JLPT N4 scoring and pass marks

The idea

N4 is scored out of 180: language knowledge and reading together are worth 120, and listening is worth 60. To pass, take all test sections and reach at least 90 overall, 38 in language knowledge and reading, and 19 in listening. Scores are scaled, so the number of correct answers cannot be converted directly into a score.

Examples

• 試験しけんの結果けっかを確認かくにんしました。I checked the test result.
• 合計ごうけいは九十きゅうじゅう点てんでした。The total was 90 points.
• 聴解ちょうかいは十九じゅうきゅう点てんでした。The listening score was 19 points.
• 読解どっかいの練習れんしゅうを続つづけます。I will continue practising reading.
• 毎日まいにち、日本語にほんごを聞ききます。I listen to Japanese every day.
• 次つぎの試験しけんまでに、苦手にがてなところを勉強べんきょうします。I will study my weak areas before the next test.

Watch out

A total of 90 alone does not guarantee a pass: either sectional score below its minimum means failure. The vocabulary and grammar/reading test sessions are combined into one scoring section.

Try it yourself

1. Does this result pass? 言語知識・読解 71／120、聴解 19／60。合格？（はい／いいえ）

   Show answer or example answer

   はい

   Pass: 71 + 19 = 90, and both section scores meet their minimums.

2. Does this result pass? 言語知識・読解 100／120、聴解 18／60。合格？（はい／いいえ）

   Show answer or example answer

   いいえ

   Fail: 100 + 18 = 118, but listening is below 19.

3. Does this result pass? 言語知識・読解 37／120、聴解 60／60。合格？（はい／いいえ）

   Show answer or example answer

   いいえ

   Fail: 37 + 60 = 97, but language knowledge and reading is below 38.

Use it today

For each sample result, choose whether the candidate passes. Check the total and both sectional minimums.