JLPT kanji prep: how long each level takes

The JLPT runs twice a year in many countries, in July and December. Registration usually closes about three months before. That gives you a natural deadline.

How the test checks kanji

In the language knowledge section you’re asked how a kanji word is read, and which kanji fits a word written in kana. In the reading section, kanji are everywhere. Recognising meaning quickly matters as much as knowing readings.

Rough timeline

Assuming 20 to 30 minutes of kanji a day alongside other study:

Goal	Kanji (approx. total)	Time from previous level
N5	100	1 month
N4	300	2–3 months
N3	650	4–6 months
N2	1000	6–9 months

Counts are unofficial estimates. N1 adds roughly another thousand.

The last six weeks

• Stop adding new kanji two to three weeks before the test.
• Review the weak ones: the cards you miss most.
• Do past-style questions: reading of a kanji word, choosing the right kanji.
• Read timed passages so recognition becomes fast.

Using Kanji Mnemonics for prep

Filter by your target level, run the keyword-to-kanji quiz to find weak spots, and use progress tracking to see what’s left. Pro opens every level from N5 to N1.

Overview: JLPT levels