{"id":29525,"date":"2026-06-03T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=29525"},"modified":"2026-06-03T14:54:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T05:54:40","slug":"preparing-for-the-jlpt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/preparing-for-the-jlpt\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re moving to Japan<\/a> to study Japanese, chances are you\u2019ll be looking to take the JLPT<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (\u65e5\u672c\u8a9e\u80fd\u529b\u8a66\u9a13). The JLPT is a standardized test that evaluates and certifies Japanese language proficiency. In Japan and select other countries it\u2019s held twice a year. In other countries, it is held only once a year. Once you pass, certificates of completion never expire<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note: <\/strong>Japanese immigration rules for student visas have officially changed<\/strong>. For those applying for long-term courses, the 150 hour language requirement<\/a> is no longer accepted as the standalone qualification<\/strong>, but some schools may still require it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of the October 2026 intake, student visa applicants are now typically expected to demonstrate their language level through an official exam result<\/strong> (such as JLPT N5<\/a> or equivalent) or by completing a school assessment\/interview<\/strong>. Please note that some schools may require both<\/strong>. If you have a university degree, you may be exempt from some of these requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"JLPT<\/figure><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The format<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Organized from N5 (easiest) to N1 (advanced), the JLPT covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening. At N5 and N4<\/a>, candidates should be able to understand some basic Japanese<\/strong>. This means being able to read hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, as well as comprehend basic conversation in daily life. At N3<\/a>, one should be able to get a grasp of summary headlines on newspapers and understand everyday conversations<\/strong> at a natural speed. N2<\/a> and N1<\/a> are much more advanced levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

N2 test takers should be able to read newspapers and magazines<\/strong> as well as be able to comprehend TV news at a natural speed. N1 encompasses reading complex articles that cover a variety of topics and being able to listen in, and go into detail<\/strong> about, lectures, or conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the JLPT is scored<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To pass the JLPT, you have to clear two hurdles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Earn enough total points to meet the overall passing mark<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Score above the minimum threshold for each individual section<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If you ace two sections but completely bomb the third, you will fail the entire exam \u2014 even if your total score is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exact score you need to pass depends on the level you are taking. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n