The Two SSW (i) Tests and Who Runs Them

The Two SSW (i) Tests and Who Runs Them

To work in Japan under Specified Skilled Worker (i), or 特定技能1号 (tokutei ginou ichigou), most candidates must pass two tests: a skills test for their field and a Japanese language test. This course gives you an overview of both and helps you prepare in a smart and safe way. For the SSW route itself, see the course on work routes to Japan in this e-learning.

Test 1: the skills test

The skills test, often called 技能評価試験 (ginou hyouka shiken, skills evaluation test), checks whether you have the knowledge and judgment needed to work in one specific field. Each field has its own test, its own questions and its own organizer. A pass in nursing care does not allow you to work in food manufacturing; you need the test of the field where you will actually work.

Test 2: the Japanese language test

For the language requirement, candidates usually choose between the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) at A2 level and the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N4 or above. Nursing care adds one more test: the 介護日本語評価試験 (kaigo nihongo hyouka shiken, nursing care Japanese test), which checks the Japanese used in care work.

Who runs the tests

Each field is supervised by a ministry, and its test is run by that ministry or by an industry organization. Many tests abroad are delivered by Prometric, a testing company with test centers in Indonesia and other countries. Examples for fields that are common among Indonesian candidates:

A route for former technical interns

If you completed Technical Intern Training Level 2 in good standing, you may be exempt from both tests when you move to SSW (i) in a related field. If you change to a different field, you must pass that field's skills test.

Where to find the official list

The Japanese government's SSW portal lists every field, its test organizer and the test schedules in Japan and abroad. Use it as your starting point and follow the links from there, not links from social media posts or private chat groups.

Per October 2026. Fields, organizers and requirements can change, so always check the official sites, such as ssw.go.jp and moj.go.jp/isa.