Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N3 exam! The thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for it? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
The JLPT N3 exam is a true testament to your progress and dedication to learning Japanese. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, you are no longer a beginner! Preparing for and passing the N3 proves you are firmly in the intermediate stage of your Japanese journey and well on your way toward more advanced levels. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N3 exam, including test contents, length, scoring methods, registration, preparation strategies, what to expect on test day, and recommended resources to support your studies.
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Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course. We offer two flexible options: a year-round course and an intensive 3-month sprint course timed perfectly before test day. What makes these classes stand out is the teachers, who specialize in teaching JLPT. They will give you tips and techniques you simply won’t get from self-study. The class also covers mock tests, reading practices, and explanations of essentials such as Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and more!
What is the JLPT?
Before we get started, what exactly is the JLPT? JLPT stands for Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, also known as 日本語能力試験. As the name suggests, the exam measures and certifies the Japanese proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers and is used by universities and employees inside and outside Japan. It is normally carried out twice a year in Japan and is also available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners planning a future in Japan!
If you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N3 exam, keep scrolling!
What Are The Different Levels of The JLPT?
The JLPT is divided into 5 different levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5, with N1 being the most advanced level and N5 being the most basic.
- The N4 and N5 tests you on basic Japanese that you can often learn in a classroom environment
- The N3 acts as a bridge between N4/N5 and N2/N1
- The N2 and N1 tests you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
What Are The Advantages of Taking JLPT N3?
If you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan, then your JLPT scores will come in handy. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
However, JLPT is only really useful for employment or immigration when you have passed the N2 or N1. This guide focuses on JLPT N3, which does not have much real-life use other than to check and prove your personal improvement in Japanese.
Still, the JLPT N3 Exam can be a fitting goal for Japanese learners wanting to test their ability to fairly understand Japanese used in everyday situations. An N3 certification acts as a nice intermediate-level bridge between the easier levels and the harder levels of the JLPT. It will prepare you for the more difficult stuff covered in N2 and N1!
The JLPT N3 level is a bridge between beginner and advanced levels, sitting between the N4 and the N2. The exam will test learners with more complex conversational Japanese while not diving too deep into business or work Japanese. Overall, passing the JLPT N3 shows you are able to handle yourself in daily conversations in Japanese.
What Does The N3 Exam Test?
In general, the JLPT N3 Exam is an exam for intermediate-level speakers. The JLPT N3 tests you on the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. This includes having no difficulty in:
- Reading and understanding materials concerning specific everyday topics
- Grasping summary information, such as newspaper headlines
- Reading and fairly understanding slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations
- Listening and comprehending everyday conversations spoken at near-natural speed, following their contents, and grasping the relationships among the people involved
How Many Sections Are on The N3 Exam?
To study for the exam efficiently, it is important to be aware of the structure of the test. The JLPT N3 Exam consists of three main sections. Each of the three sections tests you on different aspects of the Japanese language.
| Section | Question types |
| 1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) | – Kanji reading – Orthography – Contextually-defined expressions – Paraphrases – Usage |
| 2. Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading | – Sentential grammar 1 (selecting grammar form) – Sentential grammar 2 (sentence composition) – Text grammar – Comprehension (short passages) – Comprehension (mid-length passages) – Comprehension (long passages) |
| 3. Listening | – Task-based comprehension – Comprehension of key points – Comprehension of general outline – Verbal expressions – Quick response |
What is and is not covered in the JLPT N3 Exam?
For all of the above three sections, you must master approximately 3700 vocabulary words and 650 kanji. Although this may sound like a lot, you should already know around 1500 words and 300 kanji from N5 and N4, so you are actually already halfway there! The vocabulary words and kanji covered in the N3 Exam include basic nouns and verbs from N4 and N5, as well as more complex terms necessary to understand slightly difficult written materials, such as newspaper headlines.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with typical grammar points such as particle usage, formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses, and sentence combinations. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable with reading and writing middle-length sentences and passages.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, Japanese learners who are not comfortable speaking in Japanese can theoretically still pass, as long as they have mastered the vocabulary, kanji, and grammar covered on the N3 Exam. (However, you must keep in mind that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan!)
How Long is the N3 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the three test sections.
| Section | Time |
| Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) | 30 minutes |
| Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading | 70 minutes |
| Listening | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 140 minutes |
In total, you are given 140 minutes to complete the JLPT N3 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N3 like?
Since the N3 Exam contains three sections, the scoring is divided into three as well.
| Section | Range of Scores |
| Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) | 0 – 60 |
| Reading | 0 – 60 |
| Listening | 0 – 60 |
| Overall Score | 0 – 180 |
In total, your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N3 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 95 points. However, in addition to meeting the overall score of 95 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 19 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Section, Reading Section, and the Listening Section. This means that even if your overall score is above 95 points, if you do not meet the sectional pass marks for all three of the sections, you cannot pass. Thus, it is important to balance out your knowledge and avoid relying on one section for points.
For how Long Should I Study to Pass JLPT N3?
For students already with kanji knowledge, it takes 900 hours. This is about the same as attaining a Spanish Food Le Cordon Bleu diploma.
For other students, it takes around 1325 hours of studying. With this amount of time, you can become an architect!
For more information on the necessary study hours for all levels of the JLPT, check out this blog article How Many Hours Does it Take to Pass the JLPT.
How to Prepare for the JLPT N3
1. Mastering Kanji and Vocabulary
As previously mentioned, the JLPT N3 Exam covers around 650 kanji. (Of course, you do not have to know all of them to pass, but it’s impossible to predict which ones will be on the exam). The kanji on the N3 will consist of all the N4 and N5 ones, as well as new kanji.
