JLPT N3 — Passing Score, Test Time & Level

Passing criteria

You pass only if your total score is at or above the passing score AND every scoring section is at or above its pass mark. If any section falls short, you fail regardless of your total score.

Test sections and times

The scoring sections and test sections are divided differently. Grammar and reading are taken in the same test section, but grammar is scored under "Language Knowledge" and reading under "Reading".

N3 level summary

"The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree."

Source: JLPT official website "N1-N5: Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level"

See the detailed reading and listening descriptions on the official website ↗

CEFR correspondence

• Passing N3 (total score 95–103)A2
• Passing N3 (total score 104+)B1

See the level comparison table for other tests →

Residence statuses you can use N3 for

We compared the Japanese-language requirement of each residence status with N3.

• Work as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)✓ Meets it

  + You also need to pass the skills test for your field.

• Move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker✓ Meets it

  Exempt from the Japanese test if you transfer within the same field.

• Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institution✓ Meets it
• Get a job under Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International ServicesN2 or above required
• Obtain the Business Manager status of residenceN2 or above required
• Study abroad — Vocational and specialised training schoolsN1・N2 required

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