Japan’s SSW Skills Tests: Information for All 16 Fields

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is a special residence status that allows foreign nationals to work in Japanese industries that have a shortage of workers. According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, to get this visa, most applicants must pass specific exams to prove they are ready to live and work in Japan immediately. This guide explains exactly what these exams are, how they work, and what you need to do to pass them.

What are the SSW Exams?

The SSW Exams are a set of tests designed to prove that you have the necessary skills and Japanese language ability to work in Japan immediately. Unlike other visas that focus on training, the SSW visa is for “work-ready” professionals who can perform tasks safely and effectively from their first day on the job.

To qualify for the SSW (i) visa, you generally need to pass two different types of exams:

•   Japanese Language Test: You must show that you can communicate in daily life and at the workplace. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the government recognizes either the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) or the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) Level N4 or higher.

•   Skills Test: You must pass a practical exam specific to the industry you want to work in, such as Nursing Care, Agriculture, or Construction. These tests check if you have the actual knowledge to do the job.

Why are these exams required? According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan established this system in April 2019 to help industries that are suffering from a serious lack of workers. Because SSW workers receive the same salary as Japanese workers, employers need to verify that you have the skills to handle the job without needing basic training.

Who is exempt? According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SSW guidelines, you do not always have to take these exams. If you have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) (a 3-year training program in Japan), you can switch to the SSW visa in the same field without retaking the skills or language exams. However, if you want to switch to a different industry (for example, moving from Agriculture to Food Service), you must pass the skills test for that new field.

Skill Exams and Language Exams

To obtain the SSW visa, you must demonstrate two types of competency: professional skills for your specific job and the ability to communicate in Japanese. You generally cannot get the visa without passing both.

JLPT and JFT

You must prove you have at least an N4 level of Japanese, which allows for basic daily life and workplace communication. You can choose between two official tests.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 156.48 JPY (Source: Trading Economics, November 25, 2025).

For more information about the differences between the two tests, check our full article on the topic here: 

▶︎ JFT-Basic vs. JLPT for Japan Work: A Comprehensive Comparison

SSW (i) vs SSW (ii): The Differences Explained

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Specified Skilled Worker program is divided into two distinct categories: SSW (i) and SSW (ii). SSW (i) allows you to work for up to five years but generally does not allow you to bring your family. In contrast, SSW (ii) has no limit on how long you can renew your visa and allows you to bring your spouse and children.

As of 2025, 11 out of the 16 industries offer a pathway to SSW (ii) status. The five fields currently ONLY offering SSW (i) are: Nursing Care, Automobile Transportation, Railway, Forestry, and Wood Industry.

You can see the full differences in the two statuses in the article below:

▶︎ SSW-1 vs SSW-2 Visa: Path to Japan Permanent Residence

A Look at Each Field

The SSW program covers 16 specific industry fields, each with its own examination requirements. Below are the details for each sector, including difficulty, test availability by country, and links to official study materials.

Service and Hospitality

Nursing Care (介護)

The Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test assesses your ability to provide physical care assistance (bathing, eating, mobility) and understand the mental and physical conditions of elderly care recipients.

•   Visa Availability: SSW (i) only. However, according to the Immigration Services Agency FAQ, if you pass the national Certified Care Worker exam, you can transition to the “Kaigo” visa which allows indefinite renewal and family accompaniment.

•   Test Availability: According to Prometric, exams are held in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

•   Difficulty: Moderate with many useful study materials. This field requires passing three separate tests: the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test, the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test, AND a general Japanese test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2). The specialized Japanese test covers technical caregiving vocabulary.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Official English Textbook (JACCW) | ▶︎ Nursing Care Japanese Language

Accommodation (宿泊)

The Accommodation Industry Skill Measurement Exam covers front desk operations, guest service etiquette, safety/hygiene management, and handling customer requests.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: According to Prometric, exams are held in India, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand.

