Can you Skip JLPT Levels?

If you are studying Japanese, then you have probably heard of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test or JLPT. Passing the JLPT is the most common, surefire way to certify your Japanese language ability.

So, can you skip JLPT levels? The JLPT consists of five levels. The most difficult level is N1, and the easiest level is N5. When you register to take the JLPT, you can choose whichever level you feel most confident taking. You can skip JLPT levels. You do not need to take the JLPT in order.

If you are extremely confident in your Japanese, you can skip N5 through N2 and go directly to N1. However, you may be unsure which test level is appropriate for your Japanese language ability.

What Level of the JLPT Should I Take?

Let’s breakdown each level of JLPT to help you decide which test is best for you.

“N4 and N5 measure the level of understanding of basic Japanese mainly learned in class. N1 and N2 measure the level of understanding of Japanese used in a broad range of scenes in actual everyday life. N3 is a bridging level between N1/N2 and N4/N5.”

From the official JLPT website.

While this gives you a broad idea of what is expected for each level of the test, it’s important to understand what is specifically asked of you for each level. Below I will break down how many vocabulary words and Kanji characters you should know, what you can expect from the reading and listening sections, how long each test takes, and how long you should study for it.

There are a few important things to note before going through this list.

Understanding which grammar points you need to have studied for each section is a little vague. JLPT sensei has a great list of grammar points you could expect to see on each test.
The Kanji change for each test, but if you know the amount I have provided, you should be ok. You can find approximate Kanji lists for each test here.
JLPT sensei also has a great list of vocabulary words you should expect to see on each test.
The study hours are based on comparison data between 2010 and 2015. The Japanese Language Education Center compiled the study, and the students analyzed in the study were living in Japan.

JLPT N5

Recall that the JLPT N5 is the beginner JLPT test. If you are just starting on your Japanese language journey, this may be the test for you. The official JLPT website states that for the JLPT N5, you should have ‘the ability to understand some basic Japanese.’

Reading – You should be able to read and understand the two phonetic Japanese alphabets, hiragana, and katakana. Furthermore, you should be able to understand some basic Kanji.
Listening – You will be asked to listen to conversations concerning things encountered in everyday life and the classroom. Also, you must be able to comprehend specific information from short conversations. The rate of speaking will be slow.
Kanji – You should know about 100 Kanji.
Vocabulary – You should know about 800 vocabulary words.
Test Sections – You will have 25 minutes for the vocabulary section, 50 minutes for the reading/grammar section, and 30 minutes for the listening section. This comes to a total of 105 minutes.
Study Time – For students with no prior kanji knowledge: 325-600 hours. For students with kanji knowledge (Chinese speakers) 250-450 hours.

JLPT N4

According to the official JLPT website, for the N4, you should have ‘the ability to understand basic Japanese. Let’s parse what that entails.

Reading – You can read basic vocabulary and kanji about everyday topics.
Listening – You can follow everyday conversations spoken slowly.
Kanji – You should know about 300 kanji.
Vocabulary – You should know about 1,500 vocabulary words.
Test Sections – You will have 30 minutes for the vocabulary section, 60 minutes for the reading/grammar section, and 35 minutes for the listening section. This comes to a total of 125 minutes.
Study Time – For students with no prior kanji knowledge: 575-1000 hours. For students with kanji knowledge (Chinese speakers) 400-700 hours.

JLPT N3

After you pass the JLPT N3, people should start taking your Japanese ability seriously. If you plan to work in Japan, an N3 certification is the minimum you will likely need to work at a Japanese company.

According to the official JLPT website, for the N3, you should have ‘the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.’

Reading – You can read material written about everyday topics, you can get the gist of ‘summary information’ like newspaper headlines, and you can understand the main point of writings slightly above your Japanese level if ‘some alternative phrases are available to aid one’s understanding.’
Listening – You can listen to and understand everyday conversations spoken at a natural pace, and deduce the relationships between the speakers.
Kanji – You should know about 650 kanji.
Vocabulary – You should know about 3,700 vocabulary words.
Test Sections – You will have 30 minutes for the vocabulary section, 70 minutes for the reading/grammar section, and 40 minutes for the listening section. This comes to a total of 140 minutes.
Study Time – For students with no prior kanji knowledge: 950-1700 hours. For students with kanji knowledge (Chinese speakers) 700-1100 hours.

JLPT N2

With the N2, you are beginning the steep climb to fluency. According to the official JLPT website, for the N2, you should have, ‘the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.’

Reading – You can read and understand written materials like articles, newspaper commentaries, and simple critiques.
Listening – You can understand audio materials like news reports spoken at a natural speed and deduce the relationships of speakers.
Kanji – You should know about 1,000 kanji.
Vocabulary – You should know about 6,000 vocabulary words.
Test Sections – You will have 105 minutes for the vocabulary/reading/grammar section, and 50 minutes for the listening section. This comes to a total of 155 minutes.
Study Time – For students with no prior kanji knowledge: 1600-2800 hours. For students with kanji knowledge (Chinese speakers) 1150-1800 hours.

JLPT N1

Passing the N1 will open a lot of doors for you in Japan career-wise. According to the official JLPT website, for the N1, you should have ‘the ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.’

Reading – You can read complex and abstract writings like editorials, critiques, and narratives while understanding intent and structure.
Listening – You can understand audio materials spoken at natural speed like news reports, lectures, and conversations while deducing the relationships of speakers and important points.
Kanji – You should know about 2,000 kanji.
Vocabulary – You should know about 10,000 vocabulary words.
Test Sections – You will have 110 minutes for the vocabulary/reading/grammar section, and 60 minutes for the listening section. This comes to a total of 170 minutes.
Study Time – For students with no prior kanji knowledge: 3000-4800 hours. For students with kanji knowledge (Chinese speakers) 1700-2600 hours.

Here is a chart to use as a quick reference guide.

	N1	N2	N3	N4	N5
Kanji	2,000	1,000	650	300	100
Vocabulary	10,000	6,000	3,700	1,500	800
Total Time	170	155	140	125	105
Study Time	3000-4800	1600-2800	950-1700	575-1000	325-600

Can you Take JLPT N4 Without N5?

Yes! If you are still a bit confused, remember that when you register for the JLPT, you can choose whichever test you feel the most confident taking. That means you can go straight for the JLPT N1 if you have already been studying Japanese for a long time.

Go to the official JLPT website to register for your test.

Does the JLPT certification expire?

No! Once you pass the JLPT, you can present the certification for a lifetime. But make sure to keep studying, so you don’t get rusty.