Preparation for specific skill exams (evaluation exams/Japanese language exams) and study methods to pass

The first hurdle to go to Japan with a specific skill visa is to pass two tests: the Japanese language test and the skill test. Many people may be worried, thinking, “It seems difficult to take a professional test in Japanese” or “I don’t know how to study.” However, the specific skill test has a set range of questions, and if you study steadily and use the correct texts, you can pass the test by studying on your own. This time, we will teach you how to prepare for each exam and effective study methods to increase your pass rate.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

First, the required Japanese language test is passing the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Test (JFT-Basic) or passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N4 or above. This is the level at which you can do very basic conversation, reading, and writing, such as shopping at a Japanese supermarket, asking train directions at a station, and greeting each other in everyday life. When studying Japanese, it’s important to not just memorize words, but to get into the habit of pronouncing them out loud for at least 5 minutes every day using a smartphone app.

Important data and problem analysis that tell the truth

• First characteristic (rapid expansion of market needs and background): The labor shortage in Japan is a structural problem, and the demand for ready-to-work human resources is rapidly increasing, especially in the manufacturing and service industries. Data has proven that the specific skills system guarantees a certain level of work experience and Japanese language proficiency, so there are very few mismatches in the initial stages of introduction.
• Second feature (required language skills and educational system): To obtain a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa, it is mandatory to pass a Japanese language proficiency test (N4 or JFT-Basic) at a daily conversation level or above, but additional Japanese language training on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smooth instruction transfer on site.
• Third feature (same or higher salary treatment and motivation): Japanese laws and regulations strictly prohibit creating discriminatory disparities in working conditions such as basic pay and bonuses compared to Japanese employees working in the same business within the same company. Having a fair evaluation system in place is the key to preventing employee turnover and boosting morale across the team.

2. Important institutional rules and legal compliance

Next is preparation for the “Skills Test”. This is a test that measures your expertise in the industry you want to work in (restaurants, food manufacturing, cleaning, etc.). Although the test questions are written in Japanese, all kanji are written in furigana (hiragana), so even people who are not good at kanji can read them. The most important tip for passing the exam is to download the “study texts (with translations into English, Vietnamese, Myanmar, etc.)” that are made available on the Internet for free by various industry organizations, and read them over and over again. Almost all of the content on the test comes from this free textbook.

Important check sheet to prevent problems from occurring

1. [Check 1] Multilingualization of employment contract documents: When hiring, it is necessary to obtain the foreigner’s agreement by providing and explaining in advance a “terms of employment” that specifies the wage breakdown, holidays, overtime work rules, etc. in his or her native language, which the foreigner can fully understand.
2. [Check 2] Ensure payment of social insurance and taxes: It is mandatory to enroll in social insurance and to deduct and pay resident tax and pension from your salary. If you are in arrears, your visa renewal application (usually every 1 or 3 years) will be rejected and you will not be able to continue working in Japan.
3. [Check 3] Ensuring appropriate space in the living environment: The legal minimum area for the room in which a foreigner resides is 7.5 square meters or more (bedroom area) per person, and is subject to strict immigration screening.

3. Specific practical points and solutions

In order to study efficiently for the skill exam, it is important to memorize the illustrations and diagrams in the text. For example, in the food factory (food and beverage manufacturing industry) exam, questions with illustrations include “HACCP management methods,” “proper hand-washing procedures,” and “3 principles for preventing food poisoning (don’t spread, don’t multiply, and destroy).” By memorizing not only the text but also the illustrations and technical terms, you will be able to quickly click on the correct answer even in the real computer test (CBT method).

For detailed information and support plans for safely and effectively utilizing the Specified Skills System, please visit this page on our website.“How to work in Japan/Steps”Please take a look at it and use it to create an appropriate plan.

4. Summary and future prospects

Tests for specific skills are an important key to opening up your life. If you pass, you will be able to work as a stable full-time employee in Japan with a monthly salary of 200,000 yen or more. Even if the text in the textbook seems difficult at first, if you study a little bit every day, you will definitely be able to pass the exam. Let’s work hard towards our dreams, one step at a time!