Course
JFT-Basic
The language requirement for the Specified Skilled Worker visa. Here is exactly what the test asks of you — and how we get you to 200 points.
What the JFT-Basic actually is
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (国際交流基金日本語基礎テスト) measures whether you can handle everyday Japanese in daily life — asking for something in a shop, understanding an instruction at work, reading a short notice. It is set at A2 on the CEFR scale, and it is the language test accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa, as well as for Employment for Skill Development and certain Student statuses.
It is a computer-based test (CBT), taken at a Prometric test centre. You see your score on screen the moment you finish, and the official result follows within about five business days.
The format
Four sections, about 50 questions, 60 minutes in total.
| Section | Japanese | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Script and Vocabulary | 文字と語彙 | ~12 | Hiragana, katakana, basic kanji, and whether you know the word being described. |
| Conversation and Expression | 会話と表現 | ~12 | Choosing what a person would actually say in a situation — politeness level included. |
| Listening Comprehension | 聴解 | ~12 | Short spoken exchanges at natural speed. Played once. |
| Reading Comprehension | 読解 | ~12 | Notices, messages, schedules and short signs — the Japanese you meet at work. |
Question counts vary slightly between test forms. Sections are not separately timed — you manage the full 60 minutes yourself, which is a skill in its own right.
Scoring and the pass mark
JFT-Basic is scored from 10 to 250 points. Since August 2026 the result also names your CEFR band, so a near-miss now tells you how near.
- 200 – 250A2.2 (A2)
- Pass. This is the level accepted for the SSW visa.
- 175 – 199A2.1
- Close. Usually one weak section away from a pass.
- 145 – 174A1
- The foundations are there, but the exam vocabulary is not yet.
- Below 145Not assessed
- No CEFR level is displayed on the result.
The number that matters is 200. There is no section minimum on JFT-Basic — unlike JLPT, a strong reading score can carry a weak listening score. That is worth knowing when you decide where to spend your last four weeks of study.
Who needs it
- Applicants for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa — care, food service, construction, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing and the other designated sectors.
- Applicants for Employment for Skill Development status.
- Anyone who wants a recognised A2 result without waiting for the twice-yearly JLPT sitting.
Care workers: most SSW care roles also require the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test in addition to JFT-Basic. Ask us and we will confirm what your sector needs.
The course
Twelve weeks from absolute beginner to test-ready. Faster if you already have some Japanese.
- Weeks 1–3
Script and survival
Hiragana and katakana to automatic recall, the first 300 words, and the sentence patterns the test leans on.
- Weeks 4–6
Everyday situations
Shops, clinics, workplaces, transport. Conversation and Expression is the section most students underestimate — we start it early.
- Weeks 7–9
Listening and reading speed
Audio played once, at speed, as it will be on the day. Notices, rosters and short signs under a timer.
- Weeks 10–12
Full mocks and repair
A timed full-length mock every week, and lessons rebuilt around whatever the mock says you are losing points on.
Every plan includes
- Live small-group classes, capped at eight students
- Unlimited full-length timed mock tests
- Daily vocabulary and kanji drills on your phone
- Explanations in your own language
- A study plan working backwards from your test date
- Help booking your Prometric test slot
JFT-Basic questions
What score do I need to pass JFT-Basic?
You need 200 points out of 250. That corresponds to A2.2 on the CEFR scale, and it is the level accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker visa. There is no section minimum — only your total score matters.
How long does it take to prepare for JFT-Basic?
From a complete beginner, plan on three to six months of consistent study — roughly 8 to 12 hours a week. If you already read hiragana and katakana comfortably, two to three months is realistic. We give you an honest estimate after your free level check rather than a number designed to sell a course.
How often can I take JFT-Basic?
JFT-Basic runs year-round at Prometric test centres, so there is a short waiting period between attempts rather than a once-a-year deadline. Check the official JFT-Basic site for the current interval and the schedule in your country.
Should I take JFT-Basic or JLPT?
If your goal is the Specified Skilled Worker visa, JFT-Basic is usually faster — it is A2 level and held almost every month. If you need a certificate for an employer, a university or a language school, they will usually ask for JLPT, most often N4 or above. Many of our students do JFT-Basic first for the visa and JLPT afterwards for the career.