JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) A2
Many test dates and fast results (computer-based). Focuses on Japanese for daily life and work.
SSW guide
Working in Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)
from the Japanese test to your application
This guide walks you through the steps to Specified Skilled Worker (i) status — the Japanese test, the skills test and the application. Always check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest official information.
Last checked: 2026-09-28
What is Specified Skilled Worker?
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) is a residence status for foreign nationals with certain skills and Japanese ability to work in fields facing labor shortages. Type (i) requires a considerable level of skill and the Japanese needed for daily life and work, with a total stay limit of five years. Type (ii) requires advanced skills and is available in specific fields.
Notice (checked 2026-09-28) Issuance of Certificates of Eligibility in the food service field has been temporarily suspended (posted April 13, 2026). Check the latest status on the Immigration Services Agency page.
Eligible fields (19)
- Nursing care
- Building cleaning
- Industrial products manufacturing
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and ship machinery
- Automobile repair and maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Automobile transportation
- Railway
- Agriculture
- Fishery and aquaculture
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Food service
- Forestry
- Wood industry
- Linen supplyNew
- Logistics warehousingNew
- Resource recyclingNew
Fields and acceptance status may change. Last checked: 2026-09-28
Japanese test — pass one of these
For SSW (i), you need either an A2 (A2.2) result on the JFT-Basic or a JLPT pass at N4 or above. In the nursing care field, you must also pass the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or above
Held twice a year. Widely recognized, and you can continue to N3 and N2 in the same system.
Compare the two tests in detail →
JFT-Basic vs JLPT: Differences →
How to register: JFT-Basic ・ JLPT
Upcoming test dates
- JLPT2026 Session 22026-12-06
- JFT-BasicYear-round (computer-based) — check open dates on the booking site for your countryDetails
Skills test — separate for each field
In addition to the Japanese test, you must pass the skills test for your field. Content, test countries and dates differ by field. If you completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing and move to the same field, both the Japanese and skills tests are waived.
Prepare
Get a feel for the test with practice questions, and share information with others in the community.
Practice questions (free)
Try practice questions
JFT-Basic A2 and JLPT N4 level (our own questions). Explanations available in each language.
From application to after arrival
This site provides information only. We do not handle applications or prepare documents.
Sign an employment contract with the receiving organization
The organization or a registered support organization prepares a support plan
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (if coming from abroad)
Apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate
Enter Japan; work and support begin
If you are already in Japan, you apply for a change of status of residence instead.
Employment for Skill Development (from April 2027)
From April 1, 2027, the Employment for Skill Development system replaces Technical Intern Training. To move from it to SSW (i), you must pass a Japanese test at A2 level or above (such as JLPT N4). This is pre-launch information and may change.
| Stage | Japanese requirement |
|---|---|
| Before starting work | Pass an A1-level test, or take an A1-level course (100+ hours) at a certified Japanese language institution |
| Year 1 | Reach A1 level and take a test |
| Moving to SSW (i) | Pass an A2-level test (such as JLPT N4) |
Since August 2026, JFT-Basic reports three levels: A1, A2.1 and A2.2. See how tests map to CEFR →
Recent changes
All news →- Announced by Prometric Japan (SSW / JFT-Basic) (2026-10-15)Pre-launch information — may change
JFT-Basic reservations for Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 open on Nov 25
- 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
FAQ
Which is better for SSW: JFT-Basic or JLPT?
Both meet the SSW (i) requirement. JFT-Basic suits you if you want fast results and more test dates; JLPT suits you if you plan to aim for N3 or N2 later.
Can I use NAT-TEST or J.TEST for SSW?
The Immigration Services Agency lists JFT-Basic and JLPT as the Japanese tests for SSW (i) (the nursing care field also requires the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test). Other tests are not listed. (Last checked: 2026-09-28)
If I pass the Japanese test, do I get SSW (i) status?
No. You also need to pass the skills test for your field, sign a contract with a receiving organization, and apply for and be granted the residence status.
Do I need the tests when moving from Technical Intern Training to SSW?
If you completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing and move to SSW (i) in the same field, the Japanese and skills tests are waived. If the field is different, you need that field's skills test.
Will SSW end when Employment for Skill Development starts?
No. Employment for Skill Development replaces Technical Intern Training and is designed to lead to SSW (i). The SSW system continues.
Last checked: 2026-09-28