Results day is the most stressful day in the JLPT calendar. Here's exactly how to check your scores, when to expect them, and what to do when the MyJLPT portal inevitably crashes.
When Are Results Released?
| Exam Session | Online Results | Score Report Mailed (Japan) | Score Report Mailed (Overseas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July Exam | Late August | Early September | Early October |
| December Exam | Late January | Early February | Early March |
JLPT Results Release Schedule
Online results go live at 10:00 AM JST on the release date. For the December 2025 exam, results were posted on January 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM JST. For other time zones: that's 8:00 PM EST (previous day), 5:00 PM PST (previous day), 1:00 AM GMT, and 6:30 AM IST.
The Portal Will Be Slow
Step-by-Step: Checking Results Online
Go to the MyJLPT Portal
1 minuteNavigate to jlpt.jp and click on the results/score inquiry section. Make sure you're on the official site — bookmark it in advance to avoid phishing sites.
Log In with Your Credentials
1 minuteEnter your MyJLPT username and password. If you forgot your password, use the reset function — but do this BEFORE results day, not during peak traffic.
Navigate to Test Results
1 minuteOnce logged in, find the results section. It will show your most recent exam. Click to view your detailed score breakdown.
Review Your Score Report
2 minutesYour online results show: total score, section scores, pass/fail status, and (from Dec 2025) your CEFR reference level. Screenshot this immediately.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your JLPT score report contains several pieces of information. Here's what each one means:
Total Score
This is your overall scaled score out of 180. The passing thresholds are: N5 = 80, N4 = 90, N3 = 95, N2 = 90, N1 = 100. Remember — these are scaled scores calculated using Item Response Theory, not raw percentages.
Section Scores
Your score is broken down by section. You must meet the sectional minimum in every section, even if your total score exceeds the passing threshold. Failing one section means failing the entire exam.
| Level | Sections | Minimum per Section |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | Language Knowledge (0-60), Reading (0-60), Listening (0-60) | 19 per section |
| N2 | Language Knowledge (0-60), Reading (0-60), Listening (0-60) | 19 per section |
| N3 | Language Knowledge (0-60), Reading (0-60), Listening (0-60) | 19 per section |
| N4 | Language Knowledge + Reading (0-120), Listening (0-60) | 38 (LK+R), 19 (L) |
| N5 | Language Knowledge + Reading (0-120), Listening (0-60) | 38 (LK+R), 19 (L) |
Sectional Minimums by Level
Reference Information (A/B/C Grades)
Each section also shows a reference grade: A (67%+ correct), B (34-66% correct), or C (below 34% correct). This gives you a rough sense of your strength in each area. Getting all A's with a failing total score is unusual — it usually means you were close to passing.
CEFR Reference Level (New)
From December 2025, your score report includes a CEFR reference level (A1–C1) based on your total score. This only appears if you passed. If you didn't pass or took an earlier exam, this field shows "＊".
What to Do If You Can't Access Results
- Wait 30-60 minutes. Peak traffic subsides after the initial rush. Most people can access results within an hour of release.
- Try a different browser or device. Sometimes the portal works on mobile when desktop is timing out, or vice versa.
- Clear your browser cache. Old session cookies can cause login issues.
- Check social media. Reddit's r/LearnJapanese and WaniKani forums usually confirm when the portal is accessible. If everyone is having issues, it's a server problem, not you.
- Don't reset your password during peak traffic. Password reset emails may be delayed by hours during the rush. If you need to reset, do it the day before.
After You Get Your Results
If You Passed
Congratulations! Your physical Score Report and Certificate will arrive by mail in 1-2 months. Screenshot your online results now. Consider [what level to aim for next](/blog/can-you-skip-jlpt-levels).
Certificate incoming
If You Didn't Pass
Check your section scores to identify weaknesses. A score close to the passing threshold means you're almost there. Register for the next session and focus on your weakest section.
Retake in 6 months
If You Hit Sectional Minimum
Failing due to one section being below 19 (or 38 for N4/N5) is frustrating but common. It means your overall ability is fine but you have a critical weakness to address.
Focus on weak section
Results Day Checklist
- Results go live at 10:00 AM JST — convert to your time zone
- The portal will be slow for the first 30-60 minutes — be patient
- Log in to MyJLPT and screenshot your results immediately
- Check both total score AND sectional scores — you need to pass both
- Physical score report arrives 1-2 months after online results
- From December 2025, your report includes a CEFR reference level
Waiting for results? Use the time to keep building skills. Your next level is waiting.
Continue Practicing