1. What is the JFT-Basic?

The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese, or JFT-Basic, is a Japanese language test for foreign nationals who are mainly preparing to work in Japan. It measures whether the test taker can communicate in Japanese in everyday life situations.

JFT-Basic can be used as Japanese language evidence for Specified Skilled Worker (i). Like JLPT N4, it can be an important Japanese test for people preparing to work in Japan. However, JFT-Basic focuses more directly on daily-life and work-related communication and is conducted as a CBT test.

2. Test format

JFT-Basic is conducted through Computer-Based Testing, or CBT. At the test center, questions are displayed on a computer screen, and test takers answer on the computer. For listening questions, audio is played through headphones.

According to the official information, the test has approximately 50 questions and the test time is 60 minutes.

3. Passing score and result confirmation

JFT-Basic is scored on a scale up to 250 points. If the total score is 200 points or higher, the test taker is assessed as having reached the A2 level. After the test, the total score and assessment result are displayed on the computer screen.

Within five business days after taking the test, the official notification of assessment results can be viewed and printed from the registration website. If you plan to use the result for a Specified Skilled Worker application, check how to view, print, and submit the official notification.

4. What to check before registration

Before reserving the JFT-Basic, check the following items. It is especially important that your identification document and your Prometric ID registration information match.

• Country or area where you will take the test
• Test date and test center
• Reservation period
• Payment method
• Prometric ID
• Identity documents
• Name, date of birth, passport number, and other registration information
• How to check your Confirmation Letter

5. Creating a Prometric ID and making a reservation

JFT-Basic reservations are made through Prometric’s registration website. First, create a Prometric ID. Then choose your test country or area, test date, test center, and start time, confirm the payment method, and complete the reservation.

1. Access Prometric’s registration website
2. Create a Prometric ID
3. Select the country or area where you will take the test
4. Select the test date, test center, and start time
5. Confirm the payment method
6. Complete the reservation
7. Check your Confirmation Letter
8. Check the test day process before the test

6. Main countries where the JFT-Basic is currently available

Prometric’s JFT-Basic page lists the following countries as test countries. However, test countries, test centers, reservation periods, and payment methods may change.

Before applying, always check the latest test schedule and test center information on Prometric’s website.

7. Test day process

On the test day, arriving on time is very important. Prometric information states that admission starts 45 minutes before the test, and test takers must arrive at the test center no later than 30 minutes before the test start time.

1. Arrive at the test center no later than 30 minutes before the test
2. Show your identity document
3. Show your Confirmation Letter
4. Complete the reception process
5. Take the test by CBT
6. Check your score and assessment result on the screen after the test
7. Later, check your official notification on the registration website

8. Identity document cautions

Identity documents directly affect whether you can take the test. Copies or smartphone screen images are not accepted. The document must be original, valid, and clear enough to identify you.

• Bring the original identity document
• Copies are not accepted
• Smartphone screen images are not accepted
• Your photo must be clear enough for identification
• The document must be valid and not expired
• Your name, date of birth, passport number, and other information should match your Prometric ID registration information

9. Reservation changes and retake rules

You cannot change your reservation after the reservation deadline. Cancellation is not available, and the test fee may not be refunded if you are absent, late, or unable to take the test because of insufficient identity documents.

For retakes, you cannot take the same test again for 45 days from the day after the test date. If you have already passed the test, you cannot take it again.

10. JFT-Basic and the Specified Skilled Worker visa

JFT-Basic is an important Japanese language test for Specified Skilled Worker (i). However, passing the JFT-Basic alone does not guarantee approval for the Specified Skilled Worker visa.

11. Should you take JFT-Basic or JLPT N4?

Many people preparing for Specified Skilled Worker wonder whether they should take JFT-Basic or JLPT N4. The better option depends on the country where you can take the test, test schedule, test format, and timing of your planned application.