NAT-TEST explained: the five levels, the pass marks, and April 2026's pass rates by level
The NAT-TEST is a Japanese test built on the same standards as the JLPT, run by a Tokyo publisher, Senmon Kyouiku Publishing. It has five levels, 5Q (easiest) to 1Q, each equivalent to the JLPT level with the same number.
You need two things to pass: the overall mark for your level and at least 19 of 60 in each section. The figures below are from the official April 2026 results report and the NAT-TEST site, read on 5 November 2026.
Pass marks, out of 180
At 1Q, 2Q and 3Q there are three sections of 60 points. At 4Q and 5Q language knowledge and reading are one section of 120, with a floor of 38, and listening is 60, with a floor of 19.
Our reading: 3Q's pass mark of 95 is higher than 2Q's 90. The levels are different tests, so the pass mark is not a measure of how hard a level is.
- 1Q (N1)100About 1,000 study hours
- 2Q (N2)90About 800 study hours
- 3Q (N3)95About 600 study hours
- 4Q (N4)90About 400 study hours
- 5Q (N5)80About 200 study hours
What April 2026's results show
The report counts those who sat, those who passed, those who missed the overall mark by 10 points or fewer, and those who failed by being under a section floor. 1Q only runs in February, June and October, so April has no 1Q figures.
Our reading: far more candidates missed by a narrow margin than fell under a floor. At 3Q, 845 missed by 10 points or fewer and 25 failed on a floor. The floor exists, but it is the total that stops most people.
- 2Q30.9% passed423 of 1,368; 233 within 10 points; 14 on a floor
- 3Q37.4% passed1,884 of 5,035; 845 within 10 points; 25 on a floor
- 4Q36.1% passed2,722 of 7,549; 1,023 within 10 points; 30 on a floor
- 5Q50.6% passed4,455 of 8,808; 916 within 10 points; 62 on a floor
The test itself
It runs far more often than the JLPT. The report says 12 or more times a year, monthly, depending on the test centre. The JLPT runs at most twice a year.
Length: about two to three hours depending on the level, with a 10-minute break between sections.
Paper or computer: the report lists both a mark-sheet and a computer-based format. Ask your centre which it runs.
Results and certificates: results within three weeks. Everyone gets a score report, with correct-answer rates for each question type. If you pass, you also get a certificate with your photo.
Fees, refunds and using it
Fees are set by test centre, and you register only through that centre. The official site lists them per centre.
No refunds, whatever the reason. You can change the date up to one week before the exam. Correcting your registration details after the test day costs 50% of the test fee.
It is not the JLPT. The NAT-TEST is a good way to check your level between JLPT dates, and the publisher says JLPT materials work for it. But if a university, employer or visa rule names the JLPT, ask whether it accepts a NAT-TEST result before you pay.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Assuming a NAT-TEST pass counts as a JLPT certificate.
Asking the institution whether it accepts the NAT-TEST.
They are separate tests from separate organisers, however similar the format.
Booking 1Q for any month.
Checking February, June or October.
The report says 1Q runs only in those three months.
Registering before you are sure of the date.
Confirming your date first.
Fees are not refunded for any reason, though the date can change up to a week before.
Questions
What is the NAT-TEST pass mark?
Out of 180: 100 at 1Q, 90 at 2Q, 95 at 3Q, 90 at 4Q and 80 at 5Q, plus the section floors.
What is the NAT-TEST pass rate?
In April 2026: 30.9% at 2Q, 37.4% at 3Q, 36.1% at 4Q and 50.6% at 5Q.
Is the NAT-TEST the same as the JLPT?
No. It follows the JLPT's standards and format, with matching levels, but it has a different organiser and its own certificate.
How often is the NAT-TEST held?
12 or more times a year, depending on the centre. 1Q runs only in February, June and October.
How long does the NAT-TEST take?
About two to three hours depending on the level, with a 10-minute break between sections.
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