 (35.9%) | 84,794 | 68,019 | 29,153 (42.9%)
N4  | 25,060 | 23,115 | 7,452 (32.2%) | 69,925 | 56,616 | 18,613 (32.9%)
N5  | 4,566 | 4,085 | 2,520 (61.7%) | 62,283 | 49,088 | 22,797 (46.4%)
2019-2[50] | N1  | 58,799 | 52,147 | 14,359 (27.5%) | 89,689 | 75,681 | 24,953 (33.0%)
N2  | 84,278 | 77,410 | 21,852 (28.2%) | 118,327 | 100,630 | 41,958 (41.7%)
N3  | 79,876 | 73,354 | 20,322 (27.7%) | 86,307 | 70,540 | 28,033 (39.7%)
N4  | 31,452 | 28,826 | 8,262 (28.7%) | 89,443 | 74,677 | 23,055 (30.9%)
N5  | 4,974 | 4,417 | 2,379 (53.9%) | 74,918 | 60,405 | 24,784 (41.0%)
2020-2[51][note 1] | N1  | 44,697 | 38,537 | 16,110 (41.8%) | 46,704 | 41,700 | 20,160 (48.3%)
N2  | 68,161 | 61,458 | 31,126 (50.6%) | 59,956 | 52,618 | 32,685 (62.1%)
N3  | 66,700 | 60,324 | 30,440 (50.5%) | 45,592 | 37,884 | 22,709 (59.9%)
N4  | 28,410 | 25,184 | 10,682 (42.4%) | 34,192 | 27,809 | 12,427 (44.7%)
N5  | 3,565 | 2,997 | 1,982 (66.1%) | 26,170 | 21,517 | 11,749 (54.6%)
2021-1[53] | N1  | 52,017 | 44,851 | 13,401 (29.9%) | 58,688 | 50,324 | 24,115 (47.9%)
N2  | 66,567 | 59,476 | 20,584 (34.6%) | 60,047 | 51,095 | 27,597 (54.0%)
N3  | 61,220 | 56,230 | 24,655 (43.8%) | 27,481 | 20,953 | 12,463 (59.5%)
N4  | 32,975 | 30,060 | 14,522 (48.3%) | 13,975 | 11,014 | 6,030 (54.7%)
N5  | 3,432 | 3,009 | 1,990 (66.1%) | 10,969 | 8,903 | 6,052 (68.0%)
2021-2[54] | N1  | 53,899 | 45,445 | 12,120 (26.7%) | 53,893 | 44,091 | 18,806 (42.7%)
N2  | 66,272 | 58,559 | 17,078 (29.2%) | 53,365 | 42,839 | 25,001 (58.4%)
N3  | 53,398 | 48,770 | 16,806 (34.5%) | 44,420 | 33,513 | 20,413 (60.9%)
N4  | 23,353 | 20,849 | 7,472 (35.8%) | 35,803 | 27,662 | 13,601 (49.2%)
N5  | 2,397 | 2,004 | 1,351 (67.4%) | 33,410 | 25,260 | 15,638 (61.9%)
2022-1[55] | N1  | 46,964 | 41,076 | 9,964 (24.3%) | 59,348 | 49,223 | 17,282 (35.1%)
N2  | 53,872 | 48,551 | 12,828 (26.4%) | 67,023 | 54,542 | 25,677 (47.1%)
N3  | 37,595 | 33,946 | 14,274 (42.0%) | 52,735 | 41,264 | 21,058 (51.0%)
N4  | 17,542 | 15,424 | 5,934 (38.5%) | 50,508 | 40,120 | 19,389 (48.3%)
N5  | 2,520 | 2,156 | 1,367 (63.4%) | 38,118 | 30,203 | 16,132 (53.4%)
2022-2[56] | N1  | 54,444 | 46,725 | 12,110 (25.9%) | 41,535 | 33,793 | 12,672 (37.5%)
N2  | 63,342 | 56,334 | 14,880 (26.4%) | 49,951 | 40,785 | 17,251 (42.3%)
N3  | 48,744 | 44,177 | 15,296 (34.6%) | 57,737 | 46,560 | 22,408 (48.1%)
N4  | 41,647 | 38,661 | 13,850 (35.8%) | 81,176 | 68,878 | 29,948 (43.5%)
N5  | 4,749 | 4,253 | 2,684 (63.1%) | 62,968 | 51,283 | 23,583 (46.0%)

1. ^ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only the December test session was offered in 2020. The July test session was cancelled. [52]

## Previous format (1984–2009)

[edit]

Until 2009, the test had four levels.[5] JLPT certificates do not expire,[6] so results from the previous format remain valid.

