The JLPT has five levels (N1–N5), each scored out of 180; to pass, a candidate must reach both the overall pass mark (N1 100, N2 90, N3 95, N4 90, N5 80) and the sectional pass mark in every scoring section.
Test sections and times
Level
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading
Listening
Total
N1
combined with Grammar・Reading
110 min
55 min
165 min
N2
combined with Grammar・Reading
105 min
50 min
155 min
N3
30 min
70 min
40 min
140 min
N4
25 min
55 min
35 min
115 min
N5
20 min
40 min
30 min
90 min
Pass marks
Level
Overall pass mark (out of 180)
Sectional pass marks
N1
100
Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening: 19/60 each
N2
90
Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening: 19/60 each
N3
95
Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening: 19/60 each
N4
90
Language Knowledge・Reading 38/120; Listening 19/60
N5
80
Language Knowledge・Reading 38/120; Listening 19/60
A candidate who is below the sectional pass mark in even one section fails, however high the total; missing a test section also results in a fail.
The N4 and N5 test times apply from the December 2020 test, and the N1 Listening time from the December 2022 test.
The organisers note that section times may change and that Listening time may vary slightly with the length of the recording.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for JLPT N3?
An overall score of 95/180 or more, with at least 19/60 in each of Language Knowledge, Reading and Listening.
How long are the JLPT N4 and N5 tests?
N4 takes 115 minutes in total (25 + 55 + 35); N5 takes 90 minutes (20 + 40 + 30).
Can you pass with a high total but one low section?
No. A candidate below the sectional pass mark in even one scoring section fails regardless of the total score.
What are the pass marks for N4 and N5?
N4 requires 90/180 and N5 requires 80/180; both also require 38/120 in Language Knowledge・Reading and 19/60 in Listening.
