January 17, 2026 Online Japanese Languages

Levels and Sections of the NAT Exam for Japanese Language Learners

The Japanese Language NAT-TEST is a widely recognized Japanese proficiency examination among students and working professionals in India. It follows the same academic standards as the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and assesses a learner’s ability to read, understand, and listen to Japanese as it is used in everyday situations.

For those planning to study in Japan, enroll in a Japanese language program, or pursue career opportunities with Japanese companies, having a clear understanding of the Levels and Sections of the NAT Exam is essential. This comprehensive guide explains all five NAT-TEST levels, from 5Q to 1Q, along with their exam structure, section-wise format, syllabus focus, time duration, scoring method, and passing criteria in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

What Is the Japanese Language NAT-TEST?

The NAT-TEST is a standardized Japanese language proficiency examination conducted multiple times a year across different countries, including India. It is aligned closely with the JLPT syllabus, making it a reliable alternative for students who need faster results or multiple exam opportunities.

The exam tests:

Vocabulary and Kanji knowledge
Grammar and sentence structure
Reading comprehension
Listening comprehension

Because of its structured format and quick result declaration, the NAT-TEST is widely accepted by Japanese language institutes, vocational schools, and universities.

An Exam with Five Levels

The Japanese Language NAT-TEST has five levels, numbered from 5Q (easiest) to 1Q (most advanced).

NAT Level	JLPT Equivalent	Difficulty
5Q	N5	Beginner
4Q	N4	Basic
3Q	N3	Intermediate
2Q	N2	Upper-Intermediate
1Q	N1	Advanced

Each level corresponds directly to its respective JLPT level, allowing students to choose the right exam based on their study duration and proficiency.

Exam Sections by Level

The structure of the exam varies slightly depending on the level.

Levels 1Q and 2Q

These advanced levels contain two main sections:

Language Knowledge (Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar)
Listening

Levels 3Q, 4Q, and 5Q

These levels contain three sections:

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Reading)
Language Knowledge (Grammar & Reading Comprehension)
Listening

This progressive structure ensures that beginners are tested gradually while advanced learners face more complex language challenges.

Detailed Explanation of NAT Exam Levels

Level 1 (1Q) – Advanced Proficiency

Study Duration: About 1 year (approx. 1000 hours)
Skill Level: Extremely high Japanese competence
Ideal For:
- Japanese university or graduate school applicants
- Students aiming to clear JLPT N1

Candidates at this level can understand complex texts, advanced grammar patterns, academic vocabulary, and natural Japanese conversations.

Level 2 (2Q) – High Proficiency

Study Duration: 9–12 months (approx. 800 hours)
Skill Level: High Japanese competence
Ideal For:
- Students preparing for Japanese vocational schools
- University entrance preparation
- JLPT N2 aspirants

This level focuses on practical and academic Japanese used in professional and educational settings.

Level 3 (3Q) – Intermediate Proficiency

Study Duration: 6–9 months (approx. 600 hours)
Skill Level: Moderate Japanese competence
Ideal For:
- Students preparing for higher studies
- JLPT N3 preparation

Learners can understand everyday Japanese, workplace conversations, and short articles.

Level 4 (4Q) – Basic Proficiency

Study Duration: 3–6 months (approx. 400 hours)
Skill Level: Basic Japanese competence
Equivalent Level: CEFR A2
Ideal For: JLPT N4 aspirants

This level focuses on daily expressions, basic grammar, and simple reading comprehension.

Level 5 (5Q) – Beginner Proficiency

Study Duration: 1–3 months (approx. 200 hours)
Skill Level: Very basic Japanese
Ideal For: Absolute beginners and JLPT N5 aspirants

Candidates learn basic vocabulary, simple sentence patterns, and essential listening skills.

The Three Sections of the NAT Exam

Although the exact structure varies by level, the NAT-TEST is broadly divided into three skill-based sections.

1. Language Knowledge (Reading & Vocabulary)

This section evaluates:

Kanji reading
Word meanings
Contextual understanding
Usage and synonyms

Level-Wise Focus

Level 1: Kanji reading, contextual comprehension, synonyms, usage
Level 2: Kanji reading, orthography, word formation, synonyms
Level 3: Kanji reading, expressions, contextual comprehension
Level 4: Kanji reading, orthography, basic comprehension
Level 5: Kanji reading and simple contextual understanding

2. Language Knowledge (Grammar & Reading Comprehension)

This section tests:

Verb conjugations
Sentence formation
Grammar usage in context
Reading comprehension skills

Reading Comprehension Includes:

Short and medium passages
Long passages (Level 3 and above)
Information retrieval
Thematic understanding

3. Listening Comprehension

Listening tests real-world Japanese understanding through:

Task-based questions
Understanding key points
Quick responses
Conversation comprehension

Higher levels include integrated comprehension and summary understanding, while lower levels focus on daily spoken expressions.

Testing Time and Number of Questions

Level 1 / 1Q

Reading & Language Knowledge: 110 minutes (71 questions)
Listening: 55 minutes (31 questions)

Level 2 / 2Q

Reading & Language Knowledge: 105 minutes (75 questions)
Listening: 50 minutes (32 questions)

Level 3 / 3Q

Vocabulary: 30 minutes (35 questions)
Grammar & Reading: 70 minutes (39 questions)
Listening: 40 minutes (28 questions)

Level 4 / 4Q

Vocabulary: 25 minutes (28 questions)
Grammar & Reading: 55 minutes (29 questions)
Listening: 35 minutes (28 questions)

Level 5 / 5Q

Vocabulary: 20 minutes (21 questions)
Grammar & Reading: 40 minutes (22 questions)
Listening: 30 minutes (24 questions)

Including breaks, the full exam takes approximately half a day.