All instructions on the test were written in Japanese, although their difficulty is adjusted to remain appropriate to each test level.[57] The subject matter covered at each level of the examination was based upon the Test Content Specification (出題基準, Shutsudai kijun), first published in 1994 and revised in 2004. This specification served as a reference for examiners to compile test questions, rather than as a study guide for candidates. It consisted of kanji lists, expression lists, vocabulary lists, and grammar lists for all four JLPT levels. However, about 20% of the kanji, vocabulary, and grammar in any one exam may have been drawn from outside the prescribed lists at the discretion of exam compilers.[58]

Test content summary[59] Level  | Kanji  | Vocabulary  | Listening  | Time of Study (est.)  | Pass Mark

|
|
|
|
|

4  | ~100 (103)  | ~800 (728)  | Basic  | 150 hrs (A basic course level) | 60%
3  | ~300 (284)  | ~1,500 (1409)  | Intermediate  | 300 hrs (An intermediate course level)
2  | ~1000 (1023)  | ~6,000 (5035)  | Intermediate  | 600 hrs (An intermediate course level)
1  | ~2000 (1926)  | ~10,000 (8009)  | Advanced  | 900 hrs (An advanced course level) | 70%

Numbers in parentheses indicate the exact number in the Test Content Specification.[58]

The independent source the Japanese Language Education Center publishes the following study hour comparison data:

JLPT Study Hour Comparison Data 1992-2010[60] Level  | Students with kanji knowledge

(e.g. speakers of Chinese)

| Other students

(no prior kanji knowledge)

|
|

4  | 200~300 hours  | 250~400 hours
3  | 375~475 hours  | 500~750 hours
2  | 1100~1500 hours  | 1400~2000 hours
1  | 1800~2300 hours  | 3100~4500 hours

### Test sections

[edit]

In its previous format, the JLPT was divided into three sections: "Characters and Vocabulary" (100 points), "Listening Comprehension" (100 points), and "Reading Comprehension and Grammar" (200 points).

The first section (文字･語彙, moji, goi) tests knowledge of vocabulary and various aspects of the Japanese writing system. This includes identifying the correct kanji characters for given situations, selecting the correct hiragana readings for given kanji, choosing the appropriate terms for given sentences, and choosing the appropriate usage of given words.

The second section (聴解, chōkai) comprises two sub-sections that test listening comprehension. The first involves choosing the picture which best represents the situation presented by a prerecorded conversation. The second is of a similar format but presents no visual clues.

Section three (読解･文法, dokkai, bunpō) uses authentic or semi-authentic reading passages of various lengths to test reading comprehension. Questions include prompts to fill in blank parts of the text and requests to paraphrase key points. Grammar questions request that examinees select the correct grammar structure to convey a given point or test conjugations and postpositional particle agreement.

Exam duration Level  | Kanji and
vocabulary  | Listening
comprehension  | Reading
comprehension
and grammar  | Total duration

|
|
|
|

4  | 25 min  | 25 min  | 50 min  | 100 min
3  | 35 min  | 35 min  | 70 min  | 140 min
2  | 35 min  | 40 min  | 70 min  | 145 min
1  | 45 min  | 45 min  | 90 min  | 180 min

### Comparison with new format

[edit]

Two changes in levels of tests were made from the previous four-level format: firstly, a new level was inserted between the old level 3 and level 2, and secondly, the content of the top level exam (old level 1) was changed to test slightly more advanced skills, though the passing level was not changed,[61] possibly through equating of test scores. Vocabulary in particular is said to be taken from an increased pool of 18,000 words.

