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23/12/2025
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Specified Skilled Worker (Lodging Industry) – Grade 1 & 2 Evaluation Test Schedule (Updated as Needed)
17/12/2025
Quoted from the website of the Japan Accommodation Industry Skills Testing Center ＞External Link
Please apply for the test via the Prometric website.
・Please create a Prometric ID and make a reservation for the test.
・It is prohibited to obtain multiple Prometric IDs for one person. If you obtain another Prometric ID and take the test despite already having one, your test results may be invalidated.
・You can reserve a test date up to 59 days in advance. Reservations and changes are allowed until 23:59 (Japan time) three business days before the test date.
・Seats are limited. Please complete your reservation as early as possible.
・Retaking the test is not permitted until 45 days have passed from the day after the test date. Please reserve a test date that is at least 45 days after the day following your previous test date.
If you violate this rule, your test results may be invalidated.
The Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test is an examination that evaluates the levels of “Japanese language ability” and “skills” of both domestic and overseas foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan, based on standards set by the Japanese government.
The level of “Japanese language ability” is determined by either the “Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)” conducted by the Japan Foundation, or the “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)” conducted jointly by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.
The level of “skills” is determined by the “Skill Measurement Test” conducted by the respective industry organizations for each job category.
For foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan under the status of residence ‘Specified Skilled Worker’
Please read the following link for detailed information about the Specified Skilled Worker system.
Differences between the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker Program
The purpose of the Technical Intern Training Program is “international cooperation” — transferring Japan’s technology and knowledge to developing regions and contributing to their economic growth. It is not a system designed to secure labor to address Japan’s workforce shortage. Technical interns are not initially required to have Japanese language proficiency or technical knowledge of their training field. Instead, they follow a set curriculum to study Japanese and acquire practical skills in the designated field, thereby improving their abilities. In addition, performing tasks (labor) other than those specified in the training program is strictly prohibited.
In contrast, the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program is a system to accept foreign workers as “immediate assets” in industries facing labor shortages in Japan. Foreign workers employed under this system must possess the necessary skills or experience to start working immediately in the industry, as well as Japanese communication skills. Their abilities are evaluated through the Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Tests. Employment is in principle full-time, with wages equal to or higher than those of Japanese workers, and transfers between employers in the same industry are permitted.
Furthermore, those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the same field may transfer to Specified Skilled Worker (i) status without taking an examination.
Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)
Specified Skilled Worker (i) status requires “knowledge or experience necessary to perform duties as an immediate asset in the designated industry,” which is confirmed through the Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test. Japanese language proficiency at the daily conversation level (equivalent to JLPT N4 or higher) is also required. The maximum period of stay is five years, and family accompaniment is not permitted.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status requires “advanced skills in the designated industry,” which are verified through the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Test. Foreign nationals holding SSW (i) status can take the test while residing in Japan, and if they pass, they can transfer to SSW (ii). The period of stay can be renewed, and those who meet certain conditions may apply for permanent residence. Family accompaniment is also permitted if the requirements are met.
Process from Examination to Visa Application
The industry-specific “Skills Evaluation Tests” are scheduled to be conducted both in Japan and overseas. Applicants should apply and take the examination according to the implementation guidelines announced by each industry through their official websites.
In addition, applicants must take either the “Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)” or the “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher,” following the designated procedures (those who already hold JLPT N4 or higher are exempt).
Applicants who pass both the industry-specific skills test and the Japanese language test can enter into a direct employment contract with a host company (Specified Skilled Worker organization).
Once an employment contract with the host company has been established, an application for the status of residence must be submitted.
The following documents are required for the application:
・Documents clarifying the outline of the Specified Skilled Worker organization
・Documents certifying the details of activities, period, position, and remuneration
・Documents proving Japanese language proficiency → Certificate of passing “JFT-Basic” or “JLPT N4 or higher”
・Documents proving skills in the relevant field → Certificate of passing the “Skills Evaluation Test”
・If there is an intermediary (e.g., a registered support organization) involved in concluding the SSW employment contract, documents outlining the details of such mediation
This is a “skills evaluation test” for the accommodation industry.
Questions are drawn from five categories of skills and knowledge required in the lodging business: “Front Desk Operations,” “Public Relations and Planning,” “Customer Service Operations,” “Restaurant Service Operations,” and “Safety, Hygiene, and Basic Knowledge.” The test evaluates the level of skills necessary to engage in work at Japanese inns and hotels. The test consists of written and practical sections: for the Grade 1 test, there are 30 written questions and 6 practical questions, both in multiple-choice format (3 options). For the Grade 2 test, there are 50 written questions and 20 practical questions, both in multiple-choice format (4 options).
Click here for Grade 1
Click here for more information [Accommodation Industry Skills Evaluation Center]＞External link
| | Notices from the Center |
| | Accommodation Sector Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test |
Please apply for the test via the Prometric website.
・Please create a Prometric ID and make a reservation for the test.
・It is prohibited to obtain multiple Prometric IDs for one person. If you obtain another Prometric ID and take the test despite already having one, your test results may be invalidated.
・You can reserve a test date up to 59 days in advance. Reservations and changes are allowed until 23:59 (Japan time) three business days before the test date.
