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About JFT-Basic

What is JFT-Basic?

The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) measures Japanese language proficiency required for daily life communication, primarily for foreign nationals coming to Japan for work purposes.

From August 2026, JFT-Basic will also be able to assess A1 and A2.1 levels

1. Purpose of the Test

The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) is designed to measure the Japanese language proficiency required for communication in daily life situations that foreign nationals typically encounter when coming to Japan for work. It assesses whether the test taker has "a certain level of ability to hold daily conversations and live without significant difficulties."

Note:This level is defined in the Cabinet Decision of December 25, 2018 on "Basic Policy on Operation of the Specified Skills Residence Status System" and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan's document "Policy on Specified Skills Tests" (February 2019).

Based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education (JF Standard), which was developed by the Japan Foundation as a framework for Japanese language education based on the concept of "Japanese for mutual understanding," this test measures "what you can do in Japanese and to what extent."

Specified Skills Visa (Specified Skills No. 1)

JFT-Basic has been utilized since April 1, 2019, as a test to measure the Japanese language proficiency level required to obtain the Specified Skills No. 1 residence status. For more information about the Specified Skills system, please visit the following websites:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Japanese)
  • Specified Skills Comprehensive Support Site (Immigration Services Agency)

2. Test Target Audience

This test is intended for non-native speakers of Japanese. Among them, the primary target audience is foreign nationals coming to Japan for work purposes.

Non-native Speakers

Individuals whose first language is not Japanese

Work Purpose

Primarily for those coming to Japan for employment

3. Test Format

This test is conducted using Computer Based Testing (CBT). Test takers use computers at designated test centers in various countries to receive questions and submit answers. In individual booths, test takers answer questions displayed on the computer screen based on audio heard through headphones.

CBT Screen

Questions and choices displayed in the center area

Timer Display

Remaining time and answer status shown around the screen

Your Language

Questions available in multiple languages

How to Answer

  • Questions are displayed in English. Click the "Your Language" button to read questions in your local language.
  • In the Listening section, press the play button to hear audio. You can listen up to 2 times.
  • Click on your chosen answer. The selected option will change color.

Available Languages

English
Chinese
Indonesian
Khmer
Mongolian
Myanmar
Nepali
Thai
Vietnamese
Uzbek
Bengali
Lao
Malay

4. Test Structure

The test consists of four sections: "Characters and Vocabulary," "Conversation and Expression," "Listening," and "Reading." Approximately 50 questions are presented, and the test duration is 60 minutes.

Characters & Vocabulary

~12

Questions

Conversation & Expression

~12

Questions

Listening

~12

Questions

Reading

~12

Questions

SectionCategoryObjective
Characters & Vocabulary
Word MeaningTests understanding of word meanings
Word UsageTests proper usage of words
Kanji ReadingTests reading of kanji words in hiragana
Kanji Meaning & UsageTests meaning and usage of kanji words
Conversation & Expression
GrammarTests appropriate grammar in conversation context
ExpressionTests appropriate expressions in conversation context
Listening
Social InteractionTests understanding of information exchange and social interaction
Shop & Public ServicesTests understanding of interactions at shops and public institutions
Instructions & AnnouncementsTests understanding of instructions, announcements, and audio media
Reading
Content UnderstandingTests understanding of short, simple texts like letters and messages
Information SearchTests ability to find necessary information from signs, notices, and materials

Important Notes

  • • There is no time limit per section
  • • Within the same section, you can review and change answers at any time
  • • Once you move to the next section, you cannot return to the previous section
  • • In the Listening section, you cannot move between questions to review or change answers

5. Level Criteria

This test determines whether the test taker has a certain level of Japanese proficiency at the A2 level. When the total score is at or above the passing criteria (200 out of 250 points), it is determined that the test taker has "a certain level of ability to hold daily conversations and live without significant difficulties" (A2 level). There is no level distinction in this test.

A2

Passing Criteria

200 points or above out of 250 total points

0 points200 points (Pass)250 points
LevelDescription
B1
  • • Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • • Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • • Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
A2
  • • Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
  • • Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • • Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
A1
  • • Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • • Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have.
  • • Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Source: CEFR Common Reference Levels — Global Scale

6. Test Results Notification

Test results are notified to test takers as follows:

On Test Day

Immediately after test completion

Total score and pass/fail result are displayed on the screen at the end of the test.

Within 5 Business Days

After the test date

Log in to the reservation website to view and print the official result notification.

About the Score

The result notification shows the total score and the pass/fail determination based on it. The total score is not the raw number of correct answers, but a scaled score calculated through a statistical process called equating. The total score ranges from 10 to 250 points.

Score Range

10 ~ 250 points

Passing Score

200 points or above

Note: Reference information showing the correct answer rate for each section is also displayed. The second page of the result notification explains the concept of Japanese language proficiency levels.

7. Test Description Materials

Slide-format materials summarizing the above information are available to help you understand the overview of JFT-Basic. Please feel free to download and use them.

Test Description Materials

Comprehensive slide presentation covering all aspects of JFT-Basic

Format: PDFSize: 1.12MBLanguage: Japanese

Test Overview

Purpose, target, and format

Test Structure

4 sections and categories

Level Criteria

CEFR A2 level details