Want a clean, level-by-level roadmap to pass the JLPT—without drowning in random resources? Use this blueprint to move from N5 basics to N1 mastery with clear milestones, a repeatable daily routine, and test-day tactics that actually work.
Level-by-Level Roadmap
| Level | Target Outcome | Weekly Hours (typical) | Core Focus | Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | Read/write basics, everyday phrases | 6–8 | Kana fluency, core grammar, slow listening | 500+ words, 100+ basic kanji, 20–30 essential patterns |
| N4 | Everyday conversation & texts | 8–10 | Sentence patterns, reading speed, listening stamina | 1.5k words, 300+ kanji, short passage reading |
| N3 | Lower-intermediate, news snippets | 10–12 | Mid-tier grammar, longer reading, natural-speed audio | 3k words, 650+ kanji, paragraph summaries |
| N2 | Work/study ready | 12–15 | Complex grammar, dense texts, fast listening | 6k words, 1000+ kanji, note-taking while listening |
| N1 | Professional fluency | 15–20 | Nuance, abstract topics, inference | 10k+ words, 2000+ kanji, argumentative reading |
Tip: JLPT uses overall and sectional minimums. Aim for comfortably 60–70%+ across sections to stay safe.
The Step-by-Step Framework (Works for Any Level)
- Pick your level with diagnostics
Do one timed mock (official-style) to find your weakest section: Vocabulary/Grammar/Reading vs Listening. Start one level below your dream level if you miss by a wide margin—momentum matters. - Lock in a tight resource stack (no hoarding)
- Grammar: one main textbook + one concise reference.
- Vocab: SRS/flashcards with example sentences.
- Reading: short graded readers → news app → full practice sets.
- Listening: JLPT audio + podcasts/YT at your level.
- Design a non-negotiable daily routine (45–120 min)
- 10–20 min SRS vocab
- 20–40 min grammar with 5–10 original example sentences
- 15–30 min listening (shadow 1–2 clips)
- 15–30 min reading with a 2–3 sentence summary
- Build kanji the smart way
Study by frequency + compounds, not single characters. Always attach a keyword + 2–3 common words per kanji. - Drill grammar for output
After learning a point, write 5 mini-sentences and say them aloud. Record a 60-second voice note to force fluency. - Level-specific reading ladders
- N5–N4: graded readers → textbook passages
- N3: short news summaries → blog posts
- N2–N1: editorials, essays, explanations (economy, science, policy)
- Listening: shadowing > passive play
Loop a 30–60s clip: listen → read transcript → shadow line-by-line → re-listen. Track WPM tolerated without transcript. - Weekly accuracy audit
One timed section per week. Log: score, top 3 error types (vocab gap, grammar trap, inference miss). Fix with targeted drills. - Mock-test ladder
12, 8, 4, and 2 weeks out—full tests under time. Simulate breaks, pencils, answer sheet. Review is where the gains happen. - Test-day tactics
- Order: Vocab/Grammar → Reading → Listening (as given)
- Timing: mark time checkpoints per page; skip and star traps.
- Guessing: eliminate, pick, move—don’t sink minutes.
Level-Specific Quick Wins
N5/N4 (Foundations)
- Master kana in 7–10 days; then never use romaji again.
- Learn 20–30 “glue” grammar patterns (〜は、〜が、〜の、〜ている、〜たい、〜から、〜けど).
- Use picture dictionaries + TPR (point-and-say around your room).
N3 (Bridge Level)
- Upgrade connectors (しかし、つまり、一方で).
- Do one long reading daily; summarize in 3 bullets.
- Shadow natural-speed audio; aim for 90–120 WPM.
N2 (Complexity)
- Group synonyms/nuance (必ず vs きっと vs ぜひ).
- Practice skimming headings, then answer detail questions.
- Listen for implied opinions and contrasts.
N1 (Nuance & Logic)
- Train inference with opinion pieces. “What’s the author’s stance?”
- Map passage logic: claim → support → counter → conclusion.
- Build a collocation notebook for formal phrasing.
Daily Study Template (Plug-and-Play)
| Slot | Focus | What to Do | Output Check | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Vocab SRS | 20 new / 80 reviews | 5 original sentences | 20 min |
| Commute | Listening | 1 clip loop + shadow | Record 60s recap | 20–30 min |
| Lunch | Kanji | 10 kanji, 3 compounds each | Micro-quiz | 15 min |
| Evening | Grammar | 1 point + 10 drills | Mini paragraph | 25–40 min |
| Wind-down | Reading | 1 passage | 3-sentence summary | 15–20 min |
Common Pitfalls (and Fixes)
- Too many resources: cap to 1 per skill; finish, then swap.
- Only passive input: require a daily spoken or written output.
- Ignoring timing: every week, run one section timed.
- Kanji in isolation: always attach high-frequency compounds.
- Skipping review: SRS first—new items are useless without reviews.
Six-Checkpoint Mock Plan (Final 6 Weeks)
| Week | Goal | Action | Review Focus | Result Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Baseline | Full mock | Top 5 error types | Gap map ready |
| 5 | Patch #1 | Drill weak section | Grammar traps | +10–15% section |
| 4 | Endurance | Full mock | Timing & stamina | Even pacing |
| 3 | Patch #2 | Targeted drills | Vocab/kanji holes | Faster recall |
| 2 | Dress Rehearsal | Full mock + OMR | Strategy tweaks | Stable scores |
| 1 | Taper | Light mixed sets | Sleep, routine | Peak readiness |
Quick Resource Checklist
- One grammar path (textbook or structured course)
- SRS app with your own example sentences
- Graded reading → news/editorials pipeline
- Official-style practice tests + answer sheet
- Timer, notebook, recording app
3 Best One-Line FAQs
Q1. How long to pass my level?
A. Most learners pass in 3–6 months per level with consistent daily study.
Q2. Do I need speaking for JLPT?
A. No speaking section—still practice speaking to cement grammar and vocab.
Q3. How should I guess on tough questions?
A. Eliminate obvious wrongs, pick once, mark it, and move on—time beats perfection.