Japan Foundation & Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
JLPT N1
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test — Level N1
The highest level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, certifying the ability to understand Japanese used in a broad range of circumstances. N1 is frequently required for professional, academic, and certain visa pathways in Japan.
Full program: 12 decks, 2,399 cards.
What's on the exam
JLPT N1 test sections, scoring sections and N1 Purposes of test items (jlpt.jp, checked 2026-09-29)
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)
60 of 180 points (~33%)Kanji reading · Contextually-defined expressions · Paraphrases · Usage · Sentential grammar 1 (selecting grammar form) · Sentential grammar 2 (sentence composition) · Text grammar
Reading
60 of 180 points (~33%)Comprehension (short passages, ~200 characters) · Comprehension (mid-size passages, ~500 characters) · Comprehension (long passages, ~1,000 characters) · Integrated comprehension (multiple texts, ~600 characters) · Thematic comprehension (editorials and reviews, ~1,000 characters) · Information retrieval (~700 characters)
Listening
60 of 180 points (~33%)Task-based comprehension · Comprehension of key points · Comprehension of general outline · Quick response · Integrated comprehension
Frequently asked questions
How much does the JLPT N1 cost?
Fees vary. Fees vary widely by country (roughly $20–80); set by the local host institution.
How long is the JLPT N1 and how many questions does it have?
13 question types in Language Knowledge・Reading and 5 in Listening; item counts vary by administration — 165 minutes of test time (Language Knowledge・Reading 110 min; Listening 55 min since December 2022).
What do you need to pass the JLPT N1?
Total 100 of 180 (three sections scored 0–60 each), and at least 19 of 60 in every section.
Can you retake the JLPT N1?
May retake at the next administration.
What is the best way to study for the JLPT N1?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) 60 of 180 points (~33%), Reading 60 of 180 points (~33%), Listening 60 of 180 points (~33%)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our JLPT N1 program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.