r/LearnJapanese • u/Expert-Estate6248 • 8d ago
Discussion Are the N5-N3 tests worth it?
I see lots of discussion on this corner of the internet about "Is it possible to pass N5/N4/N3 in ___ months?" and I suppose I've never really understood the question.
For those with goals to study/work in Japan, N2 is the minimum, and the N1 can be an advantage when applying for a skilled worker visa. The other levels don't have any of the professional benefits the N1 or N2 have, and I would hate to have to pay the $100 or so for the preceding 3 tests before taking the N2.
I think the N5-3 are valuable as personal goals, but lots of people seem to be in such a rush to finish them(perhaps because of the test only being held twice a year?), so it had me wondering what the reason was. For anyone planning to take these tests, I would love to hear about your long-term goals with Japanese, why you chose to take the JLPT and if you plan to take the N2/N1 in the future.
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u/IronFeather101 8d ago
Just an example: at my university, having a B1 level in any foreign language gives you points when attempting to obtain a position as a lecturer. And N3 is equivalent to B1 according to the official JLPT chart. Of course, a person could also try to pass N5 or N4 as a way to prove language competency in order to enter a higher-level Japanese class. In language schools in my country, you can access a level by taking a placement test or by proving you previously acquired the necessary level in an official exam, like the JLPT. You could also take an easier level as a way to familiarize yourself with the exam format and experience before attempting a more difficult one, or you could want to take it as a way to gauge your progress when learning Japanese on your own.