The Field and the SSW Skills Test

The Field and the SSW Skills Test

Many factories in Japan make metal parts, machines, electronic devices and other industrial products. Under the Specified Skilled Worker system (SSW, 特定技能 tokutei ginou), this work belongs to the field called 工業製品製造業 (kougyou seihin seizougyou, industrial product manufacturing). The ministry in charge is the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI, 経済産業省). This lesson gives an overview of the field and its skills test. For the SSW pathway in general, see the course on work pathways to Japan.

Work categories

The field is divided into work categories called 業務区分 (gyoumu kubun). Per October 2026, SSW (i) has 17 categories. Three of them are the classic factory categories, and they are also open for SSW (ii):

The other categories cover products such as paper boxes and cardboard, concrete products, ceramics, printing and bookbinding, textiles, sewing, electric wire and cable, furniture, rubber products and bags. Each category has its own test, so first decide which category matches your experience and the job you are aiming for.

How to show your skill level

• Pass the 製造分野特定技能1号評価試験 (seizou bunya tokutei ginou ichigou hyouka shiken), the SSW (i) skills test for manufacturing, in your category.
• Other routes exist, such as the national trade skills test (技能検定3級, ginou kentei sankyuu) or completing Technical Intern Training (ii) in a related job. Check whether they apply to you.
• You also need Japanese: JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or above, unless you are exempt.

Test format

The test has two parts. The written test (学科試験, gakka shiken) checks the knowledge behind the skill: materials, safety and health, and work methods. The practical test (実技試験, jitsugi shiken) checks whether you can judge and work correctly, for example by choosing the right tool, reading a measurement or finding a defect in a picture. Per October 2026, most sessions are computer-based tests (CBT) at test centers, but the rules also allow paper tests or hands-on tasks. Questions are in Japanese, so technical vocabulary matters as much as factory experience. Dates, places, fees, time limits and passing scores can change, so always read the latest test guide before you apply.

How to use this course

The next lessons cover topics shared by many categories: production flow, work standards, quality, measuring, drawings, safety and basic processes. Learn each Japanese term with its reading. Then study the official learning materials for your category if they are available. Jobagus.id does not charge registration fees; be careful of brokers who promise a test pass or a job in exchange for money.

Rules and test details may change. Check the official sites: meti.go.jp, moj.go.jp/isa and ssw.go.jp.