BlogJLPT
JLPT Test Format at a Glance: Sections, Time and Scoring (N5 to N1)
How long each JLPT section is, how the test is scored, and when it is held. All figures come from the official JLPT site.
Tap a highlighted Japanese word to see its reading and meaning.
In this article (5)
This page gathers the JLPT format in one place, using figures from the official JLPT site.
Test sections and time
| Level | Section | Time |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary, Grammar) and Reading | 110 min |
| N1 | Listening | 55 min |
| N2 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary, Grammar) and Reading | 105 min |
| N2 | Listening | 50 min |
| N3 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) | 30 min |
| N3 | Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading | 70 min |
| N3 | Listening | 40 min |
| N4 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) | 25 min |
| N4 | Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading | 55 min |
| N4 | Listening | 35 min |
| N5 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) | 20 min |
| N5 | Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading | 40 min |
| N5 | Listening | 30 min |
The official site says the listening time can vary slightly with the length of the recordings, and that the N1 listening time of 55 minutes applies from the December 2022 test. The JLPT site does not list the number of questions.
For the Japanese names, the sections are (vocabulary and grammar), and .
How scoring works
- N1, N2 and N3 have three scoring sections (Vocabulary and Grammar, Reading, Listening), each 0 to 60, for a total of 0 to 180.
- N4 and N5 have two scoring sections: Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading (0 to 120) and Listening (0 to 60), for a total of 0 to 180.
- To pass you need the overall pass mark and the minimum in every scoring section. We explain this in why you can fail the JLPT with a high total score.
When the test is held
The JLPT is held twice a year, in July and December. In 2026 the dates are Sunday, July 5 and Sunday, December 6. Outside Japan, some cities hold the test only in July or only in December.
Outside Japan, the official site says registration is usually around March to April for the July test and around August to September for the December test. The exact dates depend on your local host institution, so check your city's host before you plan.
What the test does not cover
The JLPT measures language knowledge, reading and listening. It does not test speaking or writing.
Where to go next
- Choose a level: which JLPT level should you take.
- Plan the time: how long does it take to pass the JLPT.