What is the JFT-Basic?

The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese is a computer-based test of the Japanese needed for everyday life in Japan, mainly for foreign nationals going to work there. It is run by the Japan Foundation and delivered at Prometric test centres.

How long is the JFT-Basic and how many questions does it have?

60 minutes, with about 50 multiple-choice questions in four sections of about 12: Script and Vocabulary, Conversation and Expression, Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension. One clock covers the whole test.

What is the JFT-Basic passing score?

A total of 200 or more out of 250 gives level A2.2 (A2), the level used for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa. Since August 2026 the result can also show A2.1 (175–199) or A1 (145–174).

Is there a minimum score for each section?

No. The Japan Foundation says the level is judged on the total score across all four sections, with no minimum per section.

When do I get my result?

Your total score and level appear on screen at the end of the test. The official result notification is on Prometric's My Page within 5 business days.

How soon can I retake the JFT-Basic?

If your total is 199 or lower, after 45 days counted from the day after your test. If you scored 200 or more, you cannot retake the test.

Does the JFT-Basic result expire?

No. The result has no expiry date. The data stays on the registration site for 5 years, so save and print your notification early.

Should I take the JFT-Basic or the JLPT N4 for SSW?

Either is accepted for Specified Skilled Worker (i). The JFT-Basic is held about monthly and gives a same-day score; the JLPT runs twice a year and takes months for results. Most SSW candidates choose the JFT-Basic for speed.

Do I get a JFT-Basic certificate or score report?

No certificate is posted to you. The official result notification (your score report) appears on Prometric's My Page within 5 business days and shows your total score, your level and the percentage correct in each section. Print it or save it as a PDF: that is the document employers, agencies and immigration ask for.

Can I take the JFT-Basic in Japan?

Yes. The test is held in Japan as well as overseas, at Prometric centres from Sapporo to Naha, for JPY 10,000. You need a status of residence (a short-term stay is accepted), and you bring your passport plus your Residence Card.

What does JFT passer mean?

It is an informal term, common in the Philippines, for someone who has reached the SSW level on the JFT-Basic: a total of 200 or more, shown as A2.2 (A2). It is not an official title. It means the Japanese requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (i) is done; the skills test for the field is still needed.

Is the JFT-Basic hard?

The questions are at CEFR A1 to A2, so it is a beginner-level test of everyday Japanese. What makes it hard is the pace: about 50 questions in 60 minutes, listening clips that play at most 2 times and no going back to an earlier section. A timed mock test shows whether you can keep up.

What Is JFT-Basic? FAQ 2026: Validity, Certificate, Score

The eight most common questions are answered in the FAQ block near the end of this page. Everything else is grouped below by topic. Every answer was checked against the Japan Foundation, Prometric or the official SSW site on the date shown above. Rules change, so check the official page before you book.

About the test

Who runs the JFT-Basic?

The Japan Foundation, a Japanese government-affiliated body for cultural exchange and Japanese-language education, writes and organises the test. Prometric runs the bookings, the payments and the test centres. The Japan Foundation does not take bookings. Booking questions go to Prometric's customer service.

Where can I take the JFT-Basic?

At Prometric test centres in 14 countries: Japan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Centres and seats are listed on Prometric's schedule pages. Our test dates and centres guide explains how to read them.

Can I take the test in another country?

Yes. The official FAQ says you may test outside your country of residence. Two things to know: at the venue, instructions are given only in the local language or English, and each country has its own eligibility rules. For example, Prometric's registration page says only Indonesian nationals can test in Indonesia. Check Prometric's country page before you book.

How often is the JFT-Basic held?

Monthly as a rule, in Japan and overseas, according to the official FAQ. Bookings open in test periods of about two months, and each centre has its own dates.

Format and content

Is there furigana on the kanji?

No official page states a rule. The official sample questions show no furigana, and one question type asks you to give the reading of a kanji word. Practise reading without furigana.

Can I use scratch paper?

The Japan Foundation and Prometric pages we checked do not say. Prometric's test-day guide lists only a few items you take into the room, so do not count on paper. Ask the centre staff on the day if you need to know.

What do the questions look like?

Every answer is a click: there is no speaking or writing test. There are eleven question types across the four sections: pictures to words, words in sentences, kanji readings, grammar in dialogues, set phrases, three kinds of listening with picture answers, and two kinds of reading. Try all 11 with answers on the sample questions page.

Booking and fees

How much does the JFT-Basic cost?

It depends on the country where you test. Prometric's fees are:

JFT-Basic test fee and ID by country
Country	Test fee	ID to bring
Nepal	USD 36tax is added at booking	Passport
India	INR 3,540INR 3,000 + 18% GST	Passport
Philippines	PHP 2,010	Passport
Indonesia	IDR 550,000	e-KTP (Indonesian nationals only)Minimum age 18
Myanmar	USD 36	PassportMinimum age 17
Vietnam	VND 870,000	Passport
Sri Lanka	LKR 12,000	Passport
Bangladesh	BDT 3,800e-wallet payment suspended since 25 Aug 2026	Passport
Cambodia	USD 36	Passport
Thailand	THB 1,260net price	Passport
Mongolia	MNT 125,000	Passport
Uzbekistan	USD 36	Passport for overseas travel
Pakistan	PKR 10,788	Passport
Japan	JPY 10,000	Passport + Residence Card

How do I register?

Create a Prometric ID on Prometric's JFT-Basic page, using your passport details exactly as printed. Then log in, choose the exam, date, centre and time, pay, and print the Confirmation Letter. Step-by-step help is in the registration guide.

When does booking close?

At least 3 business days before the test, or one business day earlier for a test on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, according to the Japan Foundation's registration page.

Can I cancel or get a refund?

Prometric's JFT-Basic page says bookings cannot be cancelled, fees are not refunded whether or not you attend, and changes are not possible after the reservation deadline. Choose your date carefully.

Test day

What do I need to bring?

Your original, valid photo ID and your Confirmation Letter. Copies and photos on your phone are not accepted. The name, passport number (or NIK in Indonesia) and date of birth must match your Prometric ID exactly. In most countries the ID is your passport. If your ID is refused, there is no refund. See the exam day guide.

What time should I arrive?

Prometric's JFT-Basic page says the centre opens 45 minutes before the start and asks you to arrive at least 30 minutes before. If you are late, you cannot take the test, and the fee is not refunded.

Results and scores

How is the JFT-Basic score calculated?

It is a scaled score from 10 to 250, calculated by a statistical method called equating. It is not the number of correct answers, so nobody outside the Japan Foundation can say exactly how many correct answers make 200. More in the score and pass mark guide.

I scored 200 before August 2026. Is it still valid?

Yes. A 200+ result from any date still shows A2.2 (A2) and has no expiry. The A1 and A2.1 levels are shown only for tests taken from August 2026.

Can I get a paper certificate?

The official pages describe an online notification that you print yourself from Prometric's My Page. Save it as a PDF and print copies. The result guide explains how to read and keep it.

SSW and other uses

Is a JFT-Basic score enough for the SSW visa?

No. A score of 200 or more covers the Japanese requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (i). You also need to pass the skills test for your field, find an employer and apply for the visa. Nursing Care also requires a separate care-sector Japanese test. See the SSW visa guide.

Can I use the JFT-Basic for a student visa?

For one case, yes. The Japan Foundation says an A1 result or higher can support Student status for enrolment in a Japanese language school. A1 is also used for the new Employment for Skill Development system, and A2.1 mainly for changing employer within it. The JFT-Basic is not currently accepted for other residence statuses.

JFT-Basic FAQ: straight answers to the questions candidates ask