Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能 - SSW) Skill Test Guide
To obtain a Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa for employment in Japan, candidates must pass both a Japanese language test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4) and a designated sector-specific Skill Evaluation Examination. This guide breaks down the exam format, major industrial sectors, scoring criteria, and Prometric CBT procedures.
Preparing for JFT-Basic or SSW Specified Skilled Worker?
Practice with authentic Prometric CBT computer tests, 26 JAC textbooks, and native listening dialogues.
1. Major Industrial Sectors for Foreign Workers
The Japanese government has approved 12+ industry categories for the SSW program. The most popular sectors for candidates in Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines include:
Organized by OTAFF. Covers customer service (接客), food preparation (調理), and hygiene management (衛生管理). Candidates must understand HACCP regulations, allergy labeling, and Japanese hospitality greetings.
Organized by OTAFF. Focuses on food processing lines, equipment cleaning, food hygiene safety, storage temperature controls, and contamination prevention protocols.
Consists of two separate exams: Nursing Care Skills Evaluation and Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation. Covers physical assistance, dementia care, dignified communication, and patient safety.
Organized by JAC. Encompasses formwork, scaffolding, reinforcing bar, plastering, interior finishing, and civil earthwork. Supported by 26 official JAC textbooks available on Gakkou No Shiken.
Preparing for JFT-Basic or SSW Specified Skilled Worker?
Practice with authentic Prometric CBT computer tests, 26 JAC textbooks, and native listening dialogues.
2. Prometric SSW CBT Two-Phase Examination Format
Unlike ordinary multiple-choice tests, official Prometric SSW skill examinations partition candidates through two rigorous testing phases:
Candidates listen to workplace dialogues (kitchen orders, supervisor safety instructions, equipment alarms) and must either pick the correct response or type Japanese Hiragana/Romaji keywords into an interactive input box.
Contains image-based real workplace scenarios. Tests understanding of HACCP 7 principles, cross-contamination, sanitization chemicals, machine lockout-tagout procedures, and emergency response actions.
3. Free Mock Tests & JAC Textbooks
Prepare effectively with authentic 1:1 Prometric CBT simulator tests and verified textbook materials:
Preparing for JFT-Basic or SSW Specified Skilled Worker?
Practice with authentic Prometric CBT computer tests, 26 JAC textbooks, and native listening dialogues.