Overview
The Japanese-Language NAT-TEST is a Japanese proficiency test for people whose first language is not Japanese. It has five levels, from 5Q (beginner) to 1Q (advanced), which correspond to JLPT N5 to N1. Applicants register through the test centre office in their own region, and the official site lists test centres across Asia and Japan. The site says no fee other than the test fee is charged when applying.
Levels or stages
| Level | Study hours the test assumes | JLPT level aimed at |
|---|---|---|
| 1Q | About 1,000 | N1 (advanced learners, university and graduate entry) |
| 2Q | About 800 | N2 (learners heading to university or vocational school) |
| 3Q | About 600 | N3 (learners aiming at university or vocational school entry) |
| 4Q | About 400 | N4, described as equal to CEFR A2 |
| 5Q | About 200 | N5 |
Exam pattern
Levels 1Q and 2Q have two timed parts: Language Knowledge (characters, vocabulary, grammar) with Reading, and Listening. Levels 3Q, 4Q and 5Q have three: Language Knowledge (characters and vocabulary), Language Knowledge (grammar) with Reading, and Listening. The official site says listening times vary by level and by session.
| Level | Section | Minutes | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Q | Knowledge and Reading | 110 | 71 |
| 1Q | Listening | 55 | 31 |
| 2Q | Knowledge and Reading | 105 | 75 |
| 2Q | Listening | 50 | 32 |
| 3Q | Characters and Vocabulary | 30 | 35 |
| 3Q | Grammar and Reading | 70 | 39 |
| 3Q | Listening | 40 | 28 |
| 4Q | Characters and Vocabulary | 25 | 28 |
| 4Q | Grammar and Reading | 55 | 29 |
| 4Q | Listening | 35 | 28 |
| 5Q | Characters and Vocabulary | 20 | 21 |
| 5Q | Grammar and Reading | 40 | 22 |
| 5Q | Listening | 30 | 24 |
Each level is scored out of 180, split into scoring areas as follows.
| Level | Scoring areas and points |
|---|---|
| 1Q, 2Q, 3Q | Language Knowledge 60, Reading 60, Listening 60 |
| 4Q, 5Q | Language Knowledge and Reading together 120, Listening 60 |
Marking and results
You pass only if your total reaches the pass mark and each section also reaches its own minimum. Since the December 2023 session the pass marks have been fixed.
| Level | Total pass mark (out of 180) |
|---|---|
| 1Q | 100 |
| 2Q | 90 |
| 3Q | 95 |
| 4Q | 90 |
| 5Q | 80 |
The minimum is 19 points for each 60-point scoring area and 38 points for the 120-point area at 4Q and 5Q. Before December 2023 the pass mark changed from session to session. The site publishes the examinee numbers of those who passed, month by month, for both paper tests and the computer-based CBT NAT-TEST.
Important dates
The official site publishes a 2026 schedule by country, last updated on 31 August 2026. Test days differ by country and city, and each has its own application deadline. For example, India and Indonesia have test days roughly once a month. Seats can run out before the deadline, so apply early.
How to apply
Apply through your local test centre office. Application methods and deadlines vary by location.
Preparation tips
Pick the level by your study hours and the JLPT level you are aiming at, then check the pass mark for that level.
Do not neglect any one scoring area, since falling below the minimum in a single area fails the whole test.
Can I pass with a high total but a low section score?
No. You need to meet the total pass mark and the minimum for every section.
Which JLPT level is each NAT-TEST level?
5Q to 1Q correspond to N5 to N1.