Move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker
People who have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from both the Japanese exam and the skills test when moving to Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the same field. If you change fields or have not completed (ii), you must meet the same Japanese requirement as Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Required level (guideline)Satisfactory completion of Technical Intern Training (ii) ＝ same field: Japanese exam waived / otherwise JFT-Basic A2 or above, or JLPT N4 or above
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 | 国際交流基金（The Japan Foundation） | Japan Foundation & JEES |
| Levels / CEFR | A2 (CEFR A2) | N1 · N2 · N3 · N4 · N5 (CEFR A1–C1) |
| Countries | — | 15 |
| Typical fee | ¥10,000 | ¥7,500 / ₫600,000 |
| Role for this purpose | The requirement when changing fields or not completing (ii). Easy to sit (CBT). | N4 meets the requirement. If moving within the same field, the exam itself is waived. |
| Official site | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ |
Which should you take?
First check whether the field you are moving into is the same as the one you trained in. If it is the same, no Japanese or skills test is needed. If the field differs or (ii) is not completed, JFT-Basic — with its frequent sittings — is the practical choice. JLPT N4 also meets the requirement.
FAQ
Do I need a Japanese exam when moving from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker?
If you have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii) and move to the same field, both the Japanese exam and the skills test are waived.
What if I change fields?
You need the same requirement as Specified Skilled Worker (i) (JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4) plus that field's skills test.
Next steps
Basis: 特定技能の分野別運用方針・運用要領（技能実習2号 良好修了で免除）