・Seats are limited. Please complete your reservation as early as possible.
・Retaking the test is not permitted until 45 days have passed from the day after the test date. Please reserve a test date that is at least 45 days after the day following your previous test date.
If you violate this rule, your test results may be invalidated.
| > Apply for Type 1 Evaluation Test | ||
・Test Schedule ▶Domestic (JAPAN) ▶Overseas ・Implementation Guidelines for Accommodation Field Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 Evaluation Test To apply for the Type 2 test, a certificate proving at least two years of work experience in the accommodation industry is required. Please prepare the certificate and apply for a Prometric Application Number through the form. ・Implementation Guidelines for Accommodation Field Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 Evaluation Test ・Download Work Experience Certificate |
||
| > Apply for Type 2 Evaluation Test |
| | Learning materials can be downloaded from the Zenryoren website ↓ |
| ⇩ Click here for Type 1 Learning Materials |
| ⇩ Click here for Type 1 Learning Materials [English Version] |
| ⇩ Click here for Type 2 Learning Materials |
| ⇩ Click here for Type 2 Learning Materials [English Version] |
| ⇩ Click here for the Glossary |
| | About the Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test |
The Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test is an examination that evaluates the levels of “Japanese language ability” and “skills” of both domestic and overseas foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan, based on standards set by the Japanese government.
The level of “Japanese language ability” is determined by either the “Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)” conducted by the Japan Foundation, or the “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)” conducted jointly by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.
The level of “skills” is determined by the “Skill Measurement Test” conducted by the respective industry organizations for each job category.
For foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan under the status of residence ‘Specified Skilled Worker’
Please read the following link for detailed information about the Specified Skilled Worker system.
| What is the Specified Skilled Worker System? |
| Life Orientation Video introducing Japanese lifestyle rules and customs |
Differences between the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker Program
The purpose of the Technical Intern Training Program is “international cooperation” — transferring Japan’s technology and knowledge to developing regions and contributing to their economic growth. It is not a system designed to secure labor to address Japan’s workforce shortage. Technical interns are not initially required to have Japanese language proficiency or technical knowledge of their training field. Instead, they follow a set curriculum to study Japanese and acquire practical skills in the designated field, thereby improving their abilities. In addition, performing tasks (labor) other than those specified in the training program is strictly prohibited.
In contrast, the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program is a system to accept foreign workers as “immediate assets” in industries facing labor shortages in Japan. Foreign workers employed under this system must possess the necessary skills or experience to start working immediately in the industry, as well as Japanese communication skills. Their abilities are evaluated through the Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Tests. Employment is in principle full-time, with wages equal to or higher than those of Japanese workers, and transfers between employers in the same industry are permitted.
Furthermore, those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the same field may transfer to Specified Skilled Worker (i) status without taking an examination.
Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)
Specified Skilled Worker (i) status requires “knowledge or experience necessary to perform duties as an immediate asset in the designated industry,” which is confirmed through the Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test. Japanese language proficiency at the daily conversation level (equivalent to JLPT N4 or higher) is also required. The maximum period of stay is five years, and family accompaniment is not permitted.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status requires “advanced skills in the designated industry,” which are verified through the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Test. Foreign nationals holding SSW (i) status can take the test while residing in Japan, and if they pass, they can transfer to SSW (ii). The period of stay can be renewed, and those who meet certain conditions may apply for permanent residence. Family accompaniment is also permitted if the requirements are met.
Process from Examination to Visa Application
The industry-specific “Skills Evaluation Tests” are scheduled to be conducted both in Japan and overseas. Applicants should apply and take the examination according to the implementation guidelines announced by each industry through their official websites.
In addition, applicants must take either the “Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)” or the “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher,” following the designated procedures (those who already hold JLPT N4 or higher are exempt).
Applicants who pass both the industry-specific skills test and the Japanese language test can enter into a direct employment contract with a host company (Specified Skilled Worker organization).
Once an employment contract with the host company has been established, an application for the status of residence must be submitted.
The following documents are required for the application:
・Documents clarifying the outline of the Specified Skilled Worker organization
・Documents certifying the details of activities, period, position, and remuneration
・Documents proving Japanese language proficiency → Certificate of passing “JFT-Basic” or “JLPT N4 or higher”
・Documents proving skills in the relevant field → Certificate of passing the “Skills Evaluation Test”
・If there is an intermediary (e.g., a registered support organization) involved in concluding the SSW employment contract, documents outlining the details of such mediation
| | About the Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test in the Lodging Industry |
This is a “skills evaluation test” for the accommodation industry.
Questions are drawn from five categories of skills and knowledge required in the lodging business: “Front Desk Operations,” “Public Relations and Planning,” “Customer Service Operations,” “Restaurant Service Operations,” and “Safety, Hygiene, and Basic Knowledge.” The test evaluates the level of skills necessary to engage in work at Japanese inns and hotels. The test consists of written and practical sections: for the Grade 1 test, there are 30 written questions and 6 practical questions, both in multiple-choice format (3 options). For the Grade 2 test, there are 50 written questions and 20 practical questions, both in multiple-choice format (4 options).
Click here for Grade 1
Click here for more information [Accommodation Industry Skills Evaluation Center]＞External link