Can You Take JLPT N5 and N4 Together? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the gold standard for measuring Japanese language skills. Many learners, especially beginners, wonder: Can I take JLPT N5 and N4 together?

The short answer is yes, you can—but should you?

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ The feasibility of taking N5 and N4 together
✅ Pros and cons of attempting both levels
✅ Study strategies if you decide to go for it
✅ What to expect on exam day

Whether you’re a self-learner or taking classes, this post will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding JLPT N5 and N4 Levels

Before deciding, it’s crucial to know what each level entails.

JLPT N5 (Beginner Level)

Vocabulary: ~800 words
Kanji: ~100 characters
Grammar: Basic sentence structures (e.g., です/ます forms)
Listening: Simple daily conversations

Example Question (N5):

わたしはがっこう（）いきます。
a) で b) に c) を d) と
Answer: b) に

JLPT N4 (Upper Beginner Level)

Vocabulary: ~1,500 words
Kanji: ~300 characters
Grammar: More complex structures (e.g., ～たら, ～ても)
Listening: Slightly faster conversations

Example Question (N4):

あしたあめがふった（）、でかけません。
a) から b) でも c) なら d) のに
Answer: a) から

Key Insight: N4 builds on N5, but the difficulty jump is noticeable. If you’re comfortably passing N5 practice tests, N4 might be within reach.

Can You Take JLPT N5 and N4 Together?

Technically, yes! The JLPT allows you to register for multiple levels—but only one per exam session (held twice a year in July and December).

However, you can’t take both on the same day. So, if you’re thinking of doing N5 in July and N4 in December, that’s a common strategy.

Pros of Taking N5 and N4 in Consecutive Sessions

✔ Faster Progress – Jumping from N5 to N4 in 6 months keeps momentum.
✔ Confidence Boost – Passing N5 first can motivate you for N4.
✔ Structured Learning – N4 naturally builds on N5 concepts.

Cons of Taking Both Close Together

❌ Burnout Risk – Intensive study may lead to fatigue.
❌ Incomplete Mastery – Rushing might leave gaps in fundamentals.
❌ Exam Overload – Managing two different study plans can be stressful.

Practical Tip: If you’re already near N4 level, skipping N5 might save time. But if you’re a true beginner, taking N5 first is safer.

How to Prepare for Both N5 and N4 Efficiently

If you decide to attempt both within a short timeframe, here’s a smart study plan:

1. Assess Your Current Level

Take a JLPT N5 practice test (like JLPT Official Practice Workbook).
If you score 70%+, you might be ready to tackle N4 soon.

2. Focus on Overlapping Material

Since N4 includes N5 concepts, prioritize:
📚 Kanji & Vocabulary – Learn N5 kanji first, then N4.
📚 Grammar Patterns – Master N5 grammar before moving to N4.
📚 Listening Practice – Use resources like JapanesePod101.

3. Use the Right Study Materials

Here are some highly recommended books:

N5: Genki I or Minna no Nihongo
N4: Genki II or Shin Kanzen Master N4
Apps: WaniKani (Kanji), Bunpo (Grammar)

4. Take Timed Practice Tests

Simulate real exam conditions.
Track weak areas (e.g., listening vs. reading).

5. Join a Study Group or Tutor

Platforms like iTalki or local language exchanges can provide feedback.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Exam Structure Comparison

Section	N5 (Total: 105 min)	N4 (Total: 125 min)
Vocabulary	25 min	30 min
Grammar	50 min	60 min
Listening	30 min	35 min

Key Differences:

N4 has longer passages and faster audio clips.
N5 tests basic comprehension, while N4 includes slightly abstract questions.

Pro Tip: If you’ve prepared well, N4 won’t feel overwhelming—just a step up from N5.

Should You Skip N5 and Go Straight to N4?

This depends on your current level and goals:

✅ Skip N5 if…

You’ve already studied ~150 hours of Japanese.
You can understand simple anime/drama dialogues.
You’re confident in basic grammar.

❌ Take N5 first if…

You’re still struggling with hiragana/katakana.
You need a confidence boost before tackling N4.

Personal Insight: Many learners skip N5 because it’s not required for jobs/visas. But if you’re new to Japanese, N5 gives a solid foundation.

Final Verdict: Is Taking Both Worth It?

If you have the time and dedication, yes! But consider:

Are you rushing for a visa/job? → Maybe skip N5.
Do you enjoy steady progress? → Take N5 first.

Best Path for Most Learners:
📅 July: Take N5
📅 December: Take N4

This gives 6 months of focused study between levels.

FAQs About Taking JLPT N5 and N4 Together

1. Can I take N5 and N4 in the same exam session?

No, you can only take one level per session.

2. How long does it take to go from N5 to N4?

Typically 3-6 months with consistent study (1-2 hours daily).

3. Is N5 useless? Should I skip it?

Not useless—it’s great for beginners. But if you’re already beyond N5, skipping is fine.

4. What’s the pass mark for N5 and N4?

N5: 80/180 (with minimum section scores)
N4: 90/180

Conclusion

Taking JLPT N5 and N4 together is possible—but not in the same exam session. The best approach depends on your current level, goals, and study habits.

🔹 Beginners: Start with N5, then aim for N4 in 6 months.
🔹 Intermediate Learners: Skip N5 if you’re already close to N4.

Need more JLPT tips? Check out our other guides:

Can You Take JLPT N5 and N4 Together? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Have you taken N5 or N4? Share your experience in the comments! 🎌

Can You Take JLPT N5 and N4 Together? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Introduction