JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4: Which Japanese Test Should You Take for the SSW Visa?
Japan accepts either test for Specified Skilled Worker (i). The better choice depends on how soon you need a result and how you like to be tested.
If you are planning a care, food-service, manufacturing or other SSW job in Japan, you will hear two abbreviations again and again: JFT-Basic and JLPT N4. Both prove basic Japanese, both are accepted, and both are very different experiences. One is a computer test you can book most months. The other is a paper exam held twice a year.
This guide compares JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4 on format, scoring, dates and fit, so you can choose one test and prepare for it properly instead of splitting your effort. Our other posts mention these tests in passing, so here we put them side by side.
What Does the SSW (i) Visa Ask for in Japanese?
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applicants for Specified Skilled Worker (i) must pass a skills test for their field and a Japanese-language test. For the language part, you must pass either JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. Both tests are held in Japan and overseas, according to the MOFA SSW introduction page.
That sentence is the whole requirement. You do not need both tests, and a higher JLPT level such as N3 also satisfies it. For the bigger picture of the programme, read our guide to jobs in Japan for Indians (SSW and TITP).
JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4 at a Glance
| Feature | JFT-Basic | JLPT N4 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, about 50 questions in 60 minutes | Paper-based exam (Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening) |
| Scoring | 10 to 250, statistically equated. No minimum per section | 0 to 180 in total (0–120 Language Knowledge and Reading, 0–60 Listening) |
| Pass mark | 200 for A2.2 (A2) | 90 overall, with at least 38 in Language Knowledge and Reading and at least 19 in Listening |
| Frequency | Held monthly as a rule; you book through Prometric | Twice a year (July and December). In 2026: 5 July and 6 December |
| Result | Shown on screen at the end; official notice within 5 business days | Score Report for everyone; Certificate for those who pass |
| Retake | Allowed if your score is 199 or lower, with at least 45 days between tests | Next scheduled session |
| India logistics* | Centres in Bengaluru, Gurgaon and Guwahati; fee about ₹3,540 | Registration through local host institutions; fees vary by city |
Format, scoring and retake rules come from the Japan Foundation JFT-Basic page and official JLPT results page. *India centres, fees and hosts come from secondary sources (Komichi, Team Languages) and change often, so confirm before you pay.
How the JFT-Basic Works
The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Test for Basic Users (JFT-Basic) checks whether you can handle everyday Japanese on the job and in daily life.
Format
- Computer-based, about 50 questions in 60 minutes.
- Four parts of roughly 12 questions each: Script and Vocabulary, Conversation and Expression, Listening, and Reading.
- There is no time limit per part, but you cannot go back to a previous part. Listening audio plays up to twice.
Scoring and results
- Scores run from 10 to 250 and are statistically equated, so a score means the same thing across test dates.
- There is no minimum score per section, only the total.
- You see the result on screen when you finish, and the official notification arrives within 5 business days on the Prometric site.
- Results do not carry an expiry date, according to the Japan Foundation FAQ.
The August 2026 Change to JFT-Basic Score Bands
According to the Japan Foundation’s official notice, JFT-Basic results are reported in bands from August 2026:
| Score | Level shown |
|---|---|
| 200 to 250 | A2.2 (A2) |
| 175 to 199 | A2.1 |
| 145 to 174 | A1 |
| Below 145 | No level shown |
The pass mark for A2.2 (A2) stays at 200, and earlier results of 200 or more remain valid as A2.2 proof. The A1 and A2.1 bands matter mainly for the new Employment for Skill Development system planned from April 2027. For SSW (i), the target remains 200 or above, so confirm the current rule with your employer or agent before relying on a lower band.
How the JLPT N4 Works
The JLPT N4 measures basic Japanese: you should be able to read passages on familiar topics and follow everyday conversation when it is spoken slowly.
Scoring
- Total score 0 to 180: Language Knowledge and Reading 0–120, Listening 0–60.
- To pass N4 you need 90 overall, and you must also reach 38 in Language Knowledge and Reading and 19 in Listening.
