JFT-Basic in the Philippines: fee, centres in Manila, Cebu and Davao, and the DMW route

Test fee

PHP 2,010

ID to bring

Passport

Test length

60 min · about 50 questions

On-screen translation

English instructions

Score for SSW (i)

200 or higher (A2)

The JFT-Basic in the Philippines at a glance

Filipinos take the JFT-Basic mainly for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. For caregivers the usual target is nursing care (介護, kaigo), which also needs its own care Japanese test. In the August–September 2026 period, the Japan Foundation counted 2,082 test-takers in the Philippines, up from 1,342 in April–May. Of those 2,082, 35.5% reached A2.2, the score of 200 or more that SSW asks for. Another 20.7% landed in A2.1 (175–199), close enough that a few weeks of targeted practice can close the gap.

Filipino candidates have one real advantage: the test instructions are in English, and most of you read English comfortably. That frees all your attention for the Japanese. The disadvantage is that English-speakers often lean on romaji. The test uses hiragana, katakana and kanji only, so drop romaji early.

Philippine results by test period

From August 2026 the Japan Foundation reports three bands instead of one pass line, which is why the last row looks different. Source: the Japan Foundation's implementation reports.

How much does the JFT-Basic cost in the Philippines?

PHP 2,010, as listed on Prometric's fee page. The Philippines has more ways to pay than most countries:

• Visa or Mastercard credit, debit or prepaid card with 3D Secure;
• e-wallet and online banking (Prometric doesn't name the brands and warns they can change without notice);
• a voucher, which training centres and agencies often buy in bulk for their trainees.

Individuals can buy a voucher in cash at one of Prometric's two Philippine voucher sales counters: TRAIN, EDUC & DEV CONS INC. in Cebu, and Horizon Psychological and Testing Center, Inc. in Davao. Bring the exact amount (no change is given) and a valid ID. There is no listed counter in Manila, but you can use a voucher bought in Cebu or Davao at any Philippine centre.

If your agency or training centre gives you a voucher, you still create your own Prometric ID and book your own seat. Use your own email address so the Confirmation Letter and results come to you.

Where are the JFT-Basic test centres in the Philippines?

Prometric's overseas schedule (updated 15 October 2026) lists four centres:

All three cities appear in every FY2026 implementation report. Prometric doesn't print addresses on the schedule page; your Confirmation Letter has the exact address. Always check the current schedule before you book.

Two local notes from Prometric's news page:

• Weather closures. In August 2026 Prometric temporarily closed the Manila PCampa centre because of heavy rain and moved bookings. In typhoon season, watch the Prometric news page and your email the day before your test.
• Dress rules at Ateneo. Prometric's JFT-Basic page lists clothing not allowed at Ateneo University: dirty clothes, gym or cycling wear, sleeveless tops for men, deep necklines, open backs, crop tops, very short skirts, very low-rise jeans and slippers. Dress as you would for a job interview.

When can you book?

For the next test period, Prometric gives:

• Booking opens: 25 November 2026, at about 10:00 AM Japan time, which is about 9:00 AM in Manila.
• 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 weekends and holidays). Remember that Japanese holidays count, not Philippine ones. The registration guide walks through creating a Prometric ID and booking step by step.

What ID do you need?

Passport only. Not your UMID, PhilSys ID, driver's licence or PRC card. It must be the original and still valid, and your name, passport number and birth date must match your Prometric ID exactly. Watch for middle names: if your passport shows a middle name, enter it the same way when you register. A mismatch can mean you are turned away with no refund.

From JFT-Basic to SSW: the DMW process

The Philippines has the most detailed sending procedure of any JFT-Basic country. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) summarises it, based on what the Philippine side requires:

1. Licensed agency and recruitment agreement

   A Japanese employer hiring from the Philippines must go through a Philippine agency licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The employer signs a recruitment agreement with the agency, notarised in Japan. You can check any agency's licence on the DMW search page.

2. MWO review and interview

   The employer sends its documents to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, or the Consulate General in Osaka for western Japan. The standard review time is 15 working days. A company representative must then attend an interview in English. Consultants and support agencies cannot attend in its place.

3. DMW registration

   After approval, the employer is registered with the DMW (which absorbed the POEA), and the job order goes live through the agency.

4. Contract, COE and visa

   You sign the contract. The employer gets your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and you apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy. The ISA notes the COE is valid for only three months, so the next steps must fit inside that window.

5. PDOS, medical and OEC

   You attend OWWA's Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (about half a day) and a medical check, both booked through the agency. Then the agency applies to the DMW for your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), which you show at the airport.

If you are already in Japan and change to SSW there, you need an OEC when you visit home and fly back. Nursing care candidates also need the Nursing Care skills test and the care Japanese test: see SSW fields.

Getting to 200

The test has about 50 questions and lasts 60 minutes. Listening clips play at most 2 times. Start with a free practice test to see your level, then follow the study plan. If you score under 200, you can retake after 45 days.

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.