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JLPT practice tests: past papers, free workbooks and mock tests
The JLPT (日本語能力試験, Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) organizers do not publish past exam papers. They do publish free practice questions with answers and audio for every level, N5 to N1, and this page links each download.
On this page
Are JLPT past papers available?
No. The organizers say so on their own FAQ page.
- Exact past papers are not published; the workbooks use questions chosen from past tests.
- A file offered as a real past paper did not come from the organizers' published materials.
- jlpt.jp says sample questions based on past questions will be published regularly in the future. We found no date for the next set.
- jlpt.jp's "JLPT Practice Test" page (jlpt.jp/mogiinfo) is by invitation: for the December 2026 test, applicants picked by random draw were invited to a practice test on 23 November 2026 in Japan.
- JEES does not recommend particular study methods or materials, only the sample questions and these books.
Sources: jlpt.jp: FAQ, jlpt.jp: practice test page, JEES FAQ: practice material
Free JLPT practice questions for N5, N4, N3, N2 and N1
These are the Official Practice Workbooks on jlpt.jp. Each level has two sets, Vol. 2 (2018) and the 2012 workbook, with questions chosen from past tests since the 2010 revision. Every link below opens a PDF.
| Level | Vol. 2 (2018): questions | 2012 workbook: questions | Answers, script and answer sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vol. 2: answers, listening script, answer sheet. 2012: answers, listening script, answer sheet. |
| N2 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vol. 2: answers, listening script, answer sheet. 2012: answers, listening script, answer sheet. |
| N3 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vol. 2: answers, listening script, answer sheet. 2012: answers, listening script, answer sheet. |
| N4 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vol. 2: answers, listening script, answer sheet. 2012: answers, listening script, answer sheet. |
| N5 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Listening | Vol. 2: answers, listening script, answer sheet. 2012: answers, listening script, answer sheet. |
Level pages with the pass marks: N1, N2, N3, N4, N5. The official page that lists all of these downloads is the Official Practice Workbook page. The reading questions are covered in reading practice. The workbook page says some N1 and N2 grammar and reading questions and all of the listening audio contain works by third-party authors, and reprinting or reproducing them without permission is prohibited.
JLPT listening practice: MP3 files by question type
The workbook page gives MP3 audio for every level N1 to N5, split by question type. Listening MP3s are split by question type (task-based, point, summary comprehension, utterance expressions, quick response, integrated). Each cell links the Vol. 2 file and the 2012 file.
| Level | Task-based comprehension | Point comprehension | Summary comprehension | Utterance expressions | Quick response | Integrated comprehension |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 |
| N2 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 |
| N3 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none |
| N4 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none |
| N5 | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none | Vol. 2 2012 | Vol. 2 2012 | none |
The scripts for these recordings are in the last column of the table above.
JLPT sample questions
The sample questions page gives one example for each question type at each level, N1 to N5.
- Open a level: N1, N2, N3, N4, N5. Each opens an interactive screen. On the N5 page we saw one question at a time, with four answer choices and a Next button, and the screen text is in Japanese. We did not work through the questions or check how they are marked.
- The sample questions page says the samples may differ from questions in the actual test booklet.
- The sample questions page points to the 2009 sample question book and the Official Practice Workbook for more practice.
- "New JLPT Sample Questions" (published 2009) covers every item type for all levels, with one audio sample per listening type; PDF per level. It is on the 2009 sample questions page.
- You can download audio for listening examples from the Sample Questions pages.
The N5 sample questions are also covered on the JLPT N5 page.
Sources: jlpt.jp: sample questions, jlpt.jp: 2009 sample questions, jlpt.jp: FAQ
Printed JLPT workbooks and guidebooks
Both workbook volumes are also sold as printed books by Bonjinsha. Each workbook costs 700 yen plus tax; every volume comes with a CD; publisher Bonjinsha. Guidebook with sample questions: 900 yen plus tax (N1 to N3, 129 pages) and 800 yen plus tax (N4 and N5, 87 pages). Workbooks and guidebooks are sold at major bookstores such as Kinokuniya, Maruzen, Junkudo, Asahiya and Sanseido; publisher contact Bonjinsha.
| Level | Pages and ISBN, 2012 workbook and Vol. 2 |
|---|---|
| N1 | N1 workbook (2012): 101 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-817-3; Vol. 2: 100 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-936-1 |
| N2 | N2 workbook (2012): 99 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-818-0; Vol. 2: 100 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-937-8 |
| N3 | N3 workbook (2012): 93 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-819-7; Vol. 2: 92 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-938-5 |
| N4 | N4 workbook (2012): 93 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-820-3; Vol. 2: 94 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-939-2 |
| N5 | N5 workbook (2012): 89 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-821-0; Vol. 2: 86 pages, ISBN 978-4-89358-940-8 |
The printed books are for readers who want paper. The PDFs and MP3s above cost nothing.
Sources: jlpt.jp: Official Practice Workbook downloads, jlpt.jp: official books, JEES FAQ: practice material
JLPT mock tests from publishers
Some paid JLPT books include a mock exam. We found one in each English edition of TRY! (N5 to N1) from ASK Publishing, a publisher that is not the JLPT organizers. The descriptions below are the publisher's own, and we have not taken these mock exams.
| Level | What the publisher's page says about the mock exam |
|---|---|
| N5 | A mock exam that matches the format and length of the real JLPT. |
| N4 | A full-length mock test modeled after the JLPT. |
| N3 | A mock exam in the real format and volume. |
| N2 | A full-length mock test that mirrors the format and length of the real exam. |
| N1 | A full-length mock exam modeled after the real test. |
These are the English editions. Paper copies cost from 1,650 yen (N5) to 1,980 yen (N1), tax included. The books are mainly grammar courses, so see the study guide before buying one for the mock exam alone. We did not read other publishers' mock-test books.
