[2025] JLPT Scoring Guide: From N5 to N1 Explained

JLPT scoring helps you understand how your exam is graded and whether you pass. This guide is for anyone preparing for the JLPT, learning Japanese, or needing certification. With five levels and section-based pass marks, knowing the scoring system is key. Read on to master it! 

How the JLPT Scoring System Works 

Understanding the JLPT scoring system is essential for anyone aiming to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. The test uses a scaled score system rather than a simple percentage of correct answers. This method ensures fairness across different test versions and reflects your overall language proficiency more accurately. 

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JLPT Scoring Sections by Level 

The JLPT is divided into different scoring sections depending on the level:

Each level has a total score of 180 points, but the number of scoring sections varies:

• N1–N3: 3 sections (each worth 60 points)
• N4–N5: 2 sections (Reading & Language Knowledge combined = 120 points, Listening = 60 points)

This structure is essential for calculating JLPT scores and understanding pass criteria.

What Is a Scaled Score? 

JLPT scores are scaled, meaning they are not calculated solely by counting correct answers. Instead, a system called Item Response Theory (IRT) evaluates:

• The difficulty level of the questions you answered correctly
• Your performance compared to other test-takers

This is why two people who answered the same number of questions correctly might receive different scaled scores.

You will receive:

• A scaled score for each section (e.g., 45/60 in Listening)
• A total scaled score (e.g., 132/180)
• Reference information (A, B, or C) showing how well you did in each micro-skill (Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading)

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How Is JLPT Graded? 

To pass the JLPT, you must meet two requirements:

• Minimum overall score
• Minimum score in each section

If you fail any single section, you fail the entire exam, even if your total score is above the pass mark.

What’s in the JLPT Score Report? 

Your official JLPT score report includes:

• Scaled scores for each section
• Total scaled score
• Reference grades (A, B, C):
  • A = 67% or more correct
  • B = 34–66% correct
  • C = Less than 34% correct
• Percentile rank (for overseas examinees only)

If you miss a test section (e.g., skip Listening), you automatically fail and receive no scores—even if other sections were completed.

JLPT Reference Information Codes 

Each section may come with a letter code:

• A: Strong understanding
• B: Moderate understanding
• C: Needs improvement

These reference grades help you analyze which areas to focus on when preparing for future exams.

JLPT Scoring Breakdown by Level (N5 → N1) 

Each JLPT level from N5 to N1 has its own scoring structure, section weight, and passing criteria. Understanding these differences is essential when preparing for the test and evaluating your results. 

JLPT N5 score calculation

• Pass if: total score ≥ 80 AND no section below its sectional pass mark.
• Target Group: Beginners aiming for basic daily conversation skills.

JLPT N4 score calculation

• Pass if: total score ≥ 90 AND each section meets its minimum mark.
• Target Group: Basic learners who understand simple everyday content.

JLPT N3 score calculation

• Pass if: total ≥ 95 and all sections ≥ 19.
• Target Group: Pre-intermediate learners bridging everyday and formal use.

JLPT N2 score calculation

• Pass if: score ≥ 90 and all sections ≥ 19.
• Target Group: Upper-intermediate users who read news and participate in meetings.

JLPT N1 score distribution 

• Pass if: total score ≥ 100 and no section below 19.
• Target Group: Advanced users aiming for academic, professional, or native-level proficiency.

Key Notes for All Levels 

• Failing any section = automatic failure, even with a high total score.
• Scaled score system applies, so raw scores are not shown.
• Reference grades (A/B/C) help you assess strength in each micro-skill.

JLPT Pass or Fail: What Score Do You Need? 

To pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), it's not enough to simply get a high total score. You must meet two criteria:

• Achieve the minimum overall pass mark
• Meet the minimum score for each scoring section

If you fail to meet even one of these criteria, you will fail the entire test, regardless of how high your total score is.

Important Notes

• You can score over 100/180 total, but still fail the exam if one section is below the pass mark.
• The scaled score system means that you won’t know exactly how many raw answers you need, but you will get a clear scaled result per section in your score report.
• Missing a test section entirely (e.g., not taking Listening) results in automatic failure. You will receive a score report with asterisks instead of scores.

Quick Example

Let’s say you’re taking the JLPT N3 and score:

• Language Knowledge: 18/60
• Reading: 36/60
• Listening: 50/60
• Total: 104/180

Despite a high total score, you would fail because Language Knowledge is below 19.

FAQs About JLPT Scoring 

Have questions about how the JLPT is scored? You're not alone. Below are answers to the most common queries about the JLPT scoring system, covering everything from score calculation to section-specific grading. 

How is JLPT scored? 

The JLPT uses a scaled score system based on Item Response Theory (IRT). Instead of showing raw percentages or number of correct answers, it converts your performance into a standardized score that reflects question difficulty and test version fairness. 

What is the JLPT scaled score? 

A scaled score is a statistically adjusted score ranging from 0 to 180. Each test section (e.g., Reading or Listening) is scored out of 60. The scaled score balances differences in difficulty between different exam versions. 

How do I calculate my JLPT score? 

Each JLPT level has its own overall pass mark and sectional pass mark. For example, to pass JLPT N5, you need at least 80/180 total and no section below 19/60. See the full table above for all levels. 

How many questions are there in the JLPT? 

The JLPT does not publicly list the number of questions, and it may vary by level and year. On average:

• JLPT N5/N4: Around 90–100 questions
• JLPT N1/N2/N3: Can range from 100 to 120 question

Because the test uses a scaled scoring system, the number of correct answers doesn’t directly translate into your final score. 

But these numbers are not officially disclosed and change slightly with each version.

Can I pass the JLPT if I fail one section? 

No. You must pass each scoring section individually, in addition to reaching the overall pass mark. Scoring 18/60 in one section (even with a high total) will result in failure. 

What is a good JLPT score? 

A “good” JLPT score depends on your goals. While the official pass mark is enough to earn the certificate, aiming higher can boost your chances of landing scholarships, jobs, or university spots. For competitive purposes, a score of 120+/180 and A grades in all sections is considered strong for levels N3 and above.

What do A, B, and C mean on my JLPT score report? 

These are reference information grades:

• A = 67% or more correct
• B = 34–66% correct
• C = Less than 34% correct

They're useful for identifying strengths and weaknesses in each section (e.g., Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening).

Do I get to see my raw scores or which questions I got wrong? 

No. The JLPT does not release raw scores or a breakdown of correct/incorrect answers. You only receive your scaled score and reference grade (A/B/C) per section. 

Where can I check my JLPT scores? 

Scores are typically released 2–3 months after the exam. You can:

• Log into the official JLPT website with your examinee number
• View your score report online
• Receive a printed certificate if you passed

How is JLPT N5 scored differently from other levels? 

JLPT N5 combines Language Knowledge and Reading into one scoring section (0–120 points), plus a separate Listening section (0–60). Other levels have three separate sections. 

How to calculate JLPT score? 

The JLPT score is calculated using a scaled score system, not a raw percentage. This means you can’t determine your score by simply counting correct answers. Instead, your performance is converted based on question difficulty and comparison with all test-takers. To estimate your score, use a JLPT score calculator or try mock tests on migii.net for detailed breakdowns. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the JLPT scoring system is key to setting realistic goals and tracking your progress across all levels—from N5 to N1. Whether you're aiming to pass or striving for a top score, knowing how your exam is graded helps you study smarter and avoid common pitfalls. Ready to put your knowledge into action? Try full mock tests, get instant score estimates, and improve faster with Migii JLPT .