The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a globally recognized measure of Japanese language proficiency. Understanding the JLPT scoring methods for each level is crucial for candidates to evaluate their proficiency and set goals for future exams. In this article, Migii JLPT will provide information on how to calculate JLPT scores for the 5 levels from N5 to N1. Let’s follow along!

JLPT Exam Structure

The JLPT exam structure may vary slightly each year, but generally, it maintains the following main sections:

Language Knowledge (文字・語彙): Assesses the ability to recognize and use Kanji, vocabulary, and Japanese grammar.
Reading (読解): Evaluates the ability to understand Japanese texts at various difficulty levels.
Listening (聴解): Measures the ability to comprehend Japanese conversations and lectures.

JLPT Scoring Methods by Level

Each section (Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening) is scored individually on a scale from 0 to 60. The total score for the JLPT is calculated by summing the scores of the three sections, on a scale from 0 to 180. To pass the JLPT, candidates must achieve the minimum total score required for their specific level.

Keep reading to learn more about the specific scoring methods for each JLPT level from N5 to N1.

Levels	Total Score						Time
Levels	Total Score	Passing Score	Vocabulary	Grammar	Reading Comprehension	Listening Comprehension	Total Time	Time for Each Section
N1	400	126	100	100	100	100	150 min	50 min
N2	300	105	60	60	80	100	120 min	40 min
N3	200	70	35	35	60	70	90 min	30 min
N4	180	36	30	30	50	70	80 min	25 min
N5	100	36	20	20	30	30	60 min	20 min

Summary of Scores and Exam Time

JLPT N5 Scoring Method

Language Knowledge Score: 19 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Reading Comprehension Score: 19 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Listening Comprehension Score: 19 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Total Score: 100 points or higher (maximum 180 points)

Skills	Number of Questions	Total Score	Passing Score	Time
Language Knowledge	20	20	6	30 mins
Vocabulary	10	10	3	15 mins
Grammar	10	10	3	15 mins
Reading Comprehension	20	30	10	20 mins
Listening Comprehension	20	30	10	20 mins
Total		60	36	60 mins

How to Calculate JLPT N5 Scores

How to Calculate JLPT N4 Scores

Language Knowledge Score: 20 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Reading Comprehension Score: 20 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Listening Comprehension Score: 20 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Total Score: 105 points or higher (maximum 180 points)

Skills	Number of Questions	Total Score	Passing Score	Time
Language Knowledge	20	20	6	30 mins
Vocabulary	10	10	3	15 mins
Grammar	10	10	3	15 mins
Reading Comprehension	30	30	10	30 mins
Listening Comprehension	20	30	10	20 mins
Total		60	36	120 mins

How to Calculate JLPT N4 Scores

How to Calculate JLPT N3 Scores

Language Knowledge Score: 25 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Reading Comprehension Score: 25 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Listening Comprehension Score: 25 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Total Score: 110 points or higher (maximum 180 points)

Skills	Number of Questions	Total Score	Passing Score	Time
Language Knowledge	30	30	10	30 mins
Vocabulary	15	15	5	15 mins
Grammar	15	15	5	15 mins
Reading Comprehension	40	40	13	40 mins
Listening Comprehension	30	30	10	30 mins
Total		100	70	120 mins

How to Calculate JLPT N3 Scores

How to Calculate JLPT N2 Scores

Language Knowledge Score: 30 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Reading Comprehension Score: 30 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Listening Comprehension Score: 30 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Total Score: 120 points or higher (maximum 180 points)

Skills	Number of Questions	Total Score	Passing Score	Time
Language Knowledge	50	50	16	50 mins
Vocabulary	25	25	8	25 mins
Grammar	25	25	8	25 mins
Reading Comprehension	50	50	16	50 mins
Listening Comprehension	40	50	16	40 mins
Total		150	105	180 mins

