"A Pass/fail is determined by the examinees’ total score and also their total for each scoring section. In other words, the total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark), and scores of individual scoring sections need to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass marks)."
N3 JLPT Test
Overall pass mark N3 JLPT = 95 marks
Section 1. Language Knowledge(Vocabulary/Grammar) (0 - 60 marks) you need 19/60 to pass this section
Time: 30 minutes
Section 2. Reading (0 - 60 marks) you need 19/60 to pass this section
Time: 70 minutes
Section 3. Listening (0 - 60 marks) you need 19/60 to pass this section
Time: 40 minutes
Total Score = (0 - 180 marks)
So in all you need 95/180 to pass the overall test
New N3 sample questions here
As Reading has longest time allocation and needs 19 points to pass we suggest you focus your effort on this section as it will boost your grade and ensure you pass the overall test
You need to do well in each section, pass the minimum score for the section and get more than 95
(Why is this information given after first test July 4th, 2010 has been already sat and not before the test was given?)
Source: JLPT
N1 - N3 JLPT - Pass marks
8.30.2010
http://www.jlpt.jp/e/topics/201008291283128850.html