JLPT5 is very basic. Here's the route that I recommend: 1. Take Pimsleur lessons and complete as many as they have available (now up to level IV—they are pricey but worth it—nothing can get you to listen and talk faster than Pimsleur—which means that you'll be able to know how the language's grammar works by learning how to speak it immediately—there's no way you can say "I am going to eat" without also being grammatically correct). 2. Each JLPT has a set list of vocabs. This site is a checker of how well you are in each section of the JLPT test: http://www.tanos.co.uk/jlpt/levelcheck/ Anki is a free SRS software. They have decks that cover JLPT vocabularies and grammars. Check them out here: https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/523650169 I use them to learn new vocabularies every day. 3. I use WaniKani as a jumpstart to remember kanjis. JLPTN5 will not test you in kanji yet I don't think, but you will one day, and you might as well start early and appreciate how kanji will make reading and writing easier and this is how Japanese people write when they communicate with one another anyway :) Of course, WaniKani assumes that you are already proficient in hiragana and katakana. But that's definitely the next step from it. By the time I finished probably Japanese I, I think I was quite ready to tackle JLPTN5. There's no question that you'll be ready for JLPTN5 by the time you finish Japanese II in Pimsleur. My suggestion after Pimsleur is to listen to Michel Thomas and JPod101 and maybe dabble in specific grammar exercises, but this is best done after you know the grammatical structure quite well instead of starting with it (recommended grammar books include Genki and Tobira—they will act as refreshers and pointers, but learning grammar instead of diving straight away into conversations I believe will stint your speaking skills instead). The first Pimsleur lesson is free by the way. You should most definitely check it out!

1. I'd say get started on hiragana and katakana ASAP but you already seem to have those down so yay, that's like half the text you'll be reading around! 2. Try to use as little English and as much Japanese as possible. Pretend you don't even speak English anymore and the only language you have to learn and communicate (and think and dream) with is Japanese. seriously it helps, especially if you surround yourself with Japanese native speakers and media/music all day, everyday. 3. Dive straight into kanji and don't get intimidated and leave it for later. Once you start memorizing and linking them with mnemonics you'll get addicted. Bushu (radicals) are your best friends here. they're the parts that make up kanji characters (kind of like how letters, rather than random individual strokes, make up words) and even when you come across kanji you don't know, you may be able to guess its meaning by the bushu that make it up. (kanji may not be essential for ~N5 JLPT exams since I noticed they provide furigana readings for them but they'll still help you learn the meaning of words if their pronunciation fails you) 4. Listen, don't just read, since a third of the JLPT exam requires listening skills and many people neglect that. Youtube channels/podcasts like Japanesepod101 are great for that. 5. If you like using apps, the best I've found so far is Kanji Study by Chase Colburn since it combines everything any other app has and more. Only the first level N5 and the very basics like kana sections are free and if you want to advance you'll have to pay but it's totally worth it. That's how I get by at least. I'd hate to throw platitudes at you but honestly, regular, consistent practice and repetition are key so you improve without burning yourself out by trying to learn too much too quickly. Would love to know other tips from advanced learners. The articles here were extremely helpful and encouraging too when things get overwhelming.

Thank you

Japanese is different from those who speak. There is so many diarect or inverted sentences.助詞 is so complex that even we Jpanapese can't tell が from は well. I hope you found an excellent native.