JLPT N5 — 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 2 scoring sections and the 3 test sections are divided differently. Grammar and reading are taken in the same test section, but their scores are combined under "Language Knowledge・Reading".

N5 level summary

"The ability to understand some basic Japanese."

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 N5 (total score 80+)A1

See the level comparison table for other tests →

Residence statuses you can use N5 for

We compared the Japanese-language requirement of each residence status with N5.

• Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institution✓ Meets it
• Work as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)N4 or above required
• Move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled WorkerN4 or above required
• 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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