How do JLPT levels map to CEFR proficiency
Become Proficient in Japanese: Complete Guide to Your Tests: How do JLPT levels map to CEFR proficiency
The JLPT levels are being officially mapped to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) proficiency levels, starting from December 2025. The mapping aligns JLPT levels (N5 to N1) with CEFR levels (A1 to C1), with C2 being the highest CEFR level, although current JLPT mapping primarily focuses on up to C1.
Key Points of the Mapping
- JLPT N5 correlates roughly with CEFR A1, indicating beginner proficiency.
- JLPT N4 corresponds approximately to CEFR A2, representing basic user competence.
- JLPT N3 aligns with CEFR B1, indicating intermediate proficiency.
- JLPT N2 maps well to CEFR B2, approaching upper-intermediate to advanced proficiency.
- JLPT N1 is linked with CEFR C1, signifying advanced proficiency.
Details and Rationale
- The official mapping is based on expert evaluations of JLPT question difficulty and scoring, aligning the test scores with CEFR’s descriptors.
- The CEFR framework covers a broad spectrum of language abilities, with levels ranging from A1 (introductory) to C2 (proficient), and the JLPT levels reflect this hierarchy with N5 being the most basic and N1 the most advanced.
- The CEFR levels are primarily based on receptive skills (listening and reading), which corresponds closely with the focus areas in JLPT, especially in the Japanese context.
Implementation
- Starting from December 2025, JLPT score reports will include a CEFR level as a reference, providing a universally recognized standard of language ability.
- This mapping helps learners, educators, and employers compare Japanese language proficiency internationally, aligning JLPT scores with other language assessments based on the CEFR.
This official mapping enhances transparency, international recognition, and provides a clearer understanding of Japanese proficiency levels relative to other languages assessed by the CEFR.