In summary, the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is like the TOEFL or IELTS, except that it is a test to measure Japanese fluency. The exam is administered by the Japan Foundation, and is held twice a year: in July and December. The exam is divided into 5 levels (from the easiest level N5 to the most difficult level N1):

Level N5

Able to master/read 100 kanji

Able to master 800 vocabularies

Able to understand standard sentences if written in hiragana or simple kanji.

Level N4

Able to master/read 300 kanji

Able to master about 1500 vocabularies

Able to understand everyday conversation if spoken slowly and can read simple material

Level N3

Able to master/read 650 kanji

Able to master 3750 vocabularies

Able to understand Japanese articles written in easy kanji and can follow Japanese conversations at a normal speed.

Level N2

Able to master/read 1000 kanji

Able to master 6000 vocabularies

Able to understand articles with general topics and understand conversations and news at a normal speed

Level N1

Able to master/read 2000 kanji

Able to master 10000 vocabularies

Able to understand various kinds of conversations in certain situations and can understand different nuances in a sentence pattern when using certain vocabulary.

The difference with TOEFL & IELTS, JLPT does not have a speaking/interview section. All exam questions are in multiple choice form.

In this grammar and reading test, the types of questions are

Vocabulary :

1. Write the underlined word with hiragana

2. Write the underlined word with katakana/kanji

3. Determine the correct word from ( )

4. Looking for a sentence that has the same meaning as another sentence

Reading :

1. Determine the exact particle of ()

2. Determine the correct word with * from several empty words

3. Answering questions from the stories provided