JLPT Information
Please note that the JLPT format has now changed, effective 2010. There are now five different levels, with Level 1 being the most advanced, though there are no prerequisites (i.e. successful completion of lower levels is not required in order to attempt a more advanced level). All of the pertinent details can be found on the official worldwide JLPT website which also includes sample questions of the new format. The Japan Foundation also provides useful information regarding the JLPT. Some of the main changes include:
- Increased focus on communicative competence; the new test places importance not only on a learner‘s knowledge of the Japanese language including vocabulary and grammar but also on their competence at using the knowledge in practical communication.
- The number of levels has been increased to allow examinees to select a more suitable level. The new level introduced is comparable to a proficiency between Level 2 and Level 3 of the old test.
- The scoring method has been revised to ensure a more accurate measurement of Japanese-language proficiency. Scores of the old test were raw scores calculated by the number of correctly answered questions. The new test uses scaled scores, where the same competency gains the same score in any session by adopting an equating method.
|
Level |
Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level |
Corresponding Levels of New and Old Tests |
Test Sections and Durations |
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N1 |
The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 1 test, but designed to measure slightly more advanced abilities. |
Language Knowledge（Vocabulary/Grammar）・Reading 110min |
Listening 60min |
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|
N2 |
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 2 test. |
Language Knowledge（Vocabulary/Grammar）・Reading 105min |
Listening 50min |
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|
N3 |
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. |
Newly established, positioned at a level bridging the old Level 2 and Level 3 tests. |
Language Knowledge（Vocabulary） 30min |
Language Knowledge(Grammar)・Reading 70min |
Listening 40min |
|
N4 |
The ability to understand basic Japanese. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 3 test. |
Language Knowledge（Vocabulary） 30min |
Language Knowledge(Grammar)・Reading 60min |
Listening 35min |
|
N5 |
The ability to understand some basic Japanese. |
Approximately the same level as the old Level 4 test. |
Language Knowledge（Vocabulary） 25min |
Language Knowledge(Grammar)・Reading 50min |
Listening 30min |