Qualifications Useful for Japan Visas

The highest level of the JLPT, demonstrating advanced reading, listening, and vocabulary skills. Qualifies for HSP preferential points (+15 pts).

Demonstrates understanding of Japanese in a wide variety of everyday situations. Widely required for employment and earns HSP points (+10 pts).

Demonstrates understanding of basic Japanese. Accepted as the Japanese language requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) status alongside a skills evaluation test.

A CBT-format Japanese language test accepted as the language requirement for SSW 1. Unlike JLPT, it can be taken almost daily with immediate results.

A Japanese language test required exclusively for the Nursing Care field under SSW 1. Evaluates specialized terminology and communication skills used in care settings. Required IN ADDITION to JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.

Entry-level national IT qualification issued by IPA. Proves foundational IT knowledge. CBT format available almost daily. Useful as objective proof of IT skills for Engineer/Humanities visa applications.

A national qualification considered the gateway for IT engineers. Proves practical IT knowledge including programming, algorithms, and networking. Now CBT format (since 2023), available year-round.

The level above FE. Proves advanced knowledge in system design, project management, and security. Passing may qualify for HSP points under the advanced IT qualification category.

IPA's highest-level national qualifications, covering Network Specialist, Database Specialist, Systems Architect, IT Strategist, etc. Qualifies for HSP points (+5 pts).

A national certification recognizing professionals in cybersecurity. Qualifies for HSP points (+5 pts). After passing the exam, registration (renewed every 3 years with mandatory training) confers the RISS title.

A national qualification for the nursing care field. Allows residence and work under the Nursing Care (介護) residence status — unlike SSW/TIT, there is NO limit on the period of stay, and family members can accompany.

A national qualification proving culinary expertise. Useful for applying for the Skilled Labor (Engineer) residence status in the cook category. Foreign nationals with 10+ years of experience in foreign cuisine cooking can work on a Skilled Labor visa.

The skills test required for SSW 1 applications. A separate test exists for each of the 12 specified industry fields, available inside and outside Japan. Waived for those who completed Technical Intern Training (TIT) 2nd term. Fields: Nursing Care, Building Cleaning, Manufacturing, Construction, Shipbuilding, Automobile Maintenance, Aviation, Lodging, Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Manufacturing, and Food Service.