The addition of the new N3 was done to address the problem of the difficulty gap between levels 3 and 2: in the past, there had been requests for revisions to address the fact that examinees who had passed the Level 3 test often had trouble with passing the Level 2 test because of the large gap in the level of skill needed to pass those two levels. There was also a desire to measure abilities more advanced than those targeted by the current Level 1 test, hence the top-level exam was modified.[62]

The correspondence is as follows:

* N1: slightly more advanced than the original level 1,[63] but the same passing level
* N2: the same as the original level 2
* N3: in between the original level 2 and level 3
* N4: the same as the original level 3
* N5: the same as the original level 4

The revised test continues to test the same content categories as the original, but the first and third sections of the test have been combined into a single section.[19] Sections on oral and writing skills were not introduced.[8] Further, a requirement to pass individual sections was added, rather than only achieving an overall score.

It has been argued that changes to the exam were connected to the introduction of new language policies instituted by the Ministry of Education regarding the education of minorities in Japan.[64]

## See also

[edit]

* List of language proficiency tests
* Business Japanese Proficiency Test
* J-Test
* Kanji kentei
* Nihongo Kentei

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Objectives and History". Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
2. ^ "List of Overseas Test Sites, JLPT page". Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 18 November 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
3. ^ "FAQ |JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test". jlpt.jp. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
4. ^ "N1-N5: Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level". Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
5. ^ a b "Comparison of with Old Tests - JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test". Archived from the original on 29 April 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
6. ^ a b "FAQ -JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test". Archived from the original on 18 November 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
7. ^ "Introduction". The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 25 April 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2009.
8. ^ a b "第2回 日本語能力試験改訂 中間報告" (PDF) (in Japanese). Japan Foundation. 25 May 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 13 May 2008.
9. ^ "What is EJU?". Japan Student Services Organisation. Archived from the original on 8 May 2006. Retrieved 30 May 2006.
10. ^ "Point Evaluation Mechanism | Points-based Preferential Immigration Treatment for Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals". www.immi-moj.go.jp. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
11. ^ "平成24年度就学義務猶予免除者等の中学校卒業程度認定試験（中卒認定）受験案内". Archived from the original on 20 March 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
12. ^ "Advantages of JLPT - JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test". Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
13. ^ "Indication of the CEFR Level for Reference | JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test". www.jlpt.jp. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
14. ^ Chen, Ping and Nanette Gottlieb. Language Planning and Language Policy: East Asian Perspectives, Routledge, 2001, page 43.
15. ^ "Japanese Language Proficiency Test guidelines, 2006 (PDF), page 1" (PDF). JEES and The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 July 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2009.
16. ^ The 2005 Language Proficiency Test Level 1 and 2 Questions and Correct Answers, page 122.
17. ^ "N1-N5: Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level". The Japan Foundation, JEES. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
18. ^ a b "Japanese-Language Proficiency Test FAQ". The Japan Foundation, JEES. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
19. ^ a b "Points for Revision". The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 22 August 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2009.
20. ^ "Scoring Sections, Pass or Fail, Score Report | JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test". www.jlpt.jp. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
21. ^ "Composition of Test Sections and Items". The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
22. ^ "JLPT Study Hour Comparison Data 2010-2015". The Japan Language Education Center. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
23. ^ "Japanese Language Proficiency Test guidelines, 2006 (PDF), page 3" (PDF). JEES and The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 July 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2009.
24. ^ The 2005 Language Proficiency Test Level 1 and 2 Questions and Correct Answers, JEES & The Japan Foundation, Japan, 2006, pages 88 and 99. ISBN 4-89358-609-2
25. ^ "日本語教師センター". 23 August 2020. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
26. ^ "Number of Applicants and Examinees by Test Site" (PDF). JEES. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
