N2 and N1 are the only tests that "count" towards anything. I'm currently going through Quartet 1 with a teacher. I'm wondering if I should take a break before Quartet 2 and do some JLPT N3 practice, or if I should just move right into Quartet 2. On one hand it could be good review and to solidify the N3 stuff I learned in Quartet 1. But on the other hand, harder material of the next level of the next book will probably review/reinforce what I learned in the prior book anyways. If I remember correctly, N4 level material was just n5 material 2.0, so I can really see the argument for the latter. So I'm curious if there's any point in JLPT-specific study before the tests that "count" for anything.
I see the argument for people that are taking the lower levels just to get a benchmark of how good they are. But I'm not necessarily one of those people that want to do that. When december comes I'm going to take whatever level I think I'll pass (probably n3 based on current study pace) just because I have nothing better to do with my life, and it's a good excuse to travel to a big city over the weekend. But it's not really a GOAL of mine to pass the lower levels. Honestly, even N2 isn't a big goal of mine. I'd rather just be able to pass N1. And I don't need the test cert for work or anything like that. I just wanna pass N1 eventually and obtain overall fluency (so I gotta work on my speaking ofc).
So what say the room? N5-N3 specific study a good use of time or just move on to harder material? Both from the perspective of someone that actually NEEDS to pass a certain level, and for those that are studying just to study.
by GreattFriend