JFT-Basic

JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) is a Japanese language proficiency test developed by the Japan Foundation, designed specifically for people who want to live and work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa category. It evaluates the ability to communicate in basic everyday situations in Japanese.
Purpose of JFT-Basic
- To assess whether a person has basic communication skills needed for daily life and work in Japan.
- It is mainly used as language proof when applying for the SSW (Tokutei Ginou) visa.
Test Format
The JFT-Basic test is computer-based (CBT) and consists of 4 sections:
- Script and Vocabulary
- Conversation and Expression
- Listening Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Total time: About 60 minutes
- Score range: 0 – 250 points
- Passing score: 200 or more
Test Availability
- Conducted several times a year.
- Available in many countries, including Nepal, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.
- Registration and scheduling are done online through official test centers.
Advantages of JFT-Basic
- Accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa
- Faster and easier than JLPT N4, especially for work-related migration.
- Computer-based testing with quick results.
- Practical test content – focuses on real-life communication skills.
- Available in multiple languages for instructions (English, Nepali, Vietnamese, etc.)
JFT-Basic vs JLPT
Feature | JFT-Basic | JLPT N4 |
Purpose | Work Visa (SSW) | Study/General Certification |
Format | Computer-Based | Paper-Based |
Focus | Daily Communication | Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading |
Frequency | Several times/year | Twice a year |
Result Time | Fast | 2+ months |