Most Japanese language learners will sooner or later find themselves facing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). But knowing how to study for the JLPT is not the easiest task. It’s a very tough test with five standardized levels, from N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest).
If you’re planning to take the JLPT, it’s important to have a solid study plan in place to ensure your success. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and strategies for studying for the JLPT, including what materials to use, how to create a study schedule, and how to stay motivated.
More about the JLPT
How long does it take to study for the JLPT?
The length of time required to study for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) varies depending on your prior knowledge of Japanese and your study habits. It can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to prepare for the test (yes, it’s that hard).
We would recommend that you start studying at least 6 months in advance of the test date. Additionally, it’s also super important to make a consistent and regular study schedule is necessary to pass the exam, rather than cramming in a short amount of time.
Is it possible to self-study for the JLPT?
Yes, it is possible to self-study for the JLPT. However, it is very importent that you study the RIGHT things and not just random Japanese. The JLPT is very standardized so what to study is pretty clear.
There are a variety of resources available to those who wish to self-study, including textbooks (Amazon), study guides, online practice tests, and language learning apps. Make sure to use materials that are appropriate for your JLPT level. Having a study schedule and sticking to it is crucial for self-studying, as well as seeking for feedback from native speakers or experienced teachers.
Read our guide on how to self-study Japanese and continue this article for JLPT study resouces recommendations.
JLPT – what to study
Sorry to say, but basically… everything. Just make sure you practice material relevant for your JLPT level.
JLPT vocabulary
The questions are designed to test the your ability to understand and use vocabulary in context.
How to study: We recommend using japanese language apps regularly. It’s almost impossible to study the exact vocabulary needed, so repeated practice and always looking upp words you don’t know will slowly get you there.
As an example, the N2 will require knowledge of about 3,700 words and the N1 6,000. Let’s just say it takes a long time.
Also make sure you have a good Japanese dictionary. Here are two options, but there are many (free) ones out ther. Try which ever works best for you.
Google Translate
A great way to quickly translate anything from words to long sentences. Just keep in mind that the translations are sometimes a bit wonky, but it’s usually good enough for vocabulary translations.
Takoboto
Easy to use dictionary where you can search for words using alphabet, kanji or kana. App available for Android.
JLPT kanji
One part of the test will be to test your understanding of specific kanji. Both how to read them and which kanji to choose when given the reading. And lets not forget – in the reading part you need to know the right amount of kanji to understand the texts at all.
How to study: Since the JLPT is so big and hard, you should probaby drop everything that isn’t helping you passing the JLPT. Maybe stop learning how to write kanji by hand since it’s not required in the test. Although good for memorization it takes way longer time than just studying the readings. Pick it up again when you pass the test!
For studying kanji we wholeheartedly recommend Wanikani, probably the best kanji studying resource there is. With clever mnemonics and a smart repetitioning system learning kanji has never been easier (and we don’t even get money to say that). It is however a bit pricey, so check out our other recommended resources for kanji studies if you’re on a budget.
JLPT grammar
The questions are designed to test your ability to understand and use grammar in context. There are many grammar points to get through, especially at the higher levels. To make sure you study the right ones we recommend that you look them up beforehand.
Resources for Japanese JLPT grammar studies
- Buy a textbook with the right grammar points. (Amazon)
- Use a Japanese language app (just make sure you know which grammar you need to study)
- JLPT complete grammar list online
- Check out our ever growing archive of JLPT grammar points
JLPT reading
The questions will test your ability to understand the main ideas as well as details of articles, schedules and other text formats. And the questions are tricky…
How to practice: This is without a doubt the hardest part of the test. Time is short and the texts can be complicated. The best way to practice is to do old tests over and over again and time yourself. You can either buy the official test materials or find old tests online.
Remember to also practice everything else. The better you get at kanji, vocabulary, grammar, the easier the reading part will get. Are you starting to get a feeling for how big this test really is now..?
But the most important thing to practice here is technique. Reading through every word of the text will often be too slow, so you need to learn the proper technique. Which technique works best for you will become clear once you’ve worked through many prctice tests.
Here is one way that might work for reading problems that wants you to choose a correct time/item/place etc:
- Make sure you understand the question.
- Read the answers and look for coresponding keywords in the text.
- By pinpointing where in the text a question is answered you can often quickly confirm or eliminate answers to solve it. This gives you extra time for the more difficult questions.
Since this is the part you will need the most time for, don’t take too long time on the other parts.
Official JLPT practice books (Amazon)
Reading practice online
- Test questions on the official JLPT website
- Archive of earlier JLPT tests (unofficial, crappy website, proceed on your own risk)
JLPT listening
The listening questions are designed to see if you understand spoken Japanese in a variety of settings. Pay attention, in the listening part each question will be repeated exactly once.
How to study: Listening is like vocabulary, hard to pinpoint exactly what you need to study in order to pass the test. Keep listening daily to get used to real life pace Japanese. There are many fun and great ways to practice listening. Read our guide on the best resources for Japanese listening practice.
Japanesepod101 is a well made podcast and a good way to practice listening. The service has many lessons categorized by difficulty level so you can easily find the level you need for your JLPT level.
Fluentu is another great – and interesting – way to practice your listening. It’s a service that lets you watch Japanese videos (news, music videos, film clips, and more) with interctive subtitles. This makes it super easy to look up words and grammar you didn’t understand.
How to create a study schedule
Creating a study schedule for the JLPT is important to stay on track and make the most of your study time. Especially if you are studying on your own. Here are some tips for creating an effective study schedule:
Set an over-all goal
Determine when you want to take the JLPT and work backwards to set a goal for when you want to finish studying. Remember – you will probably need at least 6 months of regular practice to pass the tiers.
Assess your current level (and be honest)
Assess your current level of Japanese proficiency and identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
Make a milestones
Make a plan that includes specific goals and milestones, such as finishing a textbook or passing a practice test.
Allocate time
Take time each day or week for studying. Remember, a consistent and regular study schedule is necessary to pass the exam. Cramming in a short amount of time is rarely successfull.
… but be flexible
Remember to be flexible, and adjust your schedule as needed. If you find that you’re struggling with a certain topic, give yourself more time to focus on it.
Use different resources
Use a variety of resources such as textbooks (amazon), study guides, online practice tests, and language learning apps to keep your study interesting and engaging.
Take regular breaks
Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and to give your brain a chance to rest. If you burn out it will be very hard to find the motivation again.
Use a calendar
Use a calendar to keep track of your study schedule, and use it to mark off completed tasks and goals.
Review and practice
Make sure to review and practice regularly to keep the knowledge fresh.
Finally: Stick to the plan!
Studying is a bit like going to the gym. Once you start slacking off it gets harder and harder to get back on track.
Oh, and buy a bottle of champagne to open when you pass the test.
