JFT-Basic Japanese Test Guide for SSW — How to Pass, Cost, Schedule, and Study Plan

Before you can work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker visa, you need to prove two things: that you can do the job (skill test), and that you can communicate in Japanese (Japanese language test). For most SSW candidates, the Japanese language requirement is met by passing either the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) or the JLPT N4.

This guide focuses on JFT-Basic, which is the test most SSW candidates take today because it is offered far more frequently than JLPT and is specifically designed for SSW. You'll learn what level you need to reach, how the test is structured, where and when it's offered, how much it costs, how to register, what materials to study with (including the free official Irodori textbook), and what to do if you don't pass on the first try.

What Is JFT-Basic?

The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese is a Japanese-language proficiency test developed by the Japan Foundation. It is designed to measure whether a foreign person has enough Japanese to handle everyday situations in Japan — the kind of conversations you'll have with co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, doctors, and government clerks.

JFT-Basic was created specifically for the Specified Skilled Worker visa program. It is recognized by Japan's Immigration Services Agency as one of two official ways to meet the SSW Japanese-language requirement (the other being JLPT N4 or higher).

Why You Need It — SSW Visa Requirements

To apply for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa, you must clear two tests in your target field:

1. Japanese language test: Either JFT-Basic (200+ points) or JLPT N4 or higher.
2. Skill test for your target field: For example, the Skill Evaluation Test for Nursing Care, Food Service Industry, Building Cleaning Management, Construction (industrial machinery), etc. (See our separate guide on skill tests.)

Some pathways are exempt from the Japanese language test:

• Successful completion of Technical Intern Training (No. 2) — the Japanese language test is waived regardless of whether the SSW field matches the previous TITP field. (Note: the skill test is only waived when the SSW field matches the prior TITP field.)
• For Nursing Care, an additional Nursing Care Japanese Test is also required, on top of JFT-Basic or JLPT N4.

What Level You Need to Reach (A2)

JFT-Basic is set at A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A2 means you can:

• Understand short, simple sentences about familiar topics (work, family, shopping, basic medical visits).
• Hold simple conversations on everyday matters with someone who speaks slowly and clearly.
• Read simple notices, instructions, and short messages.
• Write short, simple memos and messages.

Practically speaking, A2 is roughly comparable to JLPT N4 in everyday-use Japanese, although the test format and emphasis are different (JFT-Basic emphasizes practical, situation-based Japanese, while JLPT N4 has a stronger grammar and reading component).

Test Structure and Scoring

JFT-Basic has four parts, all delivered by computer in one session:

The total score is reported on a 10–250 scale. You need 200 points or more to be considered "A2 – can do in real-life situations" and to use the result for the SSW visa.

There is no separate pass mark for each section. Your total score across all four sections is what counts. The result certificate is issued in PDF form through the candidate's My Page on the official JFT-Basic site. According to the Japan Foundation's official FAQ, the test result itself has no expiration date; however, your result data is retained on the reservation site for 5 years, so download and save the PDF certificate during that period. For SSW visa purposes, always confirm the latest Immigration Services Agency guidance applicable at the time of your application.

Where and How Often It's Offered

JFT-Basic is currently offered in many countries with strong SSW demand, including (but not limited to):

• Japan
• Philippines
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Myanmar
• Cambodia
• Nepal
• Mongolia
• Thailand
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Uzbekistan
• Pakistan
• India

In each country, tests are typically held multiple times per year — in many cases monthly or every few weeks. This is a major advantage over JLPT, which is offered only twice a year (July and December) and has limited seats per session.

The exact schedule, test centers, and seat availability are published on the official JFT-Basic website. Test seats can fill up quickly in popular cities, so register as early as possible after your target month opens.

Cost and Payment

Test fees vary by country (and are sometimes adjusted for inflation or local currency). As a rough range:

• Many Southeast Asian countries: equivalent of about US$30–US$80 per attempt.
• Japan: ¥10,000 (revised from ¥7,000 in May 2024).
• Other countries: similar range, set in local currency.

