Should You Take JLPT N3 or N2 ?

2025/10/28

Deciding if you should take JLPT N3 or N2 depends on your current level, goals, and how much time you can commit. This guide breaks down the key differences between JLPT N3 vs N2, from exam structure and difficulty to career impact, so you can choose the right JLPT certification for your Japanese journey.

JLPT N3 vs N2: Key Differences in Exam Structure

JLPT N3 and N2 follow the same structural framework (Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening) but N2 significantly increases both volume and complexity. You gain only 20 additional minutes for 15 more questions, creating a tighter testing environment.

Time and Question Distribution

JLPT N3 allocates 130 minutes for 100 questions, while N2 provides 155 minutes for 115 questions. You’re working through roughly 50% more material in the same time per question.

	N3	N2
Language Knowledge	30 min / 35 Qs	35 min / 50 Qs
Reading	30 min / 30 Qs	35 min / 40 Qs
Listening	40 min / 35 Qs	45 min / 35 Qs
Total	130 min / 100 Qs	155 min / 115 Qs

Scoring and Pass Rates

Both exams award 180 total points (60 per section). N3 typically requires ~95 points while N2 demands ~120 points, a significantly higher accuracy threshold.

How Difficult Is JLPT N2 Compared to N3?

N2 is significantly more difficult than N3 :

	N3	N2
Vocabulary	3750 words	6000 words
Kanji	650-700 kanji	1000-1200 kanji
Grammar	Conversational patterns	Business-level nuance
Reading	Simple articles	Editorial & business documents
Listening	Clear speech	Native-speed conversations

The practical gap matters more than raw numbers. N3 enables basic workplace communication; N2 allows independent professional operation, client interactions, and handling of sophisticated texts. Many test-takers underestimate this jump : N2 is categorically harder, not just incrementally difficult.

What Percentage of Test Takers Pass JLPT N2 vs N3?

Passing N2 is significantly harder than N3. Around 47% of test-takers pass N3 globally, while only 37% succeed at N2, a substantial gap reflecting both the exam’s difficulty and how scoring works.

The JLPT uses scaled scoring, meaning your raw correct answers don’t directly convert to final points. Scores are adjusted based on question difficulty and overall test-taker performance, which makes it hard to predict results. Combined with N2’s genuinely harder material, this creates a real barrier where roughly one in three applicants fail.

 What Can You Do With JLPT N3 vs N2?

JLPT N3: Entry-Level Opportunities  

JLPT N3 enables basic workplace communication but requires support for complex situations. You qualify for entry-level support roles in customer support, documentation, or backend IT. Work visas are technically possible, but most placements start offshore rather than on-site in Japan. Relocation typically comes only after further language development. University admission is limited, and you can only engage with simple everyday media content.

JLPT N2: Career progression and Global Opportunities

N2 allows independent communication in business environments. You access client-facing roles in business development, project coordination, and interpretation across IT, manufacturing, engineering, and consulting sectors. You’re immediately visa-eligible for on-site positions in Japan and can pursue university programs there. You can engage independently with professional media like newspapers, editorials, and business conversations, making you genuinely self-sufficient in Japanese contexts.

How Long Does It Take to Reach JLPT N3 vs N2?

Preparation time depends on your starting level and study intensity. N3 requires significantly less commitment than N2, but both demand consistent, focused effort.

• JLPT N3: 6-12 months preparation / 900-1,700 study hours
• JLPT N2: 12-18 months preparation / 1,700-2,200 study hours

If you’re already at N3, you can accelerate N2 preparation by focusing on specialized vocabulary, business grammar, and listening refinement. 

Can You Reach JLPT N2 in 2 Years From Scratch?

Yes, reaching N2 in 2 years from scratch is possible if you have the right structure and commitment. 

One of our students, Paul, is a perfect example. He went from complete beginner to N2 level in about 2.5 years by studying consistently with Nihongo Online School, attending lessons twice a week. 

He mixed textbook fundamentals with real speaking practice, listened to native-speed Japanese, and wrote regularly. He didn’t rush through levels, instead, he built a solid foundation at each stage and stayed driven by a clear goal: studying animation in Japan. His story shows that if you’re willing to put in consistent effort across vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, and reading, N2 is within reach.

Discover how we helped Paul reach his goal

Should You Take JLPT N3 or N2: How to Decide

Deciding between N3 and N2 requires understanding your current level and aligning the exam with your objectives. Here’s how to choose:

Choose JLPT N3 if:

• You want conversational fluency for daily life and travel in Japan
• Your goal is personal growth and understanding everyday interactions
• You’re still building your foundation and N3 practice tests challenge you
• You have limited time (6-12 months) and want a realistic goal
• You prefer a lower-risk option with higher pass rates

Choose JLPT N2 if:

• Your career goals require business-level Japanese communication
• You’re scoring well on N3 practice tests and ready for the next level
• You have 12-18 months to prepare thoroughly
• Your job or university application depends on N2 certification

Take practice tests from both levels to assess your current ability. If you’re uncertain, N3 first provides a solid foundation before tackling N2.See our guide to find out whether you should choose N3 or N4.