We have also provided samples of the worksheets for free at the links below! They will give you an idea of kanji that you will be tested on during the N3 exam. Click below to download!
- Unit 1. JLPT N3 Kanji – On the Street
- Unit 2. JLPT N3 Kanji – Transportation
- Unit 3. JLPT N3 Kanji – Hospital
- Unit 4. JLPT N3 Kanji – Weather
- Unit 5. JLPT N3 Kanji – Nature
As you move on from N5 and N4 to N3-level kanji, it becomes important to learn about kanji radicals and know the meanings of individual parts of kanji. This will help you memorize each kanji and recognize the meanings of words more effectively. When studying N3 kanji, we recommend you study parts of each kanji as well, since that will help you pick up on patterns and make each character easier to remember.
2. Mastering Grammar
Although the JLPT N3 Exam score includes vocabulary and grammar, we highly recommend studying and mastering both areas independently. Grammar and vocabulary will be tested with fill-in-the-blank sentences, emails, article passages, and reading comprehension questions. The exam will ensure you understand specific grammar and vocabulary by testing how to use them in the correct context.
We have whole articles dedicated to helping you prepare for JLPT N3 grammar and vocabulary. Please find them below:
If you need more materials, textbooks, or mock tests, we have also rounded up the 20 best JLPT N3 textbooks you can use to ensure you’re prepared to take on the JLPT N3 exam.
In addition, our YouTube Channel is also great for learning important N3 grammar points and improving your Japanese listening skills. We offer useful videos on phrases and grammar points commonly featured on the JLPT N3 and include familiar examples to help you get a grasp of how they are often used in daily life.
Here’s an example of our grammar videos:
If you are a person who learns better through videos and audio, check out our JLPT N3 Playlist, where we have compiled all of the N3 grammar videos for you.
How To Register for The JLPT N3
In order to take the JLPT at any level, you must first register for the exam online during the registration period. When you register, you can make a reservation for your desired test center and provide personal information that can be confirmed on the day of the exam. For a full step-by-step breakdown, read our How to Register for JLPT Guide.
Next Test Date: December 7, 2025
Application Period: Until September 8 (Thu), 17:00
Application Method: You must apply from the MyJLPT’s “JLPT Application” screen after registering with MyJLPT on the JLPT website of Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JESS).
Test Fee: 7,500 yen (consumption tax included)
Payment Methods: Credit card, bank wire transfer (Pay-Easy), payment at a convenience store
Once registered, you will receive a test voucher around mid-November indicating your test location and more details about the JLPT Exam.
For more information, visit the JLPT Official Website.
What Happens on the Test Day
It’s your big test day! Before heading out to your test center, make sure to bring your test voucher, writing utensils (mechanical pencils are accepted), and maybe some snacks and a watch to help you with time management.
For examinees in Japan, your test will begin at 12:30, but the test center will already be open from 11:45. We recommend that you head out early to be safe.
Once you arrive at your test venue, you will be asked to show your test voucher to the staff. Examinees are split into different rooms based on their voucher numbers. You will be instructed to enter one of these rooms.
Once you have found and entered your room, you will find the desk that has your number on it. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N3 Exam, 140 minutes), and you will get short breaks between each section. When the exam is finished, you will need to wait until all test papers have been collected before you can leave the room.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
Final Remarks on Passing the JLPT N3 Exam
The JLPT N3 Exam is a true testament to your dedication to studying Japanese, as you have officially graduated from the beginner stages. It is a rather large jump from the previous N4 and N5 levels, with the exam featuring more kanji, longer reading sections, and more complex grammar. However, with our guide, you will be able to break apart the exam piece by piece and master each section with ease. Congratulations on how far you’ve come. Be sure to stay motivated by focusing on what you’ve accomplished. Being ready to take on the N3 is already a huge achievement.
To really be sure you’re prepared, consider taking our JLPT Prep courses! Coto students have a 35% higher chance of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course, designed for busy learners. This class is perfect for students who plan to take the JLPT exam and work optimally towards their objectives. It covers exam practices and explanations of essentials such as Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and more! If you’re interested, sign up with the form below!
FAQ:
What proficiency level is the JLPT N3 considered to be?
The N3 is an intermediate-level exam, acting as a bridge between beginner and advanced levels. The test will feature newspaper headlines, more complicated sentences, and medium & long-length passages.
How many kanji and vocabulary words do I need to know for the JLPT N3?
You need to know around 650 kanji and 3,750 vocabulary.
How long does it take to reach the N3 level?
Generally speaking, it takes 1 to 3 years to reach the JLPT N3 level or around 1,700 hours of studying. However, this amount of time can vary from person to person. If you aren’t sure you are ready, you can take N3 mock tests to understand how you feel about taking the real exam.
Can I skip straight to N3 without taking N5 or N4?
Yes! You don’t need to pass lower levels before attempting N3. However, most learners benefit from building a foundation with N4 before jumping into N3.
How hard is the JLPT N3 compared to N4?
N3 is a significant step up. While N4 focuses on simple grammar and vocabulary, N3 requires understanding longer sentences, intermediate grammar, and reading passages on everyday topics. Listening sections are also faster and more detailed.
Is JLPT N3 enough to work in Japan?
N3 shows intermediate proficiency, but many employers require N2 or higher for professional positions. However, it depends on the role and company, as recently more positions are only requiring N3-level Japanese. The N3 should be more than sufficient for most part-time jobs, internships, or study-abroad opportunities.
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well: