FAQ

1. About the JFT-Basic

Q1What kind of test is the JFT-Basic?: A
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) seeks to measure the level of Japanese language proficiency needed by foreign nationals about to reside in Japan mainly for work, to communicate in everyday life situations.
This test determines whether test takers have reached A1, A2.1, or A2.2 (A2) under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR), the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, and the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education.
The JFT-Basic assessment results can be used to prove the Japanese language proficiency required to apply for the status of residence of "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Employment for Skill Development."
Q2How is the JFT-Basic conducted?: A
This test is conducted through Computer-Based Testing (CBT). Computers are used for giving and answering the test questions at test centers in each country. In booths, test-takers answer on the computer screen based on questions displayed on the screen and audio played through the headphones.
Q3Who is the organizer of the JFT-Basic?: A
The Japan Foundation.
Q4Who is eligible to take the JFT-Basic?: A
This test is for foreign nationals whose native language is not Japanese. Please visit the Prometric website for further details, as each country has its own eligibility criteria.
Q5When and where will the JFT-Basic be conducted?: A
Please see “Test Dates".
Q6Is it possible to take JFT-Basic in a country different to the one where I normally live?: A
Yes. However, all explanations, points of caution, and terms of operation, etc., at each test venue will be provided in the language of the country where the test is being held, or in English. No support will be available for other languages. In addition, please note that payment methods for the test fee differ by country.
Q7Can I sit for only some sections of the JFT-Basic?: A
No, that is not allowed.
Q8Can I retake the test?: A
You can retake the test if your total score is 199 points or lower. However, you must ensure that there is an interval of 45 days between the previous test date and the next test date. Those who have already reached a total score of 200 points or higher cannot retake the test.
Q9How is the JFT-Basic different from the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?: A
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a comprehensive test that considers a wide range of situations in order to measure the level of proficiency of Japanese language learners with diverse backgrounds. It is divided into five levels from N1 to N5. Using optical answer sheets, the test is conducted twice a year in Japan and overseas (in approximately 90 countries and regions). Test results are available online approximately two months after the test date, and a notification of pass/fail is delivered approximately three months after.
The JFT-Basic seeks to measure the level of Japanese language proficiency needed to communicate in daily life situations in Japan. It assesses three Japanese language proficiency levels: A1, A2.1, and A2.2 (A2). Through CBT, the test is conducted every month as a rule in Japan and overseas (mainly in the Asian region). Test results are available on the day of the test, and a official notification of assessment results will be issued within 5 business days from the test date.
In short, the JFT-Basic is a test that focuses on daily life situations in Japan, offers more opportunities to take it, and provides test results immediately. Those applying for the status of residence of "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Employment for Skill Development" can take advantage of the JFT-Basic.

2. Contents of the test

Q1What is the level of Japanese proficiency that the JFT-Basic is set at?: A
It is a test that determines whether test takers have reached A1, A2.1, or A2.2 (A2) under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR), the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, and the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. For details, visit Assessment of Japanese Language Proficiency Levels.
Q2What kind of questions does the JFT-Basic consist of?: A
The JFT-Basic consists of four sections: Script and Vocabulary, Conversation and Expression, Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension. Questions are set based on the A1 to A2 levels of“Can-do"(description of linguistic competence), using the approach of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) and the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education. Please refer to the Sample Questions. For information on how to study, see the Q&A “Q1 How should I study for the test? Are there any learning materials?" on section 4 Studying for the test.
Q3Does the JFT-Basic include an oral test or essay questions (writing test)?: A
No, there are currently no such questions.
Q4What is the duration of the JFT-Basic test?: A
60 minutes.

3. Making a reservation for the test

Please see Test Registration Process for making a reservation for the test. If you have any questions about test reservations, please contact the Prometric Customer Service Center. Check the FAQ on Prometric's registration website as well before making inquiries.
The Japan Foundation does not provide support or act as a representative for test reservations, either at its headquarters in Japan or its overseas offices.

4. Studying for the test

Q1How should I study for the test? Are there any learning materials?: A
The Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan coursebook and the IRODORI Japanese Online Course website are study materials designed to help learners acquire the Japanese language proficiency needed for communicating in daily life situations in Japan, using Can-do statements (what you can do using Japanese) as study goals. The JFT-Basic also contains daily life questions based on Can-do. Therefore, studying with the Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan and the IRODORI Japanese Online Course, and striving to achieve the Can-do objectives, will help you prepare for the JFT-Basic.
By studying with the Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan and the IRODORI Japanese Online Course, your study goals—what you can do in daily life situations in Japan using Japanese—the study required to achieve them, and the evaluation of whether you have achieved them can all be based on the Can-do statements. This not only prepares you for taking the JFT-Basic but also for life in Japan.
In addition, the "Study content" of the IRODORI Japanese Online Course includes "Review quiz" covering Words, Kanji, Grammar, Expression, Listening, and Reading, which are similar to the sections and categories in the JFT-Basic. Its ""Practice content"" also allows you to practice Words, Kanji, Grammar, and Expression. Because the IRODORI Japanese Online Course offers highly practical practice activities, we encourage you to make use of it to help you prepare for the JFT-Basic.
For more information, please see the Hint for Learning and Support page, where you can find learning materials that will help you prepare for taking the JFT-Basic test. Sample Questions similar to the actual test format are also available, so you can get an idea of what the JFT-Basic will be like.
Q2When aiming for the JFT-Basic's A1, A2.1, and A2.2 (A2) respectively, should I study Starter (A1) for A1, Elementary 1 (A2) for A2.1, and Elementary 2 (A2) for A2.2 (A2) of the Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan?: A
Starter (A1) of the Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan corresponds to the JFT-Basic's A1. Elementary 1 (A2) and Elementary 2 (A2) are both A2-level textbooks, and completing these two books serves as a good guide for taking the JFT-Basic for A2.2 (A2). Completing Elementary 1 (A2) can be considered as a study guide for A2.1.
Q3Are questions of past tests published or made available to the public?: A
There are currently no plans to do so. For your information, Sample Questions have also been made available.

