Why should I take the JLPT N3 and N2?

For those seeking employment in Japan, JLPT scores can be quite useful. Many jobs require N2 level minimum. Passing the N2 or N1 levels can even qualify individuals for preferential treatment when immigrating to Japan, or get you noticed by a potential employer.

While N2 certification is often required for jobs in Japan and international companies with Japanese ties, while N3 can open doors for various roles. 

Overall, achieving JLPT N3 and N2 certifications provides significant advantages, including enhanced employment prospects in Japan and international companies, streamlined immigration processes, improved cultural integration for long-term stays, opportunities for career growth within Japanese industries, and personal development through language mastery and increased self-confidence.

An overview of the JLPT N3

The JLPT N3 exam targets learners with intermediate proficiency. It assumes you’ve mastered basic concepts like days of the week and numbers but are still refining your conversational skills. The test content includes:

• Reading passages on everyday topics with basic kanji usage.

• Listening and responding to questions about daily situations at a slightly slower pace than natural speech.

• Usage of vocabulary at the N3 level, which expands beyond basic terms.

The exam is structured into three sections:

1. Vocabulary (including kanji, spelling, expressions, orthography, and paraphrasing).

2. Grammar and Reading (ordering sentences correctly, using appropriate verb forms, and comprehending short to mid-length passages).

3. Listening comprehension.

To succeed in the JLPT N3 exam, you’ll need to grasp around 3,000 vocabulary words and have knowledge of approximately 650 kanji characters.

This level encompasses everything covered in the N4 exam, with a broader vocabulary range that includes workplace, supermarket, and restaurant terms. If you’re seeking comprehensive preparation, consider TLS’s JLPT N3 course. For specific grammar help, explore our guide to Japanese particles and verb conjugations. 

Check out our JLPT Intensive Course for N3 

Here are some examples of grammar needed in order to nail the exam:

ーくらい:

• “~kurai” and “~” is a word used when you think lightly that “~” is not a big problem, it is a small thing
• English: at least

～っけ:

• “〜 kke” is used to confirm something the speaker can’t remember. This is also used when the speaker talks to theirself.
• V (ordinary form) + ikke
• A(normal form) + っけ
• NaA (normal form) + っけ
• N (normal form) + ikke

TLS offers a JLPT N3 preparation course which goes more in depth of grammatical points to consider– click here for details.

An overview of the JLPT N2

The JLPT N2 exam targets learners with advanced proficiency. It assumes you’re capable of engaging in sophisticated conversations, comprehending complex materials, and expressing ideas fluently. The test content includes:

• Reading Comprehension: Analyzing and understanding various written materials, including essays, articles, and narratives, with advanced kanji usage.

• Listening Comprehension: Listening to and comprehending spoken Japanese across different contexts and speeds, including formal speeches, interviews, and dialogues.

• Grammar and Vocabulary: Demonstrating mastery of advanced grammar structures, idiomatic expressions, and nuanced vocabulary appropriate for professional and academic settings.

• Understanding Cultural Context: Interpreting cultural nuances, formalities, and social etiquettes embedded within written and spoken content.

To succeed in the JLPT N2 exam, you’ll need to grasp around 6,000 vocabulary words and have knowledge of approximately 1,000 kanji characters.

The JLPT N2 exam is structured as follows:

1. Listening Comprehension: About 50 minutes, 34-36 questions. Involves listening to conversations and answering comprehension questions.

2. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary / Grammar) and Reading: Around 105 minutes, roughly 70 questions. Language knowledge section tests vocabulary and grammar proficiency. Reading section requires understanding written materials and answering related questions.

Vocab and kanji are foremost the important factor, then grammar in the N2 Level.

TLS offers a specialized JLPT N2 preparation course tailored to help you navigate the exam’s complexities and challenges. For further assistance with advanced grammar structures, verb conjugations, and comprehensive study materials, consider enrolling in our private lessons for targeted and personalized guidance.