JLPT N4 exam-day guide
JLPT N4 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission voucher or registration confirmation
Print or download it exactly as the provider instructs. Confirm the exact document name and whether a paper copy is required.
Accepted photo ID
Bring the ID type your test center accepts, such as a passport where required. The name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Two or more wooden pencils, HB or No. 2
Sharpen them before leaving home. Confirm whether mechanical pencils are allowed at your center, as rules vary.
Clean eraser
Use a plain eraser with no writing or sleeve notes. Test it beforehand so it erases cleanly without smudging.
Small manual pencil sharpener
Confirm whether sharpeners are allowed in the test room. Some centers require them to stay in your bag.
Simple non-smart watch
Use a watch with no alarm, communication, or smart functions only if your center permits watches. Confirm the room clock policy with the provider.
Test location and schedule details
Save the address, room or building, reporting time, and a backup transport route. Check whether doors open at a specific time.
Comfortable layered clothing
Room temperature can vary. Avoid noisy jewelry, jangling keys, or clothing that distracts you or others.
Water and a light snack for the break
Confirm whether drinks and snacks are allowed in the test room or only in designated break areas.
Phone charged but powered off and stored
Follow center rules for storage. Do not keep a phone or smartwatch on your desk or in your pocket during the test.
Do: set two alarms and plan breakfast
Choose a reliable wake-up method and a simple breakfast you tolerate well. Avoid trying new caffeine amounts on test day.
Plan the day
Confirm the reporting time, test location, accepted ID, and center rules for pencils, watches, phones, and breaks. Ask the provider about anything unclear rather than guessing.
Take one full N4 practice test under timed conditions, including the listening section played once without pausing. Review errors by section and note only the top few fixable issues.
Shift your sleep schedule toward the test-day wake-up time. Avoid late-night cramming that leaves you tired for the listening section.
Pack the voucher, ID, pencils, eraser, sharpener if allowed, watch if allowed, water or snack if allowed, and location details. Lay out comfortable clothes.
Do light review only: vocabulary, common grammar patterns, and reading pace. Do not start new material or take another full test late in the day.
Eat breakfast, check your documents once, and leave earlier than the route requires. Confirm the center's arrival rule; late arrivals may be refused entry.
Before entering the test room, turn off your phone and store it as instructed. Use the restroom, check your desk, and keep notes out of the test room.
Follow proctor instructions exactly. Fill in the answer sheet as you go, keep a steady pace, leave no blanks, and remember the listening section is played once.
Stay in the designated area, return on time, and do not discuss test content. Keep phones off and away until the entire test is finished.
Rules to check
Bring the admission voucher and accepted photo ID. Your name must match your registration; confirm the accepted ID types and voucher format with the provider.
Power off phones and smartwatches and store them as instructed. Do not keep any electronic device on your desk or use it during breaks in the test area.
Arrive by the stated reporting time. Late admission is not guaranteed; confirm the center's late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not talk, pass materials, or use notes during the test. Raise your hand for proctor help, and follow all instructions about test-room items.
Mark answers with a pencil, one answer per question, and erase changes cleanly. Do not make extra marks on the answer sheet.
During breaks, remain in designated areas and return promptly. Do not discuss test content with other candidates until the test is over.
The listening section is played once without pausing. Keep pace with the recording and do not wait to finish earlier sections first.
For N4 scoring, confirm the current official criteria with the provider. As a general guide, the total is 180 points, the pass mark is 90, and each section has a minimum required score.