Exam Info
JLPT Exam Overview & Guide
The JLPT will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026
Seating closes at 09:40 for N1/N2 and 13:40 for N3/N4/N5. Doors are locked after that time.
Standard registration runs September 1–September 20; late registration September 28–October 4.
Register on the official site →Key dates at a glance
- Test date
- December 6, 2026
- Standard registration
- September 1 ~ September 20
- Late registration
- September 28 ~ October 4
- Test voucher download
- October 26 ~ December 6
- Results announced
- Late January
- Score report mailed
- Mid March
Test fees
| Type | N1 · N2 · N3 | N4 · N5 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard registration | KRW 75,000 | KRW 60,000 |
| Late registration | KRW 82,500 | KRW 66,000 |
VAT included. Verified against the official site on August 10, 2026. Fees may change between sessions, so check the official site before registering.
Timetable by level
Test rooms open 30 minutes before the seating deadline. N1/N2 run in the morning, N3/N4/N5 in the afternoon.
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading10:00~11:50 (110 min)
- Break11:50~12:10
- Listening12:10~13:10 (60 min)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading10:00~11:45 (105 min)
- Break11:45~12:05
- Listening12:05~13:00 (55 min)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)14:00~14:30 (30 min)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading14:35~15:45 (70 min)
- Break15:45~16:05
- Listening16:05~16:50 (45 min)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)14:00~14:25 (25 min)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading14:30~15:25 (55 min)
- Break15:25~15:45
- Listening15:45~16:25 (40 min)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)14:00~14:20 (20 min)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading14:25~15:05 (40 min)
- Break15:05~15:25
- Listening15:25~16:00 (35 min)
Pass marks and sectional minimums
Even if your total clears the overall pass mark, falling below any sectional minimum means you fail. Preparing for the total score alone is not enough.
| Level | Overall pass mark | Sectional minimums |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | 100 / 180 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) 19/60 · Reading 19/60 · Listening 19/60 |
| N2 | 90 / 180 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) 19/60 · Reading 19/60 · Listening 19/60 |
| N3 | 95 / 180 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) 19/60 · Reading 19/60 · Listening 19/60 |
| N4 | 90 / 180 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading 38/120 · Listening 19/60 |
| N5 | 80 / 180 | Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading 38/120 · Listening 19/60 |
Essential Exam Information & Practical Test-Day Tips
The JLPT is generally held in July and December, although some overseas locations offer it only once a year. We've compiled essential information that test takers often miss, including local schedules and registration procedures, pass requirements by level (sectional pass marks), and a test-day checklist.
View Detailed Exam Information →Study Tips by Level and Section
Study TipsHow to Tackle Tricky Pronunciation Patterns
Master commonly confused distinctions such as long and short vowels, voiced and unvoiced consonants, and the presence or absence of sokuon to aim for a higher score!
View Tips →Keyword Marking to Save Time
Read the questions first and focus on what comes after contrastive conjunctions such as しかし. This approach can help you avoid running out of time in the reading section.
View Tips →Changes of Mind & Note-Taking Techniques
"Wait—actually, that won't work." Learn how to spot the common listening pattern where a speaker changes their mind midway through the conversation, along with useful note-taking abbreviations.
View Tips →Grammar Formation Patterns at a Glance
Don't memorize meanings alone. Reduce mistakes by organizing formation rules such as 'verb in the た-form' and 'noun + の' into easy-to-remember patterns.
View Tips →