JLPT Prep

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the standard measure of Japanese ability for non-native speakers. Five levels: N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest). Held twice a year (July and December) in Japan, once or twice a year overseas.

Official Sites

• JLPT Official (Japan) - Official global JLPT site with test info, dates, and sample questions.
• JEES JLPT (Japan) - Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. Handles registration in Japan.
• JLPT United States - U.S. registration via the American Association of Teachers of Japanese.

Free Online Resources

• Tofugu JLPT Resources - Long-running blog with the best curated JLPT guides for every level.
• Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar - Free, comprehensive Japanese grammar guide. Great foundation for any JLPT level.
• Bunpro - Grammar SRS tool organized by JLPT level. Free trial, paid subscription.
• Wanikani - Kanji and vocabulary SRS, covers all JLPT levels. Three free levels then paid.
• Anki - Flashcard app with shared decks for every JLPT level.
• Kanji Garden - Free kanji learning with built-in JLPT decks.
• JLPT Sensei - Free grammar, vocab, and kanji lists by level.
• Nihongo no Mori (YouTube) - Free JLPT lectures in Japanese, recommended for N3 and up.

Practice Tests

• JLPT Practice Tests (Official) - Free official sample questions for all levels.
• JLPT Bootcamp - Practice tests and prep advice for all levels.
• Try N4-N1 - Popular grammar workbook series by level.

Textbooks (Most Recommended)

• Genki I & II - Standard beginner Japanese textbook used by universities worldwide. Roughly N5 to N4.
• Tobira - Intermediate textbook, roughly N3.
• Shin Kanzen Master - The de facto JLPT prep series, available for every level (grammar, reading, listening, kanji, vocab).
• Sou Matome - Lighter and faster JLPT series with daily lessons. Available for every level.
• Nihongo So-matome - Same as Sou Matome above.

Apps

• Renshuu - Free comprehensive Japanese learning app with JLPT decks.
• Kanji Study (Android) - Highly rated kanji app organized by JLPT level.
• Drops - Vocabulary app with Japanese support.
• Migii JLPT - Mobile JLPT practice test app.

Pitch Accent & Pronunciation

• Kotu.io - Free pitch accent training tool.
• Dogen (YouTube) - Famous pronunciation and pitch accent teacher.

Level-by-Level Guide

N5

Basic survival Japanese. ~100 kanji, ~800 vocab. Start with Genki I or a beginner app like Renshuu.

N4

Comfortable with basic conversations. ~300 kanji, ~1500 vocab. Finish Genki II.

N3

Intermediate. Can read manga, watch easy anime. ~650 kanji, ~3700 vocab. Tobira or Shin Kanzen N3.

N2

Business-functional. Required for many jobs that aren't strictly bilingual. ~1000 kanji, ~6000 vocab.

N1

Near-fluent. Required for some advanced/professional jobs and Japanese university programs. ~2000 kanji, ~10000 vocab.

TIP

N2 is often the practical career threshold. N1 is impressive but not required for most jobs. Choose your target based on goals, not pride.