{"id":103099,"date":"2023-10-19T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=103099"},"modified":"2023-10-06T05:35:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T05:35:31","slug":"how-to-pass-the-jlpt-n2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-pass-the-jlpt-n2\/","title":{"rendered":"Passing the JLPT N2: what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are studying Japanese it is highly recommended to aim at passing the JLPT N2. The test is hard, but there are many benefits to passing. Having a JLPT N2 certificate makes you linguistically<\/strong> qualified to get jobs in Japan<\/strong>, and also grants access to enter a Japanese university<\/strong>!

But what do you need to pass the JLPT N2 test? And how can you best prepare for the test? Learn that and more as we take a deep dive into the JLPT N2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Introduction to JLPT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The JLPT is a standardized language test in a multiple-choice format and the most widely-taken Japanese language test in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exam provides an indication of your Japanese language knowledge and is used in screenings by universities, and Japanese employers hiring foreign workers. Passing a JLPT exam is also valid for meeting the government\u2019s 150-hour study requirement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The JLPT is divided into five levels<\/strong>. N5 is the easiest level, and N1 is the most difficult. You are not required to pass a certain level before moving on to the next level. For example, you do not need to pass the N4 exam before attempting the N3 exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each exam is divided into four sections: reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Japan, the exam is held twice a year – once in July and once in December. There are many testing sites all across the world, but not all of them offer the chance to take the test twice a year. Visit the official JLPT website to learn the latest information on where all the testing sites<\/a> are and when you can take the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why take the JLPT N2 test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, having a JLPT N2 certificate is great because it proves that your Japanese is sufficient to work in a Japanese company<\/strong>. A JLPT N2 certificate also grants you access to universities in Japan<\/strong> if you are pursuing higher education.
Even if you don\u2019t pursue education or employment in Japan, having a passing grade in JLPT N2 on your CV proves that you are proficient at a high level in Japanese, and that should be something many employers find appealing.

Another reason to take the JLPT N2 test is to have a goal to aim for. Especially in the intermediate and advanced levels, it is easy to lose track of what your next objective is. The JLPT provides a clear outline<\/strong> of grammar points, kanji, and vocabulary you need to master, and is very helpful to use as a red line when studying Japanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What subjects are on the JLPT N2 exam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In all honesty, the JLPT N2 is structure-wise not so different from the JLPT N3 test. The main difference is that you need to read between the lines, and understand finer nuances, and in general the texts require less general and more precise knowledge<\/strong> of the language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing that often becomes an issue (especially for people from countries that don\u2019t use kanji) is that you need to read a lot of texts within a narrow timeframe. It is not uncommon that you ace all sections but fail to get sufficient points on the reading section and consequently fail the test. We cannot stress enough how important making a habit of reading is for passing this test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing worth noting is that the listening section on JLPT N2 is longer, harder, and less straightforward. There is also a new section called integrated comprehension. Especially during this part, it is important to take notes while listening, a not-so-easy task if you aren\u2019t used to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To pass the JLPT N2 test, you need to study about as long as it takes you to go from complete beginner to JLPT N3. To pass the JLPT N2 you need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n