Announced by Prometric Japan (SSW / JFT-Basic) (2026-10-15)Pre-launch information — may change
Work as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)
The Specified Skilled Worker (i) status is for people with a certain level of skill in a designated field and Japanese ability at a daily and work level. Applying requires proof of Japanese ability in addition to passing the skills test for that field.
The full path to SSW (i) — Japanese test, skills test and application — in one guide. SSW guide →
JFT-Basic vs JLPT: Differences →
Japanese ability equivalent to CEFR A2 (deemed met by any of the following)JFT-Basic A2 (pass)JLPT N4 or above
NAT-TEST, J.TEST, BJT, etc. are not accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker language requirement.
Comparison
| Attribute | JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) | Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Judges everyday Japanese for work (≈CEFR A2); meets the Specified Skilled Worker requirement | The world's largest test certifying Japanese ability for non-native speakers |
| Required level for this status | A2 以上 | N4 以上 |
| Frequency | Year-round (CBT; varies by country) | Twice a year (July & December) |
| Organizer | The Japan Foundation | The Japan Foundation / Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) |
| Levels / CEFR | A1 · A2.1 · A2（A2.2） (CEFR A1–A2) | N1 · N2 · N3 · N4 · N5 (CEFR A1–C1) |
| Countries | — | 23 |
| Typical fee | ¥10,000 | ¥7,500 |
| Role for this purpose | The mainstream choice for Specified Skilled Worker (i). CBT, frequent sittings, fast results. | N4 meets the requirement. Twice a year, but well recognised and continuous to N3・N2. |
| Official site | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ |
Which should you take?
If exam frequency and speed of results matter most, choose JFT-Basic. It is computer-based, held roughly monthly in many countries, and results come quickly. JLPT is offered twice a year but is widely recognised and lets you keep studying toward N3 and N2 in the same system. Both meet the Japanese requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (i). You must also pass the skills test for your field. NAT-TEST, J.TEST, BJT and other Japanese exams are not accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker Japanese requirement.
FAQ
Which Japanese exam should I take for Specified Skilled Worker?
Either JFT-Basic (A2) or JLPT (N4) meets the requirement. JFT-Basic for more frequent sittings; JLPT for recognition and continuity.
Are NAT-TEST or J.TEST acceptable?
No. Only JFT-Basic and JLPT are accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker Japanese requirement.
Can I become a Specified Skilled Worker (i) with just a Japanese exam?
No. You must also pass the skills test for your field.
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
Next steps
Basis: 特定技能の分野別運用方針・運用要領（日本語試験は JFT-Basic 又は JLPT N4 以上）