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JLPT prep, free.

The JLPT is the official test of Japanese for people who did not grow up speaking it. It has five levels, from N5 up to N1.

What is JLPT?

The JLPT is the official test of Japanese for people who did not grow up speaking it. It has five levels, from N5 up to N1.

Who takes it?

People learning Japanese who need to show their level.

What costs money?

The study plan here costs nothing. The test itself has a fee, set by Japan Foundation and JEES. The official site lists it.

How do I show my score?

Upload the score screen with ID numbers hidden. Someone who saw the real result confirms it.

What JLPT is

Set by
Japan Foundation and JEES
Who takes it
People learning Japanese who need to show their level.
Sections
Language knowledge, Reading, Listening
Dates and fees
On the owner's site: official dates, official fees.

The free plan

The study plan, the official practice, the best free help, your proofs and your Trophy Case are free. Work through the outcomes in order.

Before you upload a score screen or a score report, hide your registration, roll, application and ID numbers. Powstik never asks for an ID number. Someone who saw the real result confirms it: a teacher, counsellor, tutor or study partner. They are told to send back any proof that shows an ID number.

  1. 1. Pass JLPT N5

    Understand basic Japanese and handle simple exchanges. Unlike app-based learning, every milestone requires proof of real human communication — not a score on an app.

    1. Build N5 vocabulary and kana foundation

      Show: Complete a 100-item N5 vocabulary self-assessment (from any free practice set) and submit a photo of your completed answers plus a score of 80% or above. Include a brief handwritten list of 20 words you found difficult.

    2. Master N5 grammar patterns

      Show: Submit a 1-page handwritten grammar summary (photo or scan) covering the は/が distinction, the て-form conjugation rules for all verb classes (Group 1/2/3), and three directional particle sentences — your own examples, not textbook sentences.

    3. Pass JLPT N5 and hold a 5-minute Japanese conversation

      Show: Submit (1) your official JLPT N5 score report showing a passing result, AND (2) a video recording of a 5-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Japanese speaker, with both sides audible. The conversation topic is open; it should not be a scripted dialogue.

  2. 2. Pass JLPT N4

    Understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations. Unlike app-based learning, every milestone requires proof of real human communication — not a score on an app.

    1. Build N4 vocabulary and kanji base

      Show: Complete a 100-item N4 vocabulary and kanji practice set (from any free resource) and submit a photo of your completed answers with a score of 75% or above, plus a one-page kanji study log showing your SRS review history for the past 2 weeks.

    2. Master N4 grammar — potential, causative, passive, conditional

      Show: Submit a handwritten grammar summary (photo or scan, at least 1 page) covering: (1) potential vs. passive form disambiguation with two example pairs, (2) conditional form choice (たら/ば/と/なら) with one example each showing different usage contexts, (3) two original sentences using ながら — your own examples.

    3. Pass JLPT N4 and hold a 10-minute Japanese conversation

      Show: Submit (1) your official JLPT N4 score report showing a passing result, AND (2) a video recording of a 10-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Japanese speaker, with both sides audible throughout.

  3. 3. Pass JLPT N3

    Understand Japanese to a reasonable degree in everyday situations. Unlike app-based learning, every milestone requires proof of real human communication — not a score on an app.

    1. Build N3 vocabulary and kanji base

      Show: Complete a 100-item N3 vocabulary and kanji practice set and submit a photo with a score of 75% or above, plus a written list of 15 N3 vocabulary items from the test that you found difficult, each with a contextual example sentence you wrote yourself.

    2. Master N3 grammar — relative clauses, hearsay, causative-passive

      Show: Submit a handwritten grammar summary (photo or scan, at least 1 page) covering: (1) two relative-clause sentences embedding different clause types, (2) らしい vs. そうだ (hearsay) distinguished with one example each, (3) one original causative-passive sentence with a context note explaining the social dynamic it expresses.

    3. Pass JLPT N3 and hold a 20-minute Japanese conversation

      Show: Submit (1) your official JLPT N3 score report showing a passing result, AND (2) a video recording of a 20-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Japanese speaker, with both sides audible. The conversation should go beyond basic topics.

  4. 4. Pass JLPT N2

    Understand Japanese used in a wide variety of circumstances, approaching near-native proficiency in reading. Unlike app-based learning, every milestone requires proof of real human communication — not a score on an app.

    1. Sit a timed JLPT N2 mock

      Show: Submit your timed mock scores for every section with the date, and a note on your weakest section.

    2. Record a conversation at exam level

      Show: Submit two unedited 20-minute recordings with a native Japanese speaker, and their written feedback between them.

    3. Pass the official JLPT N2

      Show: Submit the official JLPT N2 result or certificate showing your name, level and date.

  5. 5. Pass JLPT N1 (Advanced)

    Understand Japanese used in a wide variety of circumstances at the highest proficiency level. Certificate as proof.

    1. Sit a timed JLPT N1 mock

      Show: Submit your timed mock scores for every section with the date, and a note on your weakest section.

    2. Record a conversation at exam level

      Show: Submit two unedited 20-minute recordings with a native Japanese speaker, and their written feedback between them.

    3. Pass the official JLPT N1

      Show: Submit the official JLPT N1 result or certificate showing your name, level and date.

Go deeper

The test checks the field. Powstik Varsity teaches it, with free full courses in order.

Trademark

JLPT is a trademark of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. Powstik is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

Powstik links to official material and never copies its questions.