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Exams Required to Obtain the “Specified Skilled Worker” Residence Status

Updated：2026/5/10

To work under SSW Type 1, you usually must pass a Japanese language test and a field-specific skills test. People who successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 may be exempt in the same field, but a skills test may be required for a different field.

Test schedules, test countries, application methods, and exam fees differ by field and country, so always check the latest information on the official page.

① Japanese Language Test

In many fields, JLPT N4 or higher or JFT-Basic A2 or higher is required. In many cases, meeting either one is enough.

  • JLPT N4 or higher: Pass JLPT N4 or a higher level.
  • JFT-Basic A2 or higher: proves A2 level or higher in the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese
  • Nursing care field: in addition to the above, the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test is also required
② Skills Exam

The skills test differs by field. Check the official page for each field for job content, test scope, number of questions, test countries, and application method.

  • First, decide the field you want to work in.
  • Next, check the test scope and sample questions on the official page for that field.
  • Check whether you will take the test in Japan or overseas
  • Apply according to the reservation site such as Prometric, or the instructions from the test organization
Official test pages by field

The following are links to official information and test organizations by field. The linked pages may have newer information than this page.

Points to note when checking tests
  • Even in the same field, test dates, venues, and fees may differ between tests in Japan and tests overseas
  • Not all fields are available in every country
  • Even after passing the tests, you still need to find and apply to a company, have an interview, sign an employment contract, receive prior guidance, and complete residence status procedures.
  • For exemptions for people who completed Technical Intern Training (ii), check the relationship between the field and work content