ViMai guide

Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) exams — how to book and what you need

To get a Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa (特定技能1号, Tokutei Ginou 1) you normally pass two tests: the skills test for your field and a Japanese-language test. Most skills tests are computer-based (CBT) and open all year — you pick a date and test centre yourself. This guide summarises who runs each test, how to book, and what changed in 2026.

Updated: 15/11/2026

The two tests you need

Skills test for your field — each field has its own organiser (a ministry or industry body).
Japanese test: JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) or JLPT N4 or higher. Taxi and bus drivers need about N3 (CEFR B1); caregivers also take the Care Worker Japanese test.
If you completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the matching field in good standing, you are exempt from both tests.

19 fields as of 2026

Four fields were added in 2024 (automobile transportation, railway, forestry, wood industry), making 16. On 23 January 2026 the Cabinet added linen supply, logistics warehousing and resource recycling — these start once their tests are ready.

Who runs each skills test

Based on the official FY2025 test reports published in October 2026.
Field	Organiser	How to book
Nursing care (介護)	Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare	Prometric CBT, held monthly — skills test + Care Worker Japanese test
Automobile repair (自動車整備)	JASPA (日整連)	Prometric CBT
Automobile transportation — truck, taxi, bus (自動車運送業)	ClassNK (日本海事協会)	sswt-portal.classnk.or.jp — CBT at Pearson VUE centres, or on-site group tests
Construction (建設)	JAC (建設技能人材機構)	Prometric CBT
Agriculture (農業)	National Chamber of Agriculture	Prometric — candidates book their own seat
Food service / food manufacturing	OTAFF	Prometric
Accommodation (宿泊)	Accommodation Skills Test Center	Prometric (since Feb 2024)

Truck, taxi and bus driver exam (ClassNK)

Separate tests for truck, taxi and bus.
Eligibility: age 17+ (18+ in Indonesia) and a valid driving licence (ordinary car or higher, Japanese or foreign) on the test day.
Fee (as of March 2026): ¥5,000 + tax in Japan, US$37 overseas.
Formats: CBT — you book a date and centre yourself; on-site test — a company gathers candidates and invites examiners (overseas: 50+ candidates per session).
After passing, new arrivals get a 'Designated Activities' status to obtain a Japanese licence: 1 year for taxi/bus, 6 months for truck, not renewable. Taxi and bus need a Class 2 licence.

Food service: new COEs paused from 13 April 2026

Japan temporarily stopped issuing Certificates of Eligibility for new SSW food-service workers because the field is about to reach its cap. Check with your employer before preparing for this field.

From test to visa

1
Pass the Japanese test
JFT-Basic runs as CBT several times a year; JLPT is held only in July and December.
2
Book and pass the skills test
Use Prometric or the organiser's portal. Seats are first come, first served — book 1–2 months ahead.
3
Sign a contract with an employer
The employer (or a registered support organisation) prepares the company documents.
4
Apply for the visa
In Japan: apply for a change of status. Overseas: the employer applies for a COE, then you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

FAQ

Is there a fixed SSW exam schedule like the JLPT?

Most fields use computer-based tests that open all year — you choose an available date on the booking site. Only some on-site group tests have fixed dates.

What licence do I need for the SSW truck driver exam?

ClassNK requires a valid driving licence for ordinary cars or higher (Japanese or foreign) on the test day, and you must be at least 17.

How much is the SSW truck driver exam?

As of March 2026 ClassNK lists ¥5,000 (excluding tax) for tests in Japan and US$37 for tests overseas.

Official sources checked

Compiled from official sources for reference only. Rules can change — check the official pages below before you book a test or apply.

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