All instructions on the test are written in Japanese, although their difficulty is adjusted to remain appropriate to each test level. The subject matter covered at each level of the examination is based upon the Test Content Specification, first published in 1994 and revised in 2004. This specification serves as a reference for examiners to compile test questions, rather than as a study guide for candidates. It consists of kanji lists, expression lists, vocabulary lists, and grammar lists for all five JLPT levels. However, about 20% of the kanji, vocabulary, and grammar in any one exam may be drawn from outside the prescribed lists at the discretion of exam compilers.
Test content summary
| 4 | ~100 (103) | ~800 (728) | Basic | 150 hrs (A Basic course level) | 60%
| 3 | ~300 (284) | ~1,500 (1409) | Intermediate | 300 hrs (A Intermediate course level) |
| 2 | ~1000 (1023) | ~6,000 (5035) | Intermediate | 600 hrs (An Intermediate course level) |
| 1 | ~2000 (1926) | ~10,000 (8009) | Advanced | 900 hrs (An advanced course level) | 70%
JLPT Study Hour Comparison Data 1992-2010
| 4 | 200~300 hours | 250~400 hours |
| 3 | 375~475 hours | 500~750 hours |
| 2 | 1100~1500 hours | 1400~2000 hours |
| 1 | 1800~2300 hours | 3100~4500 hours |
Test sections
The JLPT is divided into three sections: "Characters and Vocabulary" (100 points), "Listening Comprehension" (100 points), and "Reading Comprehension and Grammar" (200 points).
The first section (文字･語彙, moji, goi) tests knowledge of vocabulary and various aspects of the Japanese writing system. This includes identifying the correct kanji characters for given situations, selecting the correct hiragana readings for given kanji, choosing the appropriate terms for given sentences, and choosing the appropriate usage of given words.
The second section (聴解, chōkai) comprises two sub-sections that test listening comprehension. The first involves choosing the picture which best represents the situation presented by a prerecorded conversation. The second is of a similar format but presents no visual clues.
Section three (読解･文法, dokkai, bunpō) uses authentic or semi-authentic reading passages of various lengths to test reading comprehension. Questions include prompts to fill in blank parts of the text and requests to paraphrase key points. Grammar questions request that examinees select the correct grammar structure to convey a given point or test conjugations and postpositional particle agreement.
Exam duration
| 4 | 25 min | 25 min | 50 min | 100 min |
| 3 | 35 min | 35 min | 70 min | 140 min |
| 2 | 35 min | 40 min | 70 min | 145 min |
| 1 | 45 min | 45 min | 90 min | 180 min |