Announced by Prometric Japan (SSW / JFT-Basic) (2026-10-15)Pre-launch information — may change
JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)
The full path to SSW (i) — Japanese test, skills test and application — in one guide. SSW guide →
About this exam
Judges everyday Japanese for work (≈CEFR A2); meets the Specified Skilled Worker requirement. From August 2026, A1 and A2.1 levels are also assessed in addition to A2 (the Specified Skilled Worker (i) requirement remains A2, pass).
Residence statuses this exam can support
A JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) result can be used toward the Japanese-language requirement for the following residence statuses. Levels shown are guidelines and vary by institution and job.
- Work as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)A2 (pass)
Pass the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)
- Move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled WorkerA2 (pass)
(If changing fields or not completing (ii)) Pass JFT-Basic
- Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institutionA1 or above
A1 or above on the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)
Levels
| Level | Can-do summary | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | — | A1 |
| A2.1 | — | A1 |
| A2（A2.2） | — | A2 |
JFT-Basic main test countries: Japan ・ Vietnam ・ Philippines and others (varies by session)。 Cross-exam calendar →
Country pages: Bangladesh ・ Indonesia ・ India ・ Cambodia ・ Sri Lanka ・ Myanmar ・ Mongolia ・ Nepal ・ Philippines ・ Pakistan ・ Thailand ・ Uzbekistan ・ Vietnam
JFT-Basic fees
| Scope | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | ¥10,000 | In Japan, CBT |
For fees outside Japan, check with the local test organizer.
Recent changes
All news →- Announced by Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2026-10-01)Pre-launch information — may change
Specified Skilled Worker (No. 2 and some No. 1 fields): Japanese "B1 or equivalent" to be required from April 2027
- Announced by Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2026-10-05)
JLPT December exam closed for all levels (N1–N5); Immigration Services Agency recommends JFT-Basic for SSW and Employment for Skill Development
Practice questions (free)
Prepare for JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)
Free practice questions are available. Try 10 questions — no sign-up needed.