JLPT Exam Guide: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Pass Each Level
What is JLPT?
If you're learning Japanese seriously — not just for a trip, but to work, study, or build a life in Japan — the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is probably already on your radar.
The JLPT is a standardized test that measures your reading and listening ability in Japanese, from beginner (N5) to advanced (N1). It doesn’t test speaking or writing, but it’s widely used in Japan for job applications, university admissions, and visa processes — especially at levels N2 and N1.
It's like Japan’s version of the TOEIC, but flipped: it shows how well you know Japanese.
The official JLPT website.
Who Should Take the JLPT?
Not everyone. If you're casually studying Japanese for anime, travel, or hobbies, the JLPT might feel like overkill. It’s not a conversation test — it’s a credential.
But if you're trying to use Japanese professionally or live in Japan long-term, the JLPT is one of the few standardized ways to show your level. In Japan, employers love certifications — and the JLPT carries real weight, especially from N2 and up.
Here’s who should seriously consider it:
🏢 Job seekers in Japan — If you're applying for jobs beyond English teaching, N2 is often the minimum requirement. Many companies will automatically filter out your resume if you don't have it.
💼 Professionals who want to earn more — People with N2 or N1 often get access to higher-paying roles. There's a sharp divide between “fluent enough to survive” and “fluent enough to work” — and the JLPT helps you prove you're the latter.
🎓 Students applying to universities or language schools — Many academic programs in Japan require JLPT scores for admission or scholarships.
🪪 Long-term visa or PR applicants — While not always mandatory, having N1 or N2 can significantly strengthen your case, especially for things like Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visas.
A useful way to think of it:
JLPT N2 = functional bilingual JLPT N1 = academic/professional bilingual
At this level, you're expected to read contracts, write formal emails, and follow meetings in real time — not just “get the gist.” It’s the difference between being able to order ramen vs. being able to work at the ramen company.
So if you want a life in Japan, not just a trip, the JLPT makes a huge difference.
What are the JLPT Levels (N5 - N1)?
There are five levels: N5 (easiest) to N1 (most advanced). You can take any level without completing the ones below it.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
N5: Super basic. Greetings, simple questions, and hiragana/katakana.
N4: Everyday expressions. You can follow basic instructions and short conversations.
N3: You’re in the “intermediate struggle zone” — reading menus, following TV shows, starting to function in Japanese life.
N2: You can handle workplace emails, news articles, and general adult conversations.
N1: Basically fluent — academic texts, rapid-fire talk shows, and formal documentation aren’t a problem anymore.
It’s all multiple choice. No speaking, no writing essays. Just reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar. So yes — it’s possible to pass without actually being able to talk.
How Long Does It Take to Prep?
Your mileage may vary. But here are rough averages for how many study hours most learners need (starting from zero):
N5: 250–450 hours
N4: 400–700 hours
N3: 700–1100 hours
N2: 1150–1800 hours
N1: 1700–2600 hours
Already know Chinese or Korean? You’ll probably fly through the kanji. Everyone else — prepare for the long game. 📚
What to Study — And Where
It’s not about cramming word lists the night before. You’ll want a blend of grammar, listening, reading, and smart review systems.
Sample Tests
Offered by the official JLPT site, these sample tests from N5-N1 help you practice right before the exam.
Grammar & General Study
Bento Japanese – Our platform for structured, habit-friendly JLPT prep. Daily reviews, grammar, and reading tied to your level.
Bunpro – Great for drilling grammar points with SRS and JLPT filtering.
JLPT Sensei – Grammar explanations and example sentences.
JLPT Study Page – Good for quick reference and mock test breakdowns.
Vocab & Kanji
Anki + Core 2k/6k/10k decks – The gold standard for spaced repetition vocab.
WaniKani – Kanji learning with slick mnemonics and leveling.
Listening Practice
Nihongo Con Teppei – Podcasts by a Japanese teacher made for learners.
Comprehensible Japanese – Slow, clear YouTube videos with subtitles.
Netflix/anime — with Japanese subtitles! English subtitles = easy mode. 😉
Reading Practice
NHK Easy News – Real news written in simpler Japanese, with furigana.
Manga with furigana — especially slice-of-life or comedy genres for natural daily expressions.
Visual novels or mobile games — longer reading practice without feeling like “studying.”
NHK Easy News.
What Reddit Learners Say
From r/LearnJapanese and r/JLPT, here are some of the best real-life tips:
🎧 Don’t sleep on listening practice — it's way harder to improve than reading.
📝 Try the official JLPT practice exams early. They’re free and pretty accurate.
👥 Join Discord or Reddit study groups — accountability helps more than you'd think.
🔁 Keep study sessions short but frequent. 30 minutes a day beats 3 hours on Sunday.
📖 Start reading native material earlier than you think — even if it’s hard at first.
One Redditor put it perfectly: “JLPT doesn’t test real fluency, but it’s a great structure to work with.”
Is It Worth It?
If you’re trying to live or work in Japan — absolutely. Especially N2 and N1. They hold real weight in the job market, school admissions, and immigration paperwork.
But if your goal is just to chat with friends or travel with ease, JLPT might not be the best use of your time. It’s a slow, academic test that skips over conversation skills entirely. So make sure your why matches what the test actually does.
Want to start preparing smart (not just hard)? Check out Bento — structured JLPT prep with daily activities built around your Japanese level.