Japan Foundation & Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)

JLPT N2

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test — Level N2

The upper-intermediate level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, certifying the ability to understand Japanese in everyday situations and in a variety of circumstances. N2 is the level many employers in Japan treat as a practical hiring threshold.

Approximately 155 minutes (Language Knowledge & Reading 105 min; Listening 50 min)

What's on the exam

JLPT N2 test sections

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading

~68%

Kanji readings and orthography · Contextual and specialized vocabulary · Grammatical forms and sentence composition · Text grammar and cohesion · Comprehension of mid-to-long passages and 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 N2 cost?

Fees vary. Fees vary widely by country (roughly $20–80); set by the local host institution.

How long is the JLPT N2 and how many questions does it have?

Multiple-choice items across vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening (counts vary by administration) — Approximately 155 minutes (Language Knowledge & Reading 105 min; Listening 50 min).

What do you need to pass the JLPT N2?

Overall pass mark of 90/180 with a sectional minimum across the three scored sections.

Can you retake the JLPT N2?

May retake at the next administration.

What is the best way to study for the JLPT N2?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading ~68%, 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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