The complete guide
The JFT-Basic guide
Plain-English answers to everything about the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese, from what is on the test to what happens after your result. Every fact is checked against the Japan Foundation and Prometric.
About the test
6 guides- JFT-Basic test format: the four sections, the questions and the one 60-minute clockJFT-Basic format and syllabus: 4 sections, about 50 questions, one 60-minute clock, 2 plays per listening clip, and no way back once a section ends.Read
- JFT-Basic score and pass mark: what 200 out of 250 really meansThe JFT-Basic passing score for SSW is 200 out of 250 (A2). 175–199 is A2.1 and 145–174 is A1. How scoring works and what each level unlocks.Read
- JFT-Basic sample questions with answers and explanationsOriginal JFT-Basic exam questions with answers for all 11 question types in the 4 sections, with listening audio, tips and where to get the official sample PDF.Read
- JFT-Basic result: when it arrives, how to read it, and what to do nextCheck your JFT-Basic result online: the score shows on screen at the end of the test, and the score report is on Prometric My Page within 5 business days.Read
- JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4: an honest comparison for SSW candidatesJFT-Basic or JLPT N4 for the SSW visa? Both are accepted. Compare format, test dates, the 200 line vs N4's 90/180 pass, results speed and which suits you.Read
- JFT-Basic FAQ: straight answers to the questions candidates askWhat is JFT-Basic? 32 questions answered: format, the 200/250 pass mark, fees, booking, results, validity, the score report and SSW.Read
Booking and test day
3 guides- JFT-Basic test dates, booking windows and test centresJFT-Basic exam dates and schedule: test periods of about six weeks, when booking opens, the 3-business-day deadline, fees and centres in all 14 countries.Read
- How to register for JFT-Basic: Prometric ID, booking and paymentJFT-Basic registration step by step: create your Prometric ID, log in, fill in the booking form, pay and print the Confirmation Letter. No cancellations.Read
- JFT-Basic exam day: what to bring and what happens at the centreYour JFT-Basic test day: original ID plus Confirmation Letter, arrive 30 minutes early, the 60-minute screen, 2 listening plays, and your score on screen.Read
Studying
2 guides- JFT-Basic study plan: 4, 8 and 12 weeks to the 200 linePick a 4, 8 or 12-week JFT-Basic study plan by starting level. Week-by-week tasks with the free Irodori coursebook, timed mock tests and section drills.Read
- JFT-Basic vocabulary and kanji: what to learn, by everyday topicThere is no official JFT-Basic word list. Learn the everyday A1–A2 words and kanji that matter: 9 topic lists with readings, from shopping to signs at work.Read
Working in Japan
2 guides- JFT-Basic and the Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) visaFor the SSW (i) visa you need JFT-Basic 200+ (or JLPT N4) and your field's skills test. Care needs a third test; TITP (ii) graduates are exempt. Full steps.Read
- Every SSW (i) field in Japan: skills tests, Japanese level and 2026 changesAll 19 Specified Skilled Worker (i) fields, with each skills test, where it is held and the Japanese level. Plus the 3 new fields and the Food Service pause.Read
JFT-Basic by country
Fees, ID, test cities and the SSW route in each of the 14 countries where the test runs.
- Free JFT-Basic practice test12 original questions across all four sections in 15 minutes, with an instant band estimate. No sign-up.
- Full JFT-Basic mock testA complete paper in the real order: four sections on one 60-minute clock, listening that plays twice, and a score estimate out of 250.
- Free JFT-Basic toolsFree calculators and quizzes for JFT-Basic candidates.
- JFT-Basic blogStudy tips, booking updates and deep dives for JFT-Basic candidates.
Step 1 · 15 minutes
Find out where you stand before you book.
Twelve original questions across all four JFT-Basic sections, with audio, a timer and an instant band estimate.
Free. No account needed. Your result stays on this device.