JLPT N3 vs N2
N2 is the professional standard. It shifts from everyday Japanese to business, academic, and media comprehension.
N3N2
Vocabulary~3,750 words~6,000 words
Kanji~650~1,000
Grammar patterns~300~200 advanced
ReadingArticles, essaysBusiness docs, editorials, academic
Study hours (cumulative)950–1,1001,600–1,800
DifficultyIntermediateUpper Intermediate
Which should you take?
N2 is what most employers require. The grammar count is lower than N3, but each pattern carries subtle nuance. Keigo (honorifics) becomes essential.