The JLPT N4 tests your knowledge in understanding basic Japanese. This means that in addition to everything you learned in JLPT N5, you can: Understand about 1500 new vocabulary and about 170 new kanji. Read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji. The JLPT N4 test is slightly more difficult than the N5 test, and it's best described by the JLPT official website as "the ability to understand basic Japanese" versus the N5 description of "the ability to understand some basic Japanese." In this section, your vocabulary will need to step up your vocabulary and refine your grammar The JLPT has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. The easiest level is N5 and the most difficult level is N1. N4 and N5 measure the level of understanding of basic Japanese mainly learned in class. N1and N2 measure the level of understanding of Japanese used in a broad range of scenes in actual everyday life. Failing the listening portion means failing the N4, and Duolingo's single sentence format means that it's easier than the test will be. It is doable, but with that short an amount of time I might recommend the N5 first to test your development. To build on what u/TunaCatss said, N5 is 325-600 hours. JLPT N5 and N4 are useless, don't take them. If you want to practice the test formats, or to give you a milestone, that's commendable. But instead of $60 to take the test, go spend $30 on a book of practice tests, ans Guage yourself that way. The Pimsleur Japanese course is available in a few different formats. The most popular option is the Pimsleur Japanese Premium subscription. This costs $19.95 per month. The Premium subscription gives you instant access to all audio lessons (all 5 levels), as well as the quizzes and flashcards. JLPT is an exam that measures a non-native's competency and comprehension to speak and use the Japanese language in everyday life. JLPT certification proves that you've mastered the basics and are comfortable functioning in day-to-day life. The test is split into five difficulty levels: N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1. The JLPT has a format, sections that look the same every year, and questions that frequently show up. Study specifically for the exam, and I think most people are okay. People who are good at Japanese, but just haven't studied for the JLPT might struggle but that's about it. I passed N4-N1 all in one take, but mostly because I was KAyg58.