Scoring System and Pass Marks

Each section has sectional pass marks, and candidates must also clear the overall pass mark.

Key Rule:

You must pass every section individually and also meet the overall score requirement.

Example:

Sectional pass marks: 19 points per section
Missing one section = Fail, even if total score is high

Passing Criteria Explained

To pass the NAT-TEST:

Score above sectional pass marks in each section
Achieve overall pass marks for your level

This system ensures balanced language skills across reading, grammar, and listening.

Why Understanding Levels and Sections Matters

Understanding the exact structure of the Japanese Language NAT-TEST is not just helpful—it can be the deciding factor between passing and failing. When you clearly know how the exam is designed, you prepare smarter, not harder.

Knowing the NAT exam levels and sections helps you:

Choose the right level confidently based on your current Japanese proficiency, avoiding overconfidence or under-preparation
Plan your study hours effectively by allocating time according to section weightage and difficulty
Identify and strengthen weak areas such as grammar, kanji, or listening before they impact your score
Eliminate exam-day surprises by understanding question patterns, time limits, and section flow in advance

A well-structured preparation strategy aligned with the NAT exam format reduces stress, boosts accuracy, and significantly improves your overall pass rate. When you know what to expect, you walk into the exam hall with clarity, confidence, and control.

FAQs – NAT Exam Levels and Sections

Q1. Is the NAT-TEST easier than the JLPT?

The NAT-TEST and JLPT follow the same Japanese language standards, so the overall difficulty level is comparable. However, many students find the NAT-TEST more convenient because it is conducted multiple times a year, offers faster result declaration, and has a clearer exam structure. This flexibility makes the NAT-TEST a practical alternative for learners who do not want to wait long for JLPT exam dates or results.

Q2. Which NAT level should beginners choose?

Absolute beginners should start with Level 5 (5Q). This level is designed for learners who have studied Japanese for 1 to 3 months and are familiar with basic vocabulary, simple grammar patterns, and everyday expressions. Level 5 helps beginners build confidence and prepares them smoothly for higher levels like 4Q and 3Q.

Q3. Is the NAT-TEST accepted in Japan?

Yes, the Japanese Language NAT-TEST is recognized by many Japanese language schools, vocational institutions, and training centers in Japan. While acceptance may vary depending on the institution, NAT-TEST scores are widely used for language assessment, course placement, and academic preparation. Students are advised to confirm specific requirements with their target institution.

Q4. Can I attempt multiple NAT levels in the same year?

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of the NAT-TEST is that it is conducted several times a year. This allows students to retake the same level for improvement or progress to higher levels within the same year. Many learners use this flexibility to move from 5Q to 3Q or even 2Q in a short span with proper preparation.

Q5. How long does it take to prepare for the NAT-TEST?

Preparation time depends on the target level and the learner’s study consistency. On average:

Level 5 (5Q): 1–3 months
Level 4 (4Q): 3–6 months
Level 3 (3Q): 6–9 months
Level 2 (2Q): 9–12 months
Level 1 (1Q): Around 1 year

A structured study plan, regular practice, and expert guidance can significantly reduce preparation time and improve results.

Q6. What sections are included in the NAT-TEST?

The NAT-TEST evaluates three core skills:

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Kanji)
Language Knowledge (Grammar & Reading Comprehension)
Listening Comprehension

Levels 1Q and 2Q combine vocabulary, grammar, and reading into one major section, while Levels 3Q, 4Q, and 5Q have them divided into two language knowledge sections along with listening.

Q7. Is it mandatory to pass all sections of the NAT exam?

Yes. To pass the NAT-TEST, candidates must clear the sectional pass marks in every section and also achieve the overall pass score. Scoring high in one section cannot compensate for failing another, which makes balanced preparation extremely important.

Q8. Can I prepare for NAT-TEST using JLPT study material?

Yes. Since the NAT-TEST syllabus is aligned with JLPT, most JLPT books, vocabulary lists, grammar references, and mock tests are useful for NAT preparation. However, practicing NAT-specific mock papers is recommended to understand timing and question patterns better.

Q9. Is NAT-TEST suitable for study or work in Japan?

Yes, the NAT-TEST is especially useful for students planning to study Japanese in Japan, enroll in language schools, or prepare for higher Japanese proficiency exams. While some employers may specifically request JLPT, the NAT-TEST is an excellent stepping stone and proof of language ability.

Q10. How can I improve my score in the NAT listening section?

Improving listening skills requires daily exposure to spoken Japanese. Listening to Japanese conversations, news clips, beginner podcasts, and practicing mock tests under timed conditions can significantly enhance performance. Consistency and real-audio practice are key to success.

Prepare for NAT-TEST with TLS – The Japanese Language School

Cracking the Japanese Language NAT-TEST requires more than self-study it demands the right guidance, a structured approach, and consistent practice. That’s where TLS – The Japanese Language School makes the difference. With a proven track record in Japanese language training, TLS helps students achieve high success rates in both NAT-TEST and JLPT exams.

Why Choose TLS?

JLPT & NAT-TEST–focused curriculum designed strictly according to the latest exam patterns
Experienced, native-level trainers who simplify complex grammar and kanji concepts
Exam-oriented study material covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening
Small batch sizes for personalized attention and doubt-clearing
Proven results and student success stories across all NAT levels (5Q to 1Q)

With TLS, you don’t just prepare for an exam you build real Japanese language confidence that helps in academics, careers, and study-abroad goals.