5. On the day of the test

Q1I have a question about the day of the test. (what to bring, venue, flow from registration until the end of the test, etc.): A
See Steps for Taking the Test for details on what to do on the day of the test. For inquiries on what to bring, test venue, steps from registration until the end of the test, and other matters, please contact the Prometric Customer Service Center.
Q2Can I check the test screen and how to use the computer at the test venue before taking the test?: A
Yes, you can check at Steps for Taking the Test. You can also try using some test screens with Sample Questions.
For more details on how to operate test screens, please watch the following:
Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) Operating Guide (YouTube)

6. Scoring and notification of results

Q1How are the test results presented?

Test results include the total score, and the assessment results based on the score. The total score ranges from 10 to 250 points: 145 to 174 points are assessed as A1, 175 to 199 points as A2.1, and 200 to 250 points as A2.2 (A2). For scores below 145, assessment results will not be displayed and will appear as ＊. Please visit Test Result Notification for further details.

Q2Is there a minimum score set for each section?

No, there isn't. Proficiency is measured comprehensively across all four sections. Therefore, if your total score is within the range for a Japanese language proficiency level, then you will be assessed as having reached that level.

Q3When will I know the test results?

On the day of the test, the test results (total score and assessment results) will be displayed on the computer screen after completing the test. In addition, the official notification of assessment results will be issued within 5 business days from the test date on the Prometric website

. Please log in and check.

Q4How do I obtain an official notification of results?

The official notification of assessment results will be issued within 5 business days from the test date on the Prometric website

. Please log in and check. Print and use this if you need a paper copy.

Q5What can I use the test results for?

A1 can be used to apply for the status of residence of "Employment for Skill Development

." A2.1 is mainly used for applying for voluntary change of employer under the Employment for Skill Development Program. A2.2 (A2) can be used to apply for the status of residence of "Specified Skilled Worker (i)

*NOTE: Depending on the industrial field of employment, a higher Japanese language proficiency level may be required.

Q6Can the JFT-Basic be used for status of residence applications other than "Specified Skilled Worker (i)," and "Employment for Skill Development," or to find employment or to enroll in higher education?

At present, it is not used for status of residence applications other than "Specified Skilled Worker (i)

," and "Employment for Skill Development

." For required documents and other information on other applications, please visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan

website.
With regard to the use of the JFT-Basic at companies and schools, etc., please confirm with the relevant company/school about how the test may be used.

Q7Do the test results have an expiration date?

The JFT-Basic test results do not have an expiration date. The data of the test results will be stored in the registration website for five years. The notification of results can be viewed on the website during this period, but will not be available for viewing after this period has passed. Please print the notification of results while the data is stored in the registration website.

Q8Can official notification of assessment results issued up to July 2026 still be used from August 2026?

Yes. If you take the test by July 2026 and your total score is the passing score (200 points) or higher, you can use the notification to prove that you have reached the Japanese language proficiency level of A2.2 (A2).
If you need to prove that you have reached the Japanese language proficiency level of A1 or A2.1, to apply for the "Employment for Skill Development" status of residence or for other purposes, please take the test from August 2026 onward, when A1 and A2.1 assessments will be included in the official notification of assessment results.

Q9How can the notification of assessment results be checked to make sure that it has not been forged or altered?

The Japan Foundation will respond to inquiries about the authenticity of the contents of the notification of assessment results for this Test from a government body of Japan or of other countries, educational institutions such as universities, corporations, or other organizations, where the inquiries are made for appropriate reasons.
For a detailed authenticity checking procedure, contact the Japan Foundation.
Contact: Japanese-Language Dept. Ⅱ, the Japan Foundation
Email address: jft-basic＠jpf.go.jp
(When sending an email to us, use the single-byte @ (at sign), instead of the double-byte one.)

* Write your inquiry in Japanese or English. An inquiry written in any other language will not be accepted.
* We do not respond to inquiries by phone.

7. Specified Skilled Worker System and Employment for Skill Development Program

For details on the Specified Skilled Worker System and Employment for Skill Development Program, please visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan websites below. You can also find information on skills tests and the Japanese language requirements for each.

For the Specified Skilled Worker System, please visit the following website as well, which provides information in multiple languages for foreign nationals.

Support Website for the Specified Skilled Worker System