JFT-Basic in Cambodia: USD 36, the Phnom Penh centre, and MoLVT registration for SSW

Test fee

USD 36

ID to bring

Passport

Test length

60 min · about 50 questions

On-screen translation

Khmer

Score for SSW (i)

200 or higher (A2)

Cambodia: a small market with one centre

Cambodia's JFT-Basic numbers are small but climbing fast. The Japan Foundation counted 126 test-takers in April–May 2026, 176 in June–July and 228 in August–September. All of them sat in Phnom Penh.

In the latest period, 34.2% of Cambodian test-takers reached A2.2 (200 or more), the level the Japanese government uses for SSW. The world average was 41.3%. A quarter landed in A1 (145–174). A1 matters too: the new Employment for Skill Development (育成就労) programme, due to replace technical intern training, uses the A1 and A2.1 bands. See the score guide.

With so few candidates, Khmer-language practice material for the JFT-Basic is scarce. Most learners use the Japan Foundation's free Irodori course (translated into 20 languages), plus timed practice like our mock test.

How much does the JFT-Basic cost in Cambodia?

USD 36, as listed on Prometric's fee page. Cambodia has three ways to pay:

• Visa or Mastercard credit, debit or prepaid card with 3D Secure;
• e-wallet (Prometric doesn't name the brands and says they can change without notice);
• voucher, bought in advance. Prometric's sales counter in Cambodia is the Education Development Institute (EDI) in Phnom Penh: cash only, exact amount, and bring a valid ID. Schools and agencies can buy in bulk online.

The fee is in US dollars, which most Cambodian bank cards handle without trouble. Use a card that supports 3D Secure and keep the phone that receives the one-time code with you.

Where is the test centre?

Prometric's overseas schedule (updated 15 October 2026) lists one centre: Phnom Penh. Your Confirmation Letter gives the full address. Check the live schedule before you book, in case a centre is added.

If you live in Siem Reap, Battambang or another province, the journey to Phnom Penh can take most of a day. Book an afternoon session or travel the day before. Arriving late can cost you the seat and the fee.

When does booking open?

For the next test period, Prometric gives:

• Booking opens: 25 November 2026, about 10:00 AM Japan time, which is about 8:00 AM in Cambodia.
• Booking closes: 12 January 2027.
• Test dates: 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027.

Book at least 3 business days before the test (four for tests on weekends and Japanese holidays). Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben do not change Prometric's deadlines, which follow the Japanese calendar. For the booking screens, follow the registration guide.

Can you take it in Thailand or Vietnam instead?

Yes, if that suits you better. The Japan Foundation's FAQ says you may take the JFT-Basic outside your country of residence. Prometric runs centres in Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and only Indonesia limits its test to its own nationals. Two things change if you test abroad:

• the fee and payment methods are those of the country where you test. Bangkok charges THB 1,260 and Ho Chi Minh City VND 870,000, and neither offers exactly the same payment options as Cambodia;
• the ID rule is still the passport, and you need to be allowed to enter that country on test day.

For most candidates Phnom Penh is simpler and cheaper. Testing abroad makes sense mainly when every Phnom Penh seat in the period is taken, or when you already live near Poipet or the Vietnamese border and travel there anyway.

What ID do you need?

Your passport only. The Khmer national ID card is not accepted. Bring the original, valid passport and your Confirmation Letter. Your name, passport number and date of birth must match your Prometric ID exactly. Khmer names are often written with the family name first; copy the order exactly as it appears in your passport's machine-readable lines.

On test day

The screen shows instructions in English with a Your Language button for Khmer. The Japanese itself is not translated. There are about 50 questions, one 60-minute clock and listening clips that play at most 2 times. You see your score at the end; the official result appears on Prometric My Page within 5 business days. If you score below 200, you can rebook after 45 days.

From JFT-Basic to SSW: Cambodia's procedure

Cambodia has one of the stricter sending procedures. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) summarises it:

1. Certified sending agency

   A Japanese employer hiring from Cambodia must recruit through a sending agency certified by the Cambodian government. The ISA publishes the list it received from Cambodia.

2. MoLVT registration certificate

   Through the agency, you apply to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT) for a registration certificate. MoLVT issues it in about 2–3 business days, once it confirms you followed Cambodia's rules. MoLVT charges no fee, but the agency may charge an administration fee under your contract.

3. Certificate of Eligibility

   The employer applies for your COE and must attach the MoLVT registration certificate. Japan has required it since 5 August 2019.

4. Visa

   You apply for the SSW visa at the Embassy of Japan in Phnom Penh with the COE.

5. Pre-departure orientation

   You attend a pre-departure orientation before leaving.

Cambodians already in Japan can be hired directly, without an agency, but must still get the MoLVT registration certificate through a certified agency. For the skills test in your field, see the SSW visa guide.

A study plan from Phnom Penh

Start with Irodori Starter (A1), then Elementary 1 and 2 (A2). Follow our study plan, and take a timed mock two weeks before your test date.

Planning the whole move, not just the test? Our SSW visa cost calculator helps you add up what going to Japan on SSW should cost, from the JFT-Basic fee onwards, and the salary calculator estimates your take-home pay once you are there.