- That means a strong total can still fail if one section falls below its minimum.
Dates
The JLPT is held twice a year, in July and December. The official JLPT page lists 5 July and 6 December for 2026, and some overseas cities hold only one session. In India, registration usually runs through local host institutions, so ask the host in your city.
Why people like it
A JLPT certificate is recognised by schools and companies well beyond SSW, so N4 also becomes a stepping stone to N3. Compare the levels in our JLPT N5 vs N4 guide and plan your study with the JLPT N4 checklist and study plan.
Which One Should You Choose?
💻 Choose JFT-Basic if…
- You want a result as soon as possible for an SSW (i) application.
- You are comfortable answering on a computer.
- You prefer a short 60-minute test with no section minimums.
- You can reach a test centre in India or abroad.
📄 Choose JLPT N4 if…
- You can wait for the July or December session.
- You want a certificate for study or careers beyond SSW.
- You like a classic paper format.
- You plan to continue to N3 later.
Special Cases: Nursing Care, TITP Graduates and SSW (ii)
- Nursing care (kaigo): MOFA says this field also needs the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test on top of the basic Japanese test. See our caregiver jobs in Japan guide.
- Technical intern completers: Trainees who satisfactorily complete Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from the skills and Japanese tests. Read how TITP leads to SSW.
- SSW (ii): MOFA does not list a Japanese test for this category.
Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Assuming JLPT N5 is enough for SSW (i). The requirement is N4 or higher.
- Preparing for both tests at once and diluting your study time.
- Passing N4 overall but missing a section minimum.
- Booking JFT-Basic with a name that does not match your passport.
- Forgetting the 45-day gap before a JFT-Basic retake.
✅ Better habits
- Pick one test and build a dated study plan around it.
- Practise listening daily, because listening has its own minimum in JLPT.
- Check ID rules on the booking site before you pay.
- Book early, as slots fill up in some cities.
- Keep a retake window in your timeline.
Your Step-by-Step Plan
- Confirm with your employer or agent that your field accepts both tests.
- Choose JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 using the comparison above.
- Check the next test date and registration window with the official provider or the local host.
- Study to the test’s format with official sample questions and timed practice.
- Book the test, keep your passport ready and plan a retake date as a backup.
Once the language test is cleared, look at salary and living costs in Japan and our guide to Japan jobs for freshers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both JFT-Basic and JLPT N4 for SSW?
No. MOFA says SSW (i) applicants must pass either JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. One is enough.
Is JFT-Basic easier than JLPT N4?
They test different things in different formats, so neither is easier for everyone. JFT-Basic is shorter and has no per-section minimum, while JLPT N4 has sectional minimums and a longer paper format.
What score do I need on JFT-Basic?
The pass mark for A2.2 (A2) is 200 out of 250. From August 2026 lower bands (A1 and A2.1) are also shown, but confirm with your employer which one they need.
How often can I take each test?
JFT-Basic is held monthly as a rule, and you can retake it if your score is 199 or lower after at least 45 days. JLPT is held twice a year, in July and December, and some overseas cities offer only one session.
Do the results expire?
The Japan Foundation says JFT-Basic results have no expiry date. The official JLPT pages we read do not state one. Some employers or agencies may still prefer a recent result, so ask them.
Where can I take the test in India?
Secondary sources list JFT-Basic centres in Bengaluru, Gurgaon and Guwahati, and JLPT registration through host institutions in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai. Centres, fees and windows change, so check the official booking site or your local host.
Need help choosing and preparing?
Lingua Nest runs small-batch Japanese training and honest counselling for SSW aspirants. We help you pick the right test for your goal and prepare for it. We do not promise visas or jobs, only solid preparation.
Book Free Counselling WhatsApp UsDisclaimer: Test formats, dates, fees and visa rules change. This article reflects official pages we read at the time of writing (October 2026). Always confirm current requirements with the Japan Foundation, JLPT organisers, MOFA or your employer before you book. This is not legal or immigration advice.