Learning Japanese is hard enough, but passing the JLPT or Japanese Language Proficiency Test is no joke. It takes years of study, and learning how the test is scored and graded will help you to pass with flying colors. If you are getting ready to take the exam, the following is a complete guide on how the test is scored and graded, so you know what to expect.
How is JLPT scored and graded? JLPT is scored on a pass/fail basis. The grades are based on an Item Response Theory, which involves comparing patterns of the responses of test-takers to how a native Japanese language speaker would respond. Graders assess how your answers are equal to or above the minimum score required to pass (30%).
There are some complexities to understanding the test and how each section breaks down as it pertains to the overall score and grade. There can be some areas that may confuse those new to the test. Read on to find out all about the JLPT and how it is comprehensively used to certify non-Japanese test takers on the proficiency of using the language.
JLPT Scoring Basics
The JLPT has four basic sections, each with its own set of scores. There is also an overall score that is required to meet to pass the test. Each section includes Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, and Listening.
There are five levels to the exam as well. If the test taker is new, they start at N5, then N4, N3, N2, N1. N1 is the hardest or most proficient Japanese language exam. There is a minimum requirement for the overall score, plus two of each of the sections requires a minimum score to pass.
Recently Japanese universities began requiring proficiency based on the JLPT for entrance into their classes. The JLPT can also help non-native Japanese workers to get better jobs if they are more proficient, leading up to N5, the most proficient certification.
Raw vs. IRT Scoring
Standard tests are scored using raw scoring. It is viewed as a percentage of correct answers divided by the total number of questions. For example, if you get 70 correct answers out of 100 total items, you would yield a 70/100 or 70% score.
The JLPT does not score this way. Instead, it is graded based on the Item Response Theory (IRT). IRT requires looking at the patterns of how test takers respond, whether proficient or not, and then comparing the responses to the results of native Japanese speakers. IRT takes into account the difficulty of the questions and how the answers that were correct score against others, and even other tests given.
There are four sections, and for each section, you need at least a 30% or higher to pass. These are also ranked based on difficulty. So, 30% of the more difficult questions will equate to a higher score than just 30% taken into the overall rating.
JLPT Scoring at a Glance
The best way to review the JLPT scores is to look at the overall totals for each section and what score you will need to pass. All four of the parts include the same difficulty levels of Japanese Grammar, Vocabulary, Listening, and Reading; none of them are more difficult or easier than the other. (Note: Grammar and Vocabulary are graded together on the JLPT.)
Each section requires that you get 30% of the answers correct. In other words, you need to meet the minimum passing score in each section to pass; failing any part will result in an overall failing grade.
| Level | Points Per Section | Total Possible Score | Passing Score | ||
| Vocabulary | Grammar | Reading | Listening | ||
| N1 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 180 | 100 |
| N2 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 180 | 90 |
| N3 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 180 | 95 |
| N4 | 120 | 60 | 180 | 90 | |
| N5 | 120 | 60 | 180 | 80 |
Scoring as Statistics
Most of the raw data that generally makes up a score on standardized raw scoring exams becomes translated into statistics for use in the JLPT’s scoring method. It is possible to have a variance of the score based on the patterns of answers given by a test.
Tests are compared with others given that year and have a variance, meaning there can be different numbers of questions wrong, but test-takers can still achieve passing scores. The variation in the IRT and statistical analysis is given to show fairness in both taking the test and measuring your proficiency in Japanese.
Scores can be wildly different in the raw format. Raw data is included in the reference information on the test results but does not determine whether it is a passing grade. You need a minimum of 30% for the Vocabulary + Grammar, Reading, and Listening sections.
If the test is answered with a variance of 5-10 points, it is possible to pass due to which questions actually counted that time due to not having negative markings. This means that some variance will allow for a passing grade despite which questions were answered correctly.
Does JLPT Have Negative Markings?
JLPT does not use negative markings. Negative markings are a term used for losing points for a question answered wrong, and it is usually deducted from the total score. If the IRT patterns show most everyone gets one question wrong, then it is not deducted. However, if the problem is usually answered correctly, then it too is not counted.
JLPT uses IRT to find the standard statistical benchmark for a native Japanese language speaker. It will be the norm that all test takers and answers are compared to. Once the questions are answered, if all or none of the items are answered correctly, then those are not negatively marked. It is best to work on your weaknesses to make sure your answers are well rounded in all respects to land a passing score at any level.
Strategies to Pass JLPT
- Make sure you are prepared for each section of the test. When looking at a test that scores differently than usual, it is not necessary to be “perfect” in your areas of strength. You will need to study and prep for ALL areas, including those you are weakest in. Those areas that you struggle the most in can actually cost you the whole exam.
- Knowing which sections are grouped together for scoring will help you prepare correctly. Grammar and Vocabulary are graded together, and the other two parts are independent.
- It is best to think of grammar whenever you learn vocabulary. Try to apply those new words you learn and remember who they are used by with native speakers.
- Remember that just like native Americans with English, Japanese people, too, are not perfect in any one language category and may have a variance in their understanding of it and how they might answer. Your test should reflect an intuitive knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, reading, and how you listen and comprehend the language. Studying to become native in your understanding of Japanese will help ensure a passing grade.
Conclusion
When looking at the JLPT, it is best to prepare for all sections of the test. You will need to show yourself proficient for the most novice test N5 up to the most fluent N1. Passing will require you to show yourself meeting all minimum scores for each section (30%) and the overall minimum rating. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the test even more, so you can pass it in no time!