•   Difficulty: Moderate. Requires good understanding of Japanese hospitality culture (omotenashi) and customer service terminology. English study materials are available.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Official English Manual (Zenryoren)

Food Service Industry (外食業)

The Food Service Industry Skills Proficiency Test focuses on hygiene management (HACCP concepts), food and drink preparation, and customer service in restaurant settings.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: According to Prometric, exams are held in Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

•   Difficulty: Moderate. Hygiene knowledge (HACCP) is critical. Comprehensive English textbooks are available from the official provider.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Information on the test  ▶︎ Website for further information

Building Cleaning (ビルクリーニング)

The Building Cleaning Management Skills Evaluation Test assesses your ability to clean building interiors safely, including proper use of tools, chemical handling, and following cleaning procedures.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Exams are held primarily in Japan and select overseas locations. Check the Prometric website for current schedules.

•   Difficulty: Low to Moderate. The test focuses on practical cleaning knowledge. Limited English materials are available; studying Japanese terminology is recommended.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Site for official information

Manufacturing, Construction, and Engineering

Industrial Product Manufacturing (工業製品製造業)

The Manufacture of Industrial Products SSW 1 Evaluation Exam covers various manufacturing tasks including machine processing, metal press, plating, finishing, and industrial packaging. Includes both written and practical tests.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Exams are held via Prometric in multiple countries. Check the SSWM Portal for schedules.

•   Difficulty: High. The exam includes practical skills testing using actual tools and machinery. Technical knowledge of manufacturing processes is essential.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ SSWM Official Exam Portal

Construction (建設)

The Construction SSW 1 Evaluation Exam covers specialized categories including Civil Engineering, Architecture (building structures), and Lifeline/Facilities (plumbing, electrical work).

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: According to Prometric, exams are held in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Japan (from December 2025).

•   Difficulty: High. Equivalent to Japan’s Grade 3 Skills Test. Includes technical terminology, safety regulations, and construction-specific knowledge. Comprehensive English textbooks are available from JAC.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ JAC Official Textbooks (English) | ▶︎ Building Work Textbook PDF

Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery (造船・舶用工業)

The Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry SSW 1 Exam covers six work categories: Welding, Painting, Ironwork, Finishing, Machining, and Ship Electrical Equipment Assembly.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Exams are administered by ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai). Check their official website for locations and schedules.

•   Difficulty: High. Requires specialized technical knowledge of shipbuilding processes. Most study materials are in Japanese.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Check the Ministry of Labor’s site for information | ▶︎ Official Study PDF (ENG) | ▶︎ Other Study Materials

Automobile Repair and Maintenance (自動車整備)

The Automobile Repair and Maintenance Field SSW 1 Evaluation Exam tests your ability to perform chassis and engine maintenance, as well as basic vehicle inspections.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Exams are administered by JASPA (Japan Automobile Service Promotion Association) via Prometric in multiple countries.

•   Difficulty: Moderate to High. Requires technical knowledge of automotive systems. English materials are limited.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Official Information  | ▶︎ Study Material (ENG)  | ▶︎ Other Materials

Food and Beverages Manufacturing (飲食料品製造業)

The Manufacture of Food and Beverages Skills Proficiency Test focuses on food processing techniques, safety procedures, and strict hygiene control (HACCP), excluding alcoholic beverages.

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Administered by OTAFF via Prometric in multiple countries including Japan.

•   Difficulty: Moderate. Focus on HACCP hygiene principles and food safety. Official English textbook available.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Official English Textbook (OTAFF)

Timber and Lumber Industries (木材産業)

The Lumber Industry SSW 1 Evaluation Exam covers wood processing including sawing (lumber manufacturing), plywood manufacturing, and wood preservation/processing.

•   Visa Availability: SSW (i) only. SSW (ii) is not yet available for this field.

•   Test Availability: This is a newly added field (2024). Check Prometric for current availability.

•   Difficulty: Moderate. New field with limited study materials available in English.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Study Text

Nature and Outdoors

Agriculture (農業)

The Agriculture Skill Assessment Test (ASAT) covers two categories: General Crop Farming (vegetables, fruits, grains) and Livestock Farming (pigs, cows, chickens). Organized by the National Chamber of Agriculture (NCA).

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: According to the ASAT website, exams are held in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. Note: Pre-application with NCA is required before booking via Prometric.

•   Difficulty: Moderate. Test available in 10 languages including English. Comprehensive study materials available.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Crop Farming Textbook (English) | ▶︎ Livestock Farming Textbook (English) | ▶︎ All Textbooks Page | ▶︎ Test Guide

Fishery and Aquaculture (漁業)

The Fishery Skills Measurement Test covers two categories: Fishery (catching fish on boats, maintaining fishing gear) and Aquaculture (farming fish or shellfish, managing feeding and water quality).

