JLPT Study Planner

An effective JLPT study plan starts by identifying your target level and test date, then working backward to determine how much material you need to cover each week. Divide your study time across three areas: kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. The recommended approach is to spend the first 60 percent of your preparation time learning new material, the next 25 percent on review and practice problems, and the final 15 percent on mock tests and final review. Consistency is more important than intensity, so aim for a sustainable daily schedule you can maintain throughout your preparation period.

The ideal daily study time depends on your target level and how much time you have before the test. For most learners, 1 to 2 hours per day is a sustainable and effective amount. If you have a shorter preparation period, you may need to increase to 3 to 4 hours daily. Studying more than 4 hours per day can lead to diminishing returns and burnout. Quality of study matters more than quantity. Focus on active recall, spaced repetition, and regular practice tests rather than passive reading. Even 30 minutes of focused, high-quality study each day can produce meaningful progress over time.

The recommended preparation time varies by level. For N5, start at least 3 months before the test. For N4, plan for 4 to 6 months. N3 typically requires 6 to 9 months of preparation. N2 benefits from 9 to 12 months of study. N1, the most challenging level, generally requires 12 to 18 months or more. These estimates assume some prior Japanese knowledge for levels above N5. If you are starting from zero, add additional time for learning hiragana, katakana, and basic sentence structure before beginning level-specific study.

The most effective approach is to study all three areas simultaneously rather than focusing on one at a time. However, the balance shifts depending on your level. At N5 and N4, vocabulary and grammar deserve slightly more attention since the kanji count is manageable. At N3 and above, kanji study becomes increasingly important because many vocabulary words use kanji you need to recognize. A good general ratio is 30 percent kanji, 40 percent vocabulary, and 30 percent grammar. Vocabulary study naturally reinforces kanji knowledge since you encounter kanji in context.

The JLPT is held twice a year worldwide. In 2025, the test dates are July 6, 2025 (first session) and December 7, 2025 (second session). In 2026, the test dates are July 5, 2026 (first session) and December 6, 2026 (second session). Tests are typically held on the first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of December. Registration opens approximately 3 to 4 months before each test date. Exact dates and registration deadlines may vary by country, so always confirm with your local test site organization.