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.
What's on the exam
JLPT N1 test sections
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading
~67%Advanced kanji and orthography · Nuanced and abstract vocabulary · Complex grammatical forms and sentence composition · Text grammar and discourse cohesion · Comprehension of long and abstract passages, information retrieval
Listening
~33%Task-based comprehension · Comprehension of key points · Summary comprehension · Verbal expression · Quick response to spoken prompts
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?
Multiple-choice items across vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening (counts vary by administration) — Approximately 165 minutes (Language Knowledge & Reading 110 min; Listening 55 min).
What do you need to pass the JLPT N1?
Overall pass mark of 100/180 with a sectional minimum across the three scored sections.
Can you retake the JLPT N1?
May retake at the next administration.
What is the best way to study for the JLPT N1?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading ~67%, Listening ~33%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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