Scores and determination of pass or fail
How can I receive test results?
The Scoring Sections and range of scores are shown in Scoring sections and range of scores for each level.”
Why are the test scores for Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading listed separately in the score report for levels N1, N2 and N3 but listed as a combined score in levels N4 and N5?
We have determined that combining Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading is appropriate for N4 and N5, as the required proficiencies for these two sections overlap considerably at these basic levels.
Why has the scoring method of the new test changed?
It is to more accurately show the Japanese-language competency of examinees.
No matter how carefully test questions are designed, their difficulty changes each time and in comparison to previous tests. With the scoring method of the new test, the same competency results in the same score regardless of question difficulty level or test occasion. The same scale is always used to calculate scores for the same-level test. This scoring method can show you the degree of improvement in competency compared to previous test results. It also facilitates setting goals for the next test.
Can we compare the scores of the new test and the old test?
Since the content of the new test and the scoring method are different from the old test, the scores from the new test cannot be compared to those of the old test.
How is pass or fail determined?
In order to pass, (1) total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark) and (2) score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass mark).
Why does passing the test require (1) the minimum acceptable total score and (2) a minimum acceptable score in each scoring section?
It is our hope that Japanese learners acquire well-balanced ability in the Japanese language.
How many scores do I need to pass?
In order to pass, (1) total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark) and (2) score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass mark). If there is even one scoring section where the score is below the sectional pass mark, examinees are determined to have failed, no matter how high the total score he/she might have.
Scoring sections of N1-N3 and N4-N5 are different. Overall pass marks and sectional pass marks for each level are shown in the table below.
| Level | Total score | Scores by Scoring Sections | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Knowledge iVocabulary/Grammarj |
Reading | Listening | ||||||
| Range of scores | Overall pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional pass marks | Range of scoresSectional pass marksRange of scoresSectional pass marks | ||||
| N1 | 0`180 points |
100 points | 0`60 points | 19 points | 0`60 points | 19 points | 0`60 points | 19 points |
| N2 | 0`180 points |
90 points | 0`60 points | 19 points | 0`60 points | 19 points | 0`60 points | 19 points |
| N3 | 0`180 points |
95 points | 0`60 points | 19 points | 0`60 points | 19 points | 0`60 points | 19 points |
| Level | Total score | Scores by Scoring Sections | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Knowledge iVocabulary/GrammarjEReading |
Listening | |||||
| Range of scores | Overall pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional pass marks | Range of scoresSectional pass marks | ||
| N4 | 0`180 points |
90 points | 0`120 points | 38 points | 0`60 points | 19 points |
| N5 | 0`180 points |
80 points | 0`120 points | 38 points | 0`60 points | 19 points |
¦The above standards were adopted beginning with July test in 2010 (December test in 2010 with N4 and N5).
What will happen if I don’t take a test section?
Examinees will be judged to have failed if they miss a test section. Although they will receive a Score Report, it will not show scores for any test section, including those that have been taken.
If my score does not reach the minimum required in a Scoring Section, can I take only that section again and pass the JLPT if I get an acceptable score?
No. A judgment of pass or fail is made only for examinees who take all sections each time the test is given. Therefore, pass or fail cannot be determined if you take only a section where you previously failed to achieve a minimum score. You will pass the JLPT when you take the test for all sections on a subsequent occasion and earn (1) the minimum acceptable total score and (2) a minimum acceptable score in each Scoring Section.
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