How to Calculate JLPT N2 Scores

How to Calculate JLPT N1 Scores

Language Knowledge Score: 35 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Reading Comprehension Score: 35 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Listening Comprehension Score: 35 points or higher (maximum 60 points)
Total Score: 130 points or higher (maximum 180 points)

Skills	Number of Questions	Total Score	Passing Score	Time
Language Knowledge	60	60	19	50 mins
Vocabulary	30	30	9	25 mins
Grammar	30	30	10	25 mins
Reading Comprehension	50	60	19	50 mins
Listening Comprehension	50	60	19	50 mins
Total		180	126	180 mins

How to Calculate JLPT N1 Scores

Evaluation Criteria for JLPT Levels

Each JLPT level corresponds to a specific proficiency level in Japanese. Here are the detailed evaluation criteria for each level:

Level N5:

Vocabulary: Able to understand and use basic vocabulary and grammar in simple daily communication situations.
Listening: Can understand simple content when spoken slowly and clearly.
Speaking: Capable of basic communication in simple situations such as greetings, self-introduction, asking for directions, and shopping.
Writing: Able to write short, simple sentences using basic grammar and vocabulary.
Reading: Can use Japanese to perform simple activities like shopping, asking for directions, and ordering food.

*Basic Japanese Communication for Level N5*

Level N4:

Vocabulary: Able to understand and use common vocabulary and grammar in everyday communication situations.
Listening: Can understand the main points in simple conversations and articles about familiar topics.
Speaking: Can effectively communicate in basic situations such as shopping, asking for directions, visiting a doctor, and conversing with friends.
Writing: Able to write short, simple passages using common grammar and vocabulary.
Reading: Can use Japanese for basic daily communication activities such as shopping, traveling, and interacting with friends.

Level N3:

Vocabulary: Able to understand and use intermediate-level vocabulary and grammar in various communication situations.
Listening: Can understand the main points in conversations and articles on a wide range of topics.
Speaking: Can effectively communicate in more complex situations such as discussing hobbies, work, studies, etc.
Writing: Able to write short essays using intermediate-level grammar and vocabulary.
Reading: Can use Japanese to handle more complex daily communication activities such as discussing social issues, giving presentations, and writing work emails.

Writing Japanese at N3 Level — *Level N3 can write and express intermediate level content*

Level N2:

Vocabulary: Able to understand and use advanced vocabulary and grammar across various fields.
Listening: Can comprehend detailed content in conversations and articles on complex topics.
Speaking: Can effectively communicate in all situations, including those requiring high professional skills.
Writing: Capable of writing long essays using advanced grammar and vocabulary.
Reading: Able to use Japanese for professional communication activities like business negotiations, academic presentations, and report writing.

Listening at N2 Level — *Level N2 can comprehend complex topics*

Level N1:

Vocabulary: Able to masterfully understand and use advanced vocabulary and grammar in all fields.
Listening: Can understand all content in conversations and articles, including highly specialized topics.
Speaking: Can communicate fluently and confidently in all situations, including highly professional and diplomatic contexts.
Writing: Capable of writing long, complex essays using advanced grammar and vocabulary accurately and effectively.
Reading: Able to use Japanese for high-level professional activities such as international negotiations, book writing, and scientific research.

Level	Kanji	Vocabulary	Listening	Study Hours
N5	~ 100	~ 800	Beginner	150
N4	~ 300	~ 1500	Basic	300
N3	~ 650	~ 3750	Elementary	450
N2	~ 1000	~ 6000	Intermediate	600
N1	~ 2000	~ 10000	Advanced	900

Evaluation Criteria for Each Level

The JLPT exam is a reputable and highly regarded measure of Japanese language proficiency. Understanding the JLPT scoring system and the evaluation criteria for each level helps candidates focus their studies and prepare effectively, leading to better results in the exam. Migii JLPT wishes you successful preparation and hopes you achieve the desired results!

Knowledge sharing

Updated JLPT Scoring Methods for 5 Levels