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.”
In test results, “Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)” and “Language Knowledge (Grammar) ・Reading,” which are separate test sections in N4 and N5, are combined as one scoring section. Why is this?
Because many areas of “Language Knowledge” and “Reading” in N4 and N5 at the basic stage of Japanese-language learning overlap or cannot be easily separated, we believe giving a combined score for “Reading” and “Language Knowledge” better suits the characteristics of the learning stage, rather than giving a separate score for “Reading” by itself.
How are scores for each question allocated within individual scoring sections?
Some tests use a system of totaling pre-determined points for correct answers to calculate scores. The JLPT uses a scaled score system based on “Item Response Theory” and does not total allocated points of correctly answered questions. Please see the more detailed explanation about scaled scores.
The scores I received are different from what I thought I would get. Can I have them confirmed?
Individual examinees’ scores are calculated not only mechanically but also strictly checked by specialists. As clearly stated in the Test Guide, we do not accept any inquiries regarding an individual’s test results.
The JLPT uses “scaled scores.” Scaled scores are calculated based on “answering patterns” of each examinee, not on “the number of questions correctly answered.” Therefore, scores in the results may be different from what you thought. Please see the more detailed explanation about scaled scores.
I received my results and know my scores. How do I find out where I stand among all examinees?
There is a chart (“Cumulative Distribution of Scaled Scores”) in the materials of each test time of “Past Test Data.” You can find out where you stand among all examinees who took the same test by using the scaled scores given in the Score Report and this chart.
※From the JLPT held in July 2016, a percentile rank is indicated on the certificate of examinees who passed the test overseas (excluding those who were exempt from the Listening section), showing the percentage of examinees with a score lower than yours in the six latest tests, including the one you took.
Can we compare the scores of the current test and the old test through 2009?
Since the content of the current test and the scoring method are different from the old test, the scores from the current test cannot be compared to those of the old test.
How is pass or fail determined? How many scores do I need to pass?
Examinees pass the JLPT when they take all required test sections and (1) have a total score to be at or above the Overall Pass Mark and (2) all scores of scoring sections are to be at or above the Sectional Pass Marks. 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 （Vocabulary/Grammar） | Reading | Listening | ||||||
| Range of scores | Overall pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional 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 （Vocabulary/Grammar）・Reading | Listening | |||||
| Range of scores | Overall pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional pass marks | Range of scores | Sectional 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).
Why does passing the test require (1) the minimum acceptable total score and (2) a minimum acceptable score in each scoring section?
This is to evaluate if learners have a certain level of ability in all three elements, “Language Knowledge,” “Reading” and “Listening.”
What will happen if I don’t take a test section?
Examinees will be judged to have failed if they miss a required 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.