27. ^ 2007年結果の概要,実施国・地域別応募者数・受験者数 Archived 28 December 2009 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 5 April 2010.
28. ^ 2008年結果の概要,実施国・地域別応募者数・受験者数 Archived 23 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 5 April 2010.
29. ^ 2009年度1回日本語能力試験実施状況 Archived 21 July 2021 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
30. ^ 2009年度2回日本語能力試験実施状況 Archived 29 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
31. ^ Data of the test in 2010 (July) Archived 11 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
32. ^ Data of the test in 2010 (December) Archived 14 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
33. ^ Data of the test in 2011 (July) Archived 14 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
34. ^ Data of the test in 2011 (December) Archived 13 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
35. ^ Data of the test in 2012 (July) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
36. ^ Data of the test in 2012 (December) Archived 12 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 29 August 2012
37. ^ Data of the test in 2013 (July) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 3 May 2015
38. ^ Data of the test in 2013 (December) JEES. Retrieved 3 May 2015
39. ^ Data of the test in 2014 (July) JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
40. ^ Data of the test in 2014 (December) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 27 June 2017
41. ^ Data of the test in 2015 (July) JEES. Retrieved 27 June 2017
42. ^ Data of the test in 2015 (December) JEES. Retrieved 27 June 2017
43. ^ Data of the test in 2016 (July) JEES. Retrieved 27 June 2017
44. ^ Data of the test in 2016 (December) Archived 11 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
45. ^ Data of the test in 2017 (July) JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
46. ^ Data of the test in 2017 (December) JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
47. ^ Data of the test in 2018 (July) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 29 December 2018
48. ^ Data of the test in 2018 (December) JEES. Retrieved 6 April 2019
49. ^ Data of the test in 2019 (July) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 15 March 2020
50. ^ Data of the test in 2019 (December) JEES. Retrieved 17 April 2020
51. ^ Data of the test in 2020 (December) JEES. Retrieved 5 June 2021
52. ^ Cancellation of the test in 2020 (July) of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) JEES. Retrieved 15 December 2022
53. ^ Data of the test in 2021 (July) JEES. Retrieved 24 April 2022
54. ^ Data of the test in 2021 (December) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 24 April 2022
55. ^ Data of the test in 2022 (July) Archived 10 June 2025 at the Wayback Machine JEES. Retrieved 15 December 2022
56. ^ Data of the test in 2022 (December) JEES. Retrieved 24 August 2023
57. ^ Noda, Hiroshi and Mari Noda. Acts of Reading: Exploring Connections in Pedagogy of Japanese, University of Hawaii Press, 2003, page 219.
58. ^ a b Japanese Language Proficiency Test: Test Content Specifications (Revised Edition), The Japan Foundation and Association of International Education, Japan, 2004. ISBN 4-89358-281-X.
59. ^ "Guidelines for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in 2009 (December)" (PDF). Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
60. ^ "JLPT Study Hour Comparison Data 1992-2010". The Japan Language Education Center. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
61. ^ "Revision of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test: Second Progress Report, 2008 (PDF), pages 4-5" (PDF). Committee for Revision of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, JEES and The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2009.
62. ^ "Points for Revision". The Japan Foundation. Archived from the original on 22 August 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2009.
63. ^ "Get your motor running for the revamped JLPT". Kanji Clinic. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
64. ^ Roxanne Lizelle Niveri; Sol Rojas-Lizana (24 December 2019). "'Changes' to the new Japanese-Language Proficiency Test: Newly emerged language policies for non-Japanese and Japanese citizens". Electronic Journal of Contemporary Japanese Studies. 19 (3). Retrieved 26 December 2019.

## External links

[edit]

* 日本語能力試験 JLPT (in Japanese), the official JLPT website
* The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, the official English-language website by JEES and the Japan Foundation

* v
* t
* e

Language proficiency tests

English|

* Cambridge Assessment English exams
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Multilingual|

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Word lists by frequency and number of words

English|

* Basic English (850)
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Add-ons|

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Chinese|

* list for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi / HSK (8848)
* list for Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (~8600)

Korean|

* list for Test of Proficiency in Korean (10,635)

Japanese|

* list for Japanese-Language Proficiency Test / JLPT (8009)

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