The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) is a test aimed at foreigners coming to Japan for work, measuring the Japanese language proficiency necessary for communication in everyday situations.
The test began in April 2019.
It is important for foreigners who wish to work in Japan to pass the JFT-Basic, as doing so will prove their Japanese language proficiency and increase their opportunities of getting a job in Japan.
Additionally, Japanese language learners may take the test to gauge their own Japanese language proficiency.
This page explains the overview of the JFT-Basic, target, difficulty, pass rate, etc.
Overview
JFT-Basic is a test aimed at foreigners coming to Japan for work, measuring the Japanese language proficiency necessary for communication in everyday situations.
This test measures whether they have the Japanese language proficiency to be able to engage in everyday conversation to a certain extent and handle daily life without difficulties
The JFT-Basic is an test that began in April 2019 and is sponsored by the JAPAN FOUNDATION (JF).
The JFT-Basic measures the following four things:
⚫︎ Script and Vocabulary
⚫︎ Conversation and Expression
⚫︎ Listening Comprehension
⚫︎ Reading Comprehension
The test is conducted using the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) method, where candidates answer questions displayed on a computer screen or listen to audio questions played over headphones at testing sites in each country.
there are no writing or speaking sections.
Target
JFT-Basic is aimed at foreigners whose native language is not Japanese.
It is aimed especially at foreigners who come to Japan for work.
However, eligibility requirements vary from country to country.
Test Date
JFT-Basic is held six times a year.
In 2024, the tests will be held in February-March, May-June, July-August, August-September, October-November and December-January.
Difficulty
There are no level divisions in JFT-Basic.
All candidates take the same test.
The four sections – Script and Vocabulary, Conversation and Expression, Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension – are measured as follows:
Script and Vocabulary
⚫︎ Able to read Japanese characters used in everyday life situations
⚫︎ Has basic vocabulary and able to use it
Conversation and Expression
⚫︎ Able to use grammar and expressions necessary for conversation in everyday life situations
Listening Comprehension
⚫︎ Able to listen to and understand conversations and instructions in everyday situations
Reading Comprehension
⚫︎ Able to read and understand letters, notices, explanations, etc. in everyday situations
Passing Criterion
The test is passed if the total score is 200 or more. The maximum score is 250.
There are no pass/fail criteria for the four sections – script and vocabulary, conversation and expression, listening comprehension and reading comprehension – and you will be judged only on your total score.
Pass Rate
The number of test takers, number of successful candidates and pass rate for the 2023 tests are as follows.
February-March 2023
| Test Takers （persons） | Successful Candidates （persons） | Pass Rate （％） |
|---|---|---|
| 13,556 | 5,748 | 42.4 |
May-June 2023
| Test Takers （persons） | Successful Candidates （persons） | Pass Rate （％） |
|---|---|---|
| 14,430 | 6,453 | 44.7 |
July-August 2023
| Test Takers （persons） | Successful Candidates （persons） | Pass Rate （％） |
|---|---|---|
| 12,329 | 5,575 | 45.2 |
August-September 2023
| Test Takers （persons） | Successful Candidates （persons） | Pass Rate （％） |
|---|---|---|
| 13,722 | 5,775 | 42.1 |
October-November 2023
| Test Takers （persons） | Successful Candidates （persons） | Pass Rate （％） |
|---|---|---|
| 19,820 | 7,993 | 40.3 |
December 2023-January 2024
| Test Takers （persons） | Successful Candidates （persons） | Pass Rate （％） |
|---|---|---|
| 19,981 | 8,280 | 41.4 |
The pass rate for each test varies, but generally it is between 40% and 45%.
Procedure to Take the Test
If you are taking the test in Japan, the procedure is as follows:
1. Access the Prometric website and obtain a Prometric ID (can be done at any time)
2. Log in to the reservation website with your Prometric ID, register for the test, and pay the test fee (up to 3 business days before the test).
3. Take the test
4. After the test is completed, your total score and results will be displayed on the computer screen (on the day of the test).
5. A result notification is issued on the reservation website (within 5 business days after the test)
If you are taking the test overseas, the procedure is as follows:
⚫︎ If you pay the test fee online
1. Access the Prometric website and obtain a Prometric ID (can be done at any time)
2. Log in to the reservation website with your Prometric ID, register for the test, and pay the test fee (up to 3 business days before the test).
3. Take the test
4. After the test is completed, your total score and results will be displayed on the computer screen (on the day of the test).
5. A result notification is issued on the reservation website (within 5 business days after the test)
⚫︎ If you pay the test fee in cash
1. Access the Prometric website and obtain a Prometric ID (can be done at any time)
2. Purchase a voucher at the voucher sales office and pay the test fee (deadline varies by country)
3. Log in to the reservation website with your Prometric ID, register for the test, and enter your voucher number and expiration date (up to 3 business days before the test).
４．Take the test
５．After the test is completed, your total score and results will be displayed on the computer screen (on the day of the test).
６．A result notification is issued on the reservation website (within 5 business days after the test)
If you are taking the test overseas, payment methods vary depending on the country.
Testing Site
The test is held in all prefectures of Japan.
You can choose your testing site when you register for the test.
You can also take the JFC-Basic overseas, and the test is held in the following countries:
⚫︎ India
⚫︎ Indonesia
⚫︎ Uzbekistan
⚫︎ Cambodia
⚫︎ Sri Lanka
⚫︎ Thailand
⚫︎ Nepal
⚫︎ Bangladesh
⚫︎ Philippines
⚫︎ Myanmar
⚫︎ Mongolia
You can choose a testing site in your country when you register for the test.