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Administered by the Japan Fisheries Association via Prometric. Note: Pre-application may be required.

•   Difficulty: Moderate to High. Specialized knowledge of fishing/aquaculture techniques required. Limited English materials.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Japan Fisheries Association 

Forestry (林業)

The Forestry Skills Measurement Test covers Silviculture (planting, weeding, thinning forests) and Material Production (logging, processing wood, forest safety management).

•   Visa Availability: SSW (i) only. SSW (ii) is not yet available.

•   Test Availability: This is a newly added field (2024). Check Prometric for current availability.

•   Difficulty: Moderate to High. Physical stamina required for actual work. Strict safety protocols due to hazardous work environments.

•   Study Materials: Official materials being developed. Please check here for details:▶︎ Information on the exam

Transportation

Automobile Transport (自動車運送業)

The Automobile Transport Industry SSW 1 Evaluation Exam covers three categories: Taxi Driver, Bus Driver, and Truck Driver.

•   Visa Availability: SSW (i) only. This is a newly added field (2024).

•   Test Availability: Testing began in March 2025. Check Prometric for current availability.

•   Difficulty: High for Taxi/Bus drivers. Requires JLPT N3 level Japanese (higher than standard N4) for roles involving passenger communication.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Truck Driver Textbook (JTA) | ▶︎ Taxi Driver Textbooks |▶︎ Bus Driver Information | ▶︎ Additional Bus Information

Railway (鉄道)

The Railway Industry SSW 1 Evaluation Exam covers Track Maintenance, Electricity, Car Maintenance, and Transport Staff (station staff, conductors, drivers).

•   Visa Availability: SSW (i) only. This is a newly added field (2024).

•   Test Availability: Newly established field. Check Prometric for current availability.

•   Difficulty: High for Transport Staff roles. Requires JLPT N3 level Japanese for positions involving passenger safety and communication.

•   Study Materials: Official materials being developed by railway associations.

Aviation (航空)

The Aviation Industry SSW Evaluation Exam covers Airport Ground Handling (marshalling aircraft, handling baggage/cargo) and Aircraft Maintenance (inspecting and repairing planes).

•   Visa Availability: Both SSW (i) and SSW (ii) are available.

•   Test Availability: Administered by JAEA (Japan Aeronautic Engineers’ Association).

•   Difficulty: High. Requires technical knowledge of aviation operations and safety protocols. Aircraft Maintenance requires specialized technical skills.

•   Study Materials: ▶︎ Check the JAEA site directly for official materials | ▶︎ General Info and Safety | ▶︎ Ground Handling

💬While each field has its own study materials, it should be known that experience in the field also goes a very long way, if not being necessary. Experience in addition to study makes for a standout applicant.

Tips for Navigating the Exams

Passing the SSW exams requires careful planning and smart preparation.

•   Book Early: Seats for popular exams can fill up within minutes of registration opening.

•   Use Official Materials: Each industry publishes textbooks or study guides. Questions come directly from these materials.

•   Bring Your Passport: For Prometric exams, your passport is often the only acceptable ID.

•   Arrive 30 Minutes Early: According to Prometric, late arrival may result in denial of entry.

•   JFT-Basic Retake: According to the Japan Foundation FAQ, there is a 45-day waiting period before you can retake the JFT-Basic.

Resources

Key official websites for SSW exam registration and information:

•   ▶︎ Prometric SSW Tests – Main testing provider for most industries

•   ▶︎ Immigration Services Agency SSW Support Site – Official government portal

•   ▶︎ JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation) – Japanese language test

•   ▶︎ JLPT Official Website – Japanese language test (N4 required)

•   ▶︎ Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan – Free study textbook for JFT-Basic

Conclusion

The SSW exams are the gateway to your new career in Japan. By passing the language test (JFT-Basic or JLPT) and the specific skills exam for your chosen industry, you verify your ability to work immediately, which is exactly what Japanese employers are looking for. With 16 different fields to choose from and many offering SSW (ii) status for long-term careers, proper preparation using official textbooks and study guides will help you confidently pass these exams and take the first step toward your future in Japan.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 156.48 JPY (Source: Trading Economics, November 25, 2025).