Payment is made online during registration, typically by credit card or local payment methods supported by the test platform. Test fees are non-refundable once you have completed registration, except in narrow cases such as cancellation of the session by the organizer.

How to Register, Step by Step

How to Study — The Free Irodori Textbook

The Japan Foundation publishes a free, official textbook series called Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan. It is the most direct preparation for JFT-Basic because both the textbook and the test are built around the same "can-do" objectives.

Irodori comes in three levels:

• Starter (A1) — for people with no prior Japanese.
• Elementary 1 (A2-1) — first half of A2.
• Elementary 2 (A2-2) — second half of A2, closest to JFT-Basic level.

All three levels are available as free PDF and audio downloads from the official Irodori website, in multiple languages including English, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Burmese, Thai, Khmer, Nepali, Mongolian, Sinhala, Tagalog, Bengali, and more.

In addition to Irodori, the Japan Foundation also publishes:

• Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture series — another can-do based course.
• JFT-Basic sample questions on the official site — do all of them at least twice.
• NHK World Easy Japanese — free audio lessons useful for listening practice.

JFT-Basic vs. JLPT N4 — Which Should You Take?

Both tests are accepted by Immigration for the SSW visa Japanese-language requirement. They differ in important ways:

If you want flexibility and speed, JFT-Basic is the better choice. You can take it more often and get results in about a week.

If you already have a strong grammar and reading background and are comfortable with traditional paper tests, JLPT N4 also works and is widely recognized for purposes beyond the SSW visa.

Many candidates take JFT-Basic for the visa and then later take JLPT N4 or N3 for career advancement.

Suggested 12-Week Study Plan

This plan assumes you already know hiragana and katakana and can recognize basic kanji such as 日 (day), 本 (book/Japan), 人 (person), 一 (one). If you don't know hiragana yet, add 2–3 weeks for script learning before starting Week 1.

On the Day of the Test

• Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early. Late arrivals are not admitted.
• Bring your admission slip and a valid photo ID (passport for most candidates).
• You cannot bring your phone, watch, or any paper into the test room. Leave them in the locker provided.
• The computer will guide you through the sections. Take your time but don't get stuck on a single hard question — skip and come back.
• For listening, read the answer choices first if time allows. The audio plays only once.
• Use the on-screen timer to pace yourself.

After You Pass — What's Next

Passing JFT-Basic is one of two main academic requirements for the SSW visa. After passing, you still need to:

1. Pass the skill test in your target SSW field (e.g. Nursing Care, Food Service, Building Cleaning, Construction). Schedules are separate from JFT-Basic.
2. Find a Japanese employer who is approved to hire SSW workers and who matches your skills and language level.
3. Apply for the SSW Type 1 visa — either at a Japanese embassy/consulate in your country (Certificate of Eligibility route) or, if you're already in Japan on another status, through change of status of residence at Immigration.

Job matching is handled directly by TGP under our paid employment placement license (license number 13-ユ-317879). Visa applications, status changes, and registered support procedures are handled by our group's affiliated Tree Administrative Scrivener Corporation, not by TGP itself.

If You Don't Pass

A significant share of first-time test takers do not reach 200 points (pass rates vary by country and session). Don't panic — retaking is a normal part of the process. You can:

• Retake the test. The Japan Foundation's official rule is a 45-day waiting period between attempts (counted from the day after your previous exam). You can keep retaking as many times as needed. Note: once you pass, you cannot retake the same exam. Each attempt requires paying the test fee again.
• Review the score breakdown in My Page to see which sections were weakest. Spend the next study cycle on those.
• Consider switching to JLPT N4 if you find paper tests easier than CBT.
• Talk to your placement agency or future support organization — many provide free or low-cost language training tailored for JFT-Basic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

JFT-Basic is your first major milestone on the path to the SSW visa. With the free Irodori textbook, a few months of consistent study, and the official sample questions, the test is achievable for most motivated candidates. Combine it with your skill test pass, find a verified Japanese employer, and you'll be ready to apply for the SSW Type 1 visa — the start of a real career in Japan.