JFT-Basic in Mongolia: MNT 125,000 by voucher, the Ulaanbaatar centre and GOLWS

Test fee

MNT 125,000

ID to bring

Passport

Test length

60 min · about 50 questions

On-screen translation

Mongolian

Score for SSW (i)

200 or higher (A2)

Mongolia: the smallest test population, and a voucher-only rule

Mongolia is one of the quietest JFT-Basic countries. The Japan Foundation counted 28 test-takers in April–May 2026, 26 in June–July and 18 in August–September. That is a handful per month at the Ulaanbaatar centre.

With groups this small, percentages swing a lot from period to period, so don't read too much into them. The point is that the test is very passable from Mongolia: in two of the three periods, about half reached the SSW level of 200.

Low numbers have one benefit: you are unlikely to fight for seats the way candidates in Nepal or Myanmar do. The real obstacle in Mongolia is payment.

How do you pay for the JFT-Basic in Mongolia?

The fee is MNT 125,000. Prometric's payment page lists only one method for Mongolia: a voucher. No credit card, no debit card, no e-wallet. Mongolia shares this rule with Pakistan.

A voucher is a prepaid ticket. When you book, you choose the date, centre and time, then enter the voucher number and its expiry date instead of a card. The Japan Foundation's registration page names two ways to buy one:

• Voucher Express, Prometric's online voucher channel, which sells to companies and organisations only (schools, agencies, employers);
• a voucher sales counter, where you pay in cash.

Prometric lists one sales counter in Mongolia: the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, in Ulaanbaatar. Prometric's rules for its counters:

• cash only, and bring the exact amount: no change is given;
• bring a valid ID when you buy;
• if you buy for other people, give the names of everyone who will use the vouchers;
• counters close on local holidays.

Buy the voucher before the booking period opens. You cannot finish a booking without one, and the counter's opening hours won't match a booking rush. Check the voucher counter list for changes before you go.

Where is the test centre?

Prometric's overseas schedule (updated 15 October 2026) lists one centre: Ulaanbaatar. All three FY2026 implementation reports name Ulaanbaatar as the only Mongolian test city. The address is on your Confirmation Letter; check the live schedule before booking.

Candidates from Darkhan, Erdenet or the aimags should plan to travel the day before, especially in winter.

When can you book?

For the next test period, Prometric gives:

• Booking opens: 25 November 2026, about 10:00 AM Japan time, which is about 9:00 AM in Ulaanbaatar.
• Booking closes: 12 January 2027.
• Test dates: 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027.

Each booking must be made at least 3 business days before the test (four for weekend and Japanese holiday tests). Tsagaan Sar and Naadam don't move the deadline; Prometric counts Japanese business days. Follow the registration guide for each screen.

What ID do you need?

Your passport only. The Mongolian citizen 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. Enter your name in Latin letters exactly as printed in the passport, including the order of the patronymic and given name. The exam day guide explains check-in.

Mongolian on screen

The instructions appear in English, with a Your Language button for Mongolian. The Japanese being tested is not translated. There are about 50 questions in four sections and one 60-minute clock. Your score appears on screen at the end, and the official result is on Prometric My Page within 5 business days. If you score below 200, you can retake after 45 days, but you need a new voucher.

From JFT-Basic to SSW: Mongolia's GOLWS procedure

Mongolia routes SSW recruitment through a single government body: GOLWS (General Office for Labour and Welfare Services, under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection). The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) describes the steps:

1. Register with GOLWS

   You register as a job seeker with GOLWS. This includes people who passed the skills and Japanese tests and returnees who completed technical intern training (ii) or (iii).

2. Employer contract with GOLWS

   The Japanese employer, or a Japanese job placement business, signs a bilateral recruitment contract with GOLWS. That gives it access to the GOLWS list of registered SSW candidates.

3. Selection and employment contract

   The employer picks candidates from the list and contacts them through GOLWS. The signed contract is sent to you through GOLWS.

4. Visa through GOLWS

   After the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, you give GOLWS a power of attorney, and GOLWS applies for the visa on your behalf at the Embassy of Japan.

5. Pre-departure training

   You attend GOLWS's pre-departure training before you leave.

Mongolians already in Japan who change to SSW must register their employment contract with GOLWS (sent by PDF). GOLWS then issues a certificate, which the ISA says takes about three business days. For the skills test in your field, see the SSW visa guide.

Preparing in Mongolia

Because the voucher step adds friction, prepare well so you pass in one sitting. Follow our study plan, work through the free Irodori course, and take a timed mock test before you buy the voucher.

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.