Japanese Levels: N5 to N1
Five levels from beginner to advanced, each matched to the CEFR: here is what each level means, how long it usually takes and which test to take.
Find my level →- N5BeginnerCEFR A1
Understands and uses familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
Study hours: about 150–300
Take the N5 Test → - N4ElementaryCEFR A2
Communicates in simple, routine tasks on familiar topics.
Study hours: about 300–600
Take the N4 Test → - N3IntermediateCEFR B1
Deals with most everyday situations and describes experiences and plans.
Study hours: about 600–1,000
Take the N3 Test → - N2Upper intermediateCEFR B2
Interacts fluently with native speakers on a wide range of topics.
Study hours: about 1,000–1,600
Take the N2 Test → - N1AdvancedCEFR C1
Uses Japanese flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
Study hours: about 1,600–2,500
Take the N1 Test →
The five levels side by side
| Level | CEFR | Vocabulary | Kanji | What you can do | Recommended test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5 Beginner | A1 | 700–900 words | 80–120 | Understands and uses familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. | N5 Test → |
| N4 Elementary | A2 | 1,400–1,800 words | 250–350 | Communicates in simple, routine tasks on familiar topics. | N4 Test → |
| N3 Intermediate | B1 | 3,000–4,000 words | 600–700 | Deals with most everyday situations and describes experiences and plans. | N3 Test → |
| N2 Upper intermediate | B2 | 6,000–7,000 words | 1,000–1,100 | Interacts fluently with native speakers on a wide range of topics. | N2 Test → |
| N1 Advanced | C1 | 10,000+ words | 2,000+ | Uses Japanese flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. | N1 Test → |
Vocabulary and kanji counts are commonly cited estimates for learners at each level.
Which test should I take?
Not sure of your level
Take the online Japanese test: 50 adaptive questions in about 30 minutes place you anywhere from N5 to N1, with a score for each category and a certificate.
Find my level →Japanese levels FAQ
How is my Japanese level decided?
Our general test is adaptive: each answer guides the next question across vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading and listening. After 50 questions your overall score places you at one of five levels, from N5 to N1, with a score for each category.
How do the N levels map to the CEFR?
N5 matches CEFR A1, N4 matches A2, N3 matches B1, N2 matches B2 and N1 matches C1. The N levels are International Test Limited's reference levels, aligned to the CEFR.
How do these levels relate to the JLPT?
Japanese Proficiency Test is an independent assessment operated by International Test Limited and is not affiliated with the JLPT. JLPT is a trademark of the Japan Foundation and JEES. Our N levels use the five-step scale that learners and employers already know from the JLPT, so your result is easy to read alongside other Japanese qualifications.
What does the certificate show?
Your name, your N level with the matching CEFR level, your overall score and a score for each of the five categories, plus a unique certificate ID and a QR code that anyone can check online.
How long does it take to move up one level?
Commonly cited estimates are 150 to 300 study hours for N5, 300 to 600 for N4, 600 to 1,000 for N3, 1,000 to 1,600 for N2 and 1,600 to 2,500 for N1. The upper levels take the longest, because reading and vocabulary grow fastest there.
Can I test a single level?
Yes. Each level from N5 to N1 has its own 30-question test that shows whether you have reached that level, with a certificate and a bilingual report.
Looking at other exams too? Compare Japanese proficiency tests.
Find your level in about 30 minutes
Your result is an N level with the matching CEFR level, on a certificate anyone can verify.
Start Japanese Test →