What is the passing score for each JLPT level?
Quick Answer
N5: 80/180, N4: 90/180, N3: 95/180, N2: 90/180, N1: 100/180. Each section also has minimum score requirements.
JLPT uses a scaled scoring system with both overall passing scores and sectional minimums. You must meet BOTH to pass.
Overall Passing Scores (out of 180)
- N5: 80 points (44%) - N4: 90 points (50%) - N3: 95 points (53%) - N2: 90 points (50%) - N1: 100 points (56%)
Sectional Minimum Scores
Each level is divided into sections, and you must achieve minimum scores in each:
*N1 and N2:* - Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar): 19 points minimum - Reading: 19 points minimum - Listening: 19 points minimum
*N3:* - Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar): 19 points minimum - Reading: 19 points minimum - Listening: 19 points minimum
*N4 and N5:* - Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar/Reading): 38 points minimum - Listening: 19 points minimum
Important notes
- Scaled scoring means question difficulty affects point values - You can fail by missing sectional minimums even with high overall score - Results show detailed section breakdowns to identify weak areas - Passing rate varies by test date (typically 30-50% pass each level)
Key Takeaways
- 1Both overall score AND sectional minimums required to pass
- 2N5 easiest at 80/180; N1 hardest at 100/180
- 3Sectional minimums prevent passing with lopsided skills
- 4Scaled scoring adjusts for question difficulty
- 5About 30-50% of test takers pass each level
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