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.
For the 2nd test of 2026 in Japan、applications closed at 17:00 on 7 September。For application periods overseas、check the local test organizer's guidance。
The 2nd domestic N3 test in 2026 starts at 15:10。Entry is from 14:30〜15:10。Check the instructions on your test voucher too。
Test vouchers in Japan can be viewed in MyJLPT from 17 November、and will be sent by 20 November。Check your test voucher for the venue。
In principle、the 2026 tests in Japan are for mid- to long-term residents・special permanent residents whose native language is not Japanese。Check the local test provider’s information for overseas eligibility・application periods。
Source: JEES 2026 2nd Test Guide
For details on venues, dates, and application methods, check the official websites below.
Source: JLPT Official Site Test Structure / Overseas Test Cities・Dates
For 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.
For the 2nd test of 2026 in Japan、results are scheduled to be posted in MyJLPT in late January 2027。Result notices are scheduled to be sent in late February。Check JEES announcements for the exact release date and time。
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.
From the December 2025 test、successful candidates' score documents include a CEFR level for reference。For N3 a total score of 95〜103 is A2、and 104 or higher is B1。Speaking・writing skills are not assessed。
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 Sections | Time Allowed | Test Content |
|---|---|---|
| Language Knowledge (Characters/Vocabulary) | 30Minutes | Kanji readings、orthography、words in context、paraphrases and synonyms、usage |
| Language Knowledge (Grammar)/Reading Comprehension | 70Minutes | Grammar forms、sentence composition、text grammar、comprehension of short・medium・long passages、information retrieval |
| Listening | 40Minutes | Task-based comprehension、comprehension of key points、comprehension of overall meaning、verbal expressions、quick response |
Depending on the recording length、the listening test time varies slightly。
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 / Passing Criteria
Source: Japanese-Language Proficiency Test（JLPT）