Sources: ASK Publishing: TRY! N5, ASK Publishing: TRY! N4, ASK Publishing: TRY! N3, ASK Publishing: TRY! N2, ASK Publishing: TRY! N1
How to use a JLPT practice test
These steps are our suggestion, not an official method. The organizers say they do not recommend particular study methods or materials.
- Pick one level and one sectionDownload the questions for the level you plan to take. At N3, N4 and N5 the test has a vocabulary section and a grammar-and-reading section, and at N1 and N2 vocabulary, grammar and reading are one section.
- Set a timer to the real section timeUse the times in the table further down this page. Stop when the time is up, even if you are mid-question.
- Mark yourself with the official answersEach level has an answers PDF, and a listening script for the audio.
- Look at each section, not only the totalPassing needs the minimum in every scoring section as well as the total. A section where you lose the most marks tells you more than the sum.
- Do not turn the result into a JLPT scoreReal scores are scaled, so counting correct answers does not give your score. Use a practice result to compare your own sessions with each other.
Sources: JEES FAQ: practice material, jlpt.jp: test sections and times, jlpt.jp: Official Practice Workbook downloads, jlpt.jp: scoring and pass marks, jlpt.jp: FAQ, jlpt.jp: points system
JLPT section times to practice against
These are the current section times for each level.
| Level | Session in Japan | Parts and minutes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | Afternoon | Vocabulary: 20 min; Grammar and reading: 40 min; Listening: 30 min | 90 min |
| N4 | Afternoon | Vocabulary: 25 min; Grammar and reading: 55 min; Listening: 35 min | 115 min |
| N3 | Afternoon | Vocabulary: 30 min; Grammar and reading: 70 min; Listening: 40 min | 140 min |
| N2 | Morning | Vocabulary, grammar and reading: 105 min; Listening: 50 min | 155 min |
| N1 | Morning | Vocabulary, grammar and reading: 110 min; Listening: 55 min | 165 min |
Section times may change and listening length varies slightly with the recordings. Pass marks for each level: JLPT results and scoring.
Sources: jlpt.jp: test sections and times
More JLPT practice and preparation
Reading practice
Free official reading questions N5 to N1, graded readers, and what each source says about its level.
Study guide
Hours by source, textbooks by level, app prices and lessons, each with its source named.
Test day
What to bring, the timetable for each level and the rules that can end your test.
Results and pass marks
When results arrive, how to check them, the pass mark at each level, certificates and what to do if you fail.
A teacher to explain the questions you miss
The workbook gives answers and listening scripts, and a teacher can explain why.
italki
- One-to-one lessons by video with a teacher you choose
- Up to 3 trial lessons, one per teacher
- Pay per lesson, no subscription needed
- Fits you if you want a teacher to explain the practice questions you got wrong.
- Not for you if the answers and listening scripts are enough for you.
Find a Japanese teacher for the JLPT on italki
Opens italki's site (Japanese; English version too)
JLPT questions
Where can I get JLPT past papers?
Nowhere from the organizers, who do not publish exact past papers. The free Official Practice Workbook is the closest match, and the download links by level are in the first table on this page.
Where can I download JLPT practice tests for free?
On jlpt.jp, as the Official Practice Workbook. Each level has the questions as PDFs, plus answers and listening scripts.
Is there an official JLPT mock test?
The organizers publish practice workbooks and sample questions. jlpt.jp's "JLPT Practice Test" page (jlpt.jp/mogiinfo) is by invitation: for the December 2026 test, applicants picked by random draw were invited to a practice test on 23 November 2026 in Japan. We found no full-length scored mock test from them that anyone can sign up for.
Are the JLPT workbook questions the same as the real test?
Each workbook has roughly the number of questions in a real test, chosen from tests since the 2010 revision. They are not whole past papers, and the organizers say exact past papers are not published.
Can I predict my JLPT score from a practice test?
Not exactly. Real scores are scaled, so counting your correct answers does not give your score. Scaling is meant to give the same ability the same score whichever session you sit.
Is there JLPT listening practice with audio?
Yes. Listening MP3s are split by question type (task-based, point, summary comprehension, utterance expressions, quick response, integrated). The MP3 table on this page links every file.
Do the JLPT workbooks cost anything?
The PDFs and MP3s are free to download. The printed workbooks cost 700 yen plus tax each.
Where can I find JLPT N5 questions?
The N5 files are in the first table above and on the JLPT N5 page. The printed N5 workbook costs 700 yen plus tax, and the sample questions give one question for each type.
How we checked
Every fact on this page links to the page it was read from, and our data keeps the quote. We read the jlpt.jp sample questions, FAQ and Official Practice Workbook pages, the JEES FAQ and the publishers' book pages on October 5, 2026. We confirmed that the workbook PDFs and MP3s linked here load, and opened the N5 sample question page. We did not sit these practice tests or the publisher mock exams. We do not run the JLPT and are not affiliated with it.
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