The JLPT in 2026 will be held twice, as shown below.
First Session 2026/7/5 (Sun)
Second Session 2026/12/6 (Sun)
Some overseas cities hold the test only in July or only in December. Be sure to check the test information for the country or region where you will take the test.
JLPT N3 is held in the afternoon in Japan. For the first test in Japan in 2026, the N3, N4, and N5 tests start at 15:10.
If you take the test in Japan, apply through MyJLPT. For 2026 in Japan, the first application period is 2026/3/17 to 4/7 17:00, and the second is 2026/8/17 to 9/7 17:00.
Even during the application period, registration may close early depending on the test site. If you want to take the test, please apply early.
For details on venues, dates, and application methods, check the official websites below.
Source：JLPT Official Site Test StructureFor Taking the Test in Japan ￥7,500
For Taking the Test Outside Japan It differs by country, so check the local institution in each country or region.
You can check the test results below. Please select the location where you took the exam.
For N3, you must meet the required score in all three scoring sections: Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening, in addition to the total score.
If your score is below the required minimum in even one scoring section, you will fail even if your total score is high.
JLPT N3 tests your reading and listening skills. There are no writing or speaking questions.
In N3, texts are longer than in N4, and you need to understand reasons, the flow of the story, and the intentions of the speaker or writer.
| Test (Test Time) | Major Category | Subcategory | Test Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Knowledge (Characters/Vocabulary) (30Minutes) |
Characters/Vocabulary | Kanji Reading | This question asks you to choose the reading of a word written in kanji. |
| Notation | This question asks you to choose the correct kanji for a word written in hiragana. | ||
| Context-based Expressions | This question asks you to choose the word that matches the meaning of the sentence. | ||
| Paraphrase/Synonyms | This question asks you to choose a word or expression with a similar meaning. | ||
| Usage | This question asks you to choose whether a word is used naturally in a sentence. | ||
| Language Knowledge (Grammar)/Reading Comprehension (70Minutes) |
Grammar | Grammar Forms | This question asks you to choose the grammar that matches the meaning of the sentence. |
| Sentence Construction | This question asks you to arrange words in the correct order to make a sentence. | ||
| Text Grammar | This question asks you to choose the expression that fits the flow of the whole passage. | ||
| Reading | Reading Comprehension (Short Text) | This question asks you to read a short passage and understand its content. | |
| Reading Comprehension (Medium Text) | This question asks you to read a slightly longer passage and understand its content and reasons. | ||
| Reading Comprehension (Long Text) | This question asks you to read a longer passage and understand the overall flow and the writer's ideas. | ||
| Information Search | This question asks you to find the necessary information from notices, guides, tables, and similar materials. | ||
| Listening (40Minutes) |
Task-based Comprehension | This question asks you to listen and understand what needs to be done. | You need to understand the purpose of the conversation and what should be done next. |
| Point Comprehension | This question asks you to listen mainly for the points shown before the audio starts. | It is important not to miss the necessary information. | |
| Understanding the main idea | A question about understanding the overall content and the speaker's opinion. | Think about the overall meaning, not only the details of individual words. | |
| Verbal Expressions | This question asks you to choose a natural expression that fits the situation. | Look at the illustration or situation and choose the appropriate expression. | |
| Immediate Response | This question asks you to listen to a short statement and choose a natural response. | You need to understand common responses used in conversation. |
The N3 passing standard is a total score of 95 or higher, with at least 19 points each in Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening.
If your score is below the required minimum in even one of the three scoring sections, you will fail.
Source：JLPT Official Site Test Structure
Source：JLPT Official Site: Passing Scores