N1 is the most difficult level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, and even for Japanese whose native language is Japanese, it is difficult to answer all questions correctly.
Contents of the test
The test consists of three components: linguistic knowledge (words, vocabulary and grammar), reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. The total test time is 170 minutes, which is 110 minutes for language knowledge and reading and 60 minutes for listening. Because it is a mark sheet test, there is no examination that directly measures the ability to speak or write.
Passing rate
According to the latest data from July 2019, N1 has a passing rate of 29.3%, the lowest among N1 to N5.
Japanese language level required to acquire a status of residence
The level of Japanese required differs depending on the status of residence. In general, the more advanced your job type and content, the higher your Japanese level will be.
Technical Intern Training and Specified Skill (1st)
If you are visiting Japan for the first time under the Technical Intern Training Program, you will need to obtain a Technical Intern Training 1 visa. You don't need to take exams such as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. You will have a chance to learn Japanese well at a sending off agency through a pre-N4 class before you enter the country and a post-entry class.
On the other hand, the required level of Japanese is fixed for the status of residence of Special Skills 1. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is N4 or higher, or the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Basic Test A2 or higher. If you don't pass these, you won't be able to get a status of residence, so you need to be careful. However, those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (2nd) will be exempted.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
The status of residence often used by foreign students after graduation is a visa for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services". There are no requirements for Japanese language skill to obtain a status of residence. However, in the case of applying for a certificate of eligibility, it is said that N2 or more is necessary.
If you have graduated from a vocational school or a university in Japan, it is possible to obtain the status of residence of "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" even if you do not have the certificate of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Designated Activities (For Graduates of Japanese Universities)
With the aim of increasing the employment rate of international students, which is currently in a slump, and expanding employment opportunities, a new status of residence has been created which is called “Designated Activities 13 (It's also called "Designated Activities 46 Visa").” You can apply for that visa if you have a "high Japanese language ability". Since it is possible to work as a regular (full-time) employee, it is attracting attention from many foreign students.
In the Special Activity 13, students not only graduate from universities in Japan, but also are required to have a high level of Japanese. You need to score at least 480 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 or BJT Business Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It is said that the difficulty level of BJT over 480 is between N2 and N1.
Level of Japanese required to be hired in Japan as a foreigner