How much study time is needed for the JLPT?
Table of Contents
1. How much study time is needed for the JLPT?
2. Study time for the JLPT
3. Which level should you aim for?
4. Create a study plan
5. Passing through self-study!?
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: How much study is necessary to pass the JLPT?
A: It varies greatly depending on the learner’s native language and environment!
In this article, we will provide approximate study times as a reference.
Study time for the JLPT
The JLPT is divided into five levels: N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1.
N5 is the easiest, and N1 is the most difficult level.
Each level’s content is largely divided into the sections “Reading” and “Listening,” and as the level increases, so do the grammar and vocabulary requirements, making the test progressively more difficult.
To pass, you need to study a lot, but the necessary study time varies greatly depending on your native language and environment.
For example, learners from kanji-using regions have an advantage with kanji, while those from non-kanji-using regions will need significantly more study time. However, even learners from kanji-using regions should be aware that the meanings of kanji and vocabulary may differ between Japanese and their native language.
Additionally, your environment, such as whether you live or work in Japan, will also affect your study time. Use the guidelines for each level as a reference to consider the study time you need.
| Study Time | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level | Certification Guidelines | Number of Kanji / Number of Vocabulary Words | Has Kanji Proficiency | No Kanji Proficiency | Daily Study Time (A Year) |
Difficult Easy | N1 | Able to understand Japanese used in a wide range of situations | 2000 characters / 10000 words | 1700〜 2450 hours | 3000〜4300hours | (Assuming 2,000 hours) Approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes /day |
| N2 | In addition to understanding Japanese used in everyday situations, able to understand Japanese used in a wider range of situations to a certain extent | 1000 characters / 6000 words | 1150〜1600hours | 1600〜2500hours | (Assuming 1,100 hours) Approx. 3 hours /day | |
| N3 | Able to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain extent | 650 characters / 3750 words | 600〜1000hours | 1000〜1500hours | (Assuming 700 hours) Approx. 2 hours /day | |
| N4 | Able to understand basic Japanese | 300 characters / 1500 words | 400〜750hours | 575〜1000hours | (Assuming 400 hours) Approx. 1 hour /day | |
| N5 | Able to understand basic Japanese | 100 characters / 800 words | 250〜450hours | 300〜600hours | (Assuming 250 hours) Approx. 40 minutes /day | |
Which level should you aim for?
If you’re still unsure which level to aim for, it might be helpful to consider your purpose for taking the JLPT. Having a clear goal can be a great motivation to continue studying.
For example, to enter Japan with the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa, you need at least N4 level. For admission to universities or vocational schools, or for employment at Japanese companies, N2 to N1 levels are required.
Additionally, having an N2 or N1 level on the JLPT can earn you extra points for certain visas.
For those who want to know the details, such as how to apply for the exam, please check the official JLPT website.
Create a study plan
Additionally, it’s not a good practice to let time pass by without having a plan when studying. Having a well-structured study plan, such as deciding how many kanji or vocabulary words to memorize by a certain date or how many pages to study, is crucial to achieving success.
Passing through self-study!?
Although there are rare cases of people passing through self-study, it requires strong willpower, planning, and a solid foundation in Japanese that you have built up yourself. Studying alone can make it difficult to understand the trends in JLPT questions, leading to a reliance on memorization rather than true understanding.
As the level increases, memorization alone will no longer suffice. It becomes essential to learn important points from schools or tutors specializing in JLPT preparation and to ensure a proper understanding.
At Enuncia, we offer affordable group lessons with intensive JLPT courses.
Additionally, for those who prefer one-on-one learning with a tutor, private lessons are recommended. In private lessons, a special curriculum tailored to each student is created, and you can learn using the tutor’s original materials. If there are several tutors you are interested in, try taking a trial lesson with each of them. Trial lessons are available for $5 each and can be taken once per tutor.
If you’re unsure which tutor’s lessons to take, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form below. We will help you find the perfect tutor for you!
