The Official JLPT N5 Japanese Examination

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit Japan: the land of the rising Sun, anime and kimonos, hi-tech robotics, home of Masayoshi Son, and a large greying population. Incidentally, Japan is increasingly interested in recruiting students from India. Yet, the almighty question remains: do you need to know Japanese to study in Japan? While the large majority of the courses I came across were taught in Japanese, there were also interesting opportunities (look for these in a future article) for courses taught in English. Overall, as an international counselor, even if a student was pursuing an English-medium-based course, I still felt that they would benefit tremendously from learning beginner-level Japanese.

Enter: The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

What is the JLPT?

The JLPT has been around since 1984 and it is currently the most widely-taken Japanese language test in the world. As well as acting as an indicator of language ability for Japanese employers hiring foreign workers, passing a JLPT exam is also valid for meeting the government's 150-hour study requirement. There are five levels of the JLPT, with N5 being the easiest level to pass and Nl being the most difficult. Each exam tests four things: reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and listening. In Japan, the exam is normally held twice a year – once in July and once in January. There are many overseas testing sites, but not all of them offer the chance to take the test twice a year.

Why take the JLPT N5 exam?

Preparing for, and taking, the JLPT N5 exam is a great learning experience and motivator for beginner Japanese language students. It can be challenging getting your head around a new language, so having an exam to work towards can give you structure and learning goals that help take your language skills to the next level. The N5 isn't going to land you a job with a Japanese company, but it strongly demonstrates your ability to understand the building blocks of the language. This foundation is crucial to the success of your Japanese learning journey. Let's also not downplay the sense of achievement you will feel when you pass the exam.

What does the JLPT N5 exam test?

The N5 Japanese proficiency test assesses your foundational understanding of the language. To succeed, you must meet specific criteria, including familiarity with approximately 100 essential kanji, typically covered in the early stages of Japanese language learning. Additionally, you should possess a vocabulary of approximately 800 words, enabling you to comprehend common expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. Proficiency extends to both reading and understanding, encompassing everyday scenarios and classroom situations. Successful completion of a beginner-level course, typically spanning 12 weeks, can adequately prepare you for the N5 test.

What is the structure of the JLPT N5 exam?

The exam has three sections and a time limit is allocated to each. The three sections are Vocabulary (20 minutes), Grammar & Reading (40 minutes), and Listening (30 minutes). The vocabulary section evaluates your proficiency in recognizing kanji readings, identifying kanji and katakana versions of hiragana words, understanding word meanings in context, and recognizing words and expressions with similar meanings. In the grammar and reading segment, your assessment will cover: selecting appropriate grammar formats for sentences, composing sentences accurately, ensuring sentences contribute effectively to the overall text flow, understanding short texts of approximately 80 characters on subjects related to study, daily life, and work, comprehending brief texts of around 250 characters on everyday life topics, and retrieving information from materials like notices with a word count of approximately 250 words. In the listening portion, your evaluation will include: understanding essential information to address specific s and discerning the appropriate course of action, pinpointing key details based on pre-presented information, selecting suitable verbal expressions through both listening and observing illustrations, and choosing the correct responses by listening to short phrases, such as questions.

How is the JLPT N5 scored?

To successfully clear any JLPT exam, you must fulfill two criteria: First, your total score must meet or exceed the overall pass mark, and second, your scores in each section must meet or surpass the required points for that section (known as the "sectional pass mark"). Failing to reach the pass mark in any section results in overall exam failure, even if your total points are sufficient. For JLPT N5, the sectional pass marks are as follows: Vocabulary, grammar, and reading require 38 points while Listening requires 19 points. The overall pass mark is set at 80 points, with the maximum achievable score being 180 points.

How to register for the JLPT exam?

If you're in Japan and would like to register for the JLPT N5, you can apply online about three to four months before the scheduled exam date. You can read more about the process in our article here. If you're not in Japan, you will need to find your local test site and register with them directly. You can find a list of overseas test sites on the official JLPT website. The fee you need to pay will differ depending on location and the level you're taking.

How to prepare for the exam?

Whether you are learning Japanese at a language school, taking an online course, or self-learning, the best piece of advice I can give you to pass your JLPT N5 exam is to study, study, and study more. Do practice tests: Put the things you learn into practice. Do as many practice tests as you can get your hands on. Some free resources include the JLPT website, JLPT Sensei, Japanesetest4you, Kanji123 (focused on testing kanji), NHK Todai App. You can also buy the official practice book, which is released by the same organization that creates and administers the JLPT. Other JLPT N5 prep books, such as those created by the likes of Nihongo Sou Matome, Shin Nihongo, and TRY! will also have practice questions. Try to mimic the actual exam environment when doing practice tests.

What to expect on the day of the exam?

Before the exam day, you will receive a test voucher from the organizers. This voucher will dictate which room you're in on exam day. In the exam room, you will only be allowed your writing utensils on your desk. Normally you will only be allowed to use a pencil to record your answers. You can also have a watch, but it must be analog.

When to expect your results?

If you're taking the test in Japan, you can expect your results in about two months. You can view your results through the JLPT online portal. Those taking the exam outside of Japan can expect results in two to three months, although details will vary by country.

Good luck with the test and Arigatōgozaimasu.