JLPT FAQ: Passing Score, Scoring, Test Length, CEFR Levels
The questions test-takers ask most, with the official source under each answer that has one.
How often is the JLPT held, and when?
Twice a year, on the first Sunday of July and of December.
Some cities outside Japan hold only one of them; the US, for example, has December only.
How long is each JLPT level?
N1 165 minutes, N2 155, N3 140, N4 115, N5 90.
N1 and N2 have two sections (Language Knowledge & Reading, Listening); N3 to N5 have three (Vocabulary, Grammar & Reading, Listening).
Source：Official JLPT site
What is the JLPT passing score?
Every level is scored out of 180. Pass marks: N1 100, N2 90, N3 95, N4 90, N5 80.
Each scoring section also has a minimum: 19 per section at N1–N3; 38 for Language Knowledge & Reading and 19 for Listening at N4 and N5. Missing any one fails the test, whatever the total.
How is the JLPT scored? Why doesn't my score match my right answers?
The JLPT uses scaled scores, adjusted for each question's difficulty, rather than a fixed number of points per right answer, so results from different sittings sit on one scale.
Scores are not rechecked once released.
Can I take N2 or N1 without passing the lower levels?
Yes. No qualification is needed: anyone whose first language is not Japanese can apply, there is no age limit, and you choose the level.
Source：Official JLPT site
Can I take two levels in the same sitting?
No. You can register for only one level per sitting; take another level at a later sitting.
How do JLPT levels compare with CEFR?
For those who pass, the total score maps to a CEFR level for reference: N5 80+ is A1; N4 90+ is A2; N3 95–103 is A2 and 104+ B1; N2 90–111 is B1 and 112+ B2; N1 100–141 is B2 and 142+ C1.
It covers only what the JLPT tests, not speaking, writing or interaction.
Source：Official JLPT site
When do JLPT results come out?
July results go online in late August, December results in late January. Results outside Japan never open before Japan's.
Source：JLPT Taiwan · FAQ
Does a JLPT certificate expire?
No. The certificate never expires, and results of the old test up to 2009 remain valid.
Some employers and schools set their own time limit, though.
Source：Official JLPT site
Is there an official JLPT vocabulary or kanji list?
No. The current JLPT publishes no vocabulary, kanji or grammar lists: the aim is to use Japanese to communicate, not to memorise lists. Lists you find online are unofficial.
Source：Official JLPT site
What should I bring on test day? Can I wear a watch?
Taking Taiwan as an example: your admission ticket, an original photo ID (no digital IDs), black pencils (B, HB or 2B) and an eraser. Answers in pen are not scored.
Phones go off and to the front of the room. There is no clock in the room; a non-smart watch is allowed, smartwatches, bands and earphones are not. Elsewhere, follow your host's test-day rules.
How many times is the JLPT listening audio played?
Once. It is not replayed, so answer as you listen.
What should I know about the listening section?
Answer time ends the moment the audio stops, so mark the answer sheet as you go rather than the question booklet.
If you leave during Listening you cannot come back in, and missing any one section means none of your sections are scored.