Reviewed by: Yuki Ando, Certified Immigration Legal Specialist (Gyoseishoshi)
This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.
Among them, many individuals are transitioning from the Technical Intern Training program to the Specified Skilled Worker program by utilizing examination exemption systems.
This article clearly explains, based on official information, the conditions under which exams may be waived and the types of examinations involved when transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker status in the caregiving field.
Table of Contents
Types of Examinations Required to Obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) Residence Status
To obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) residence status, applicants are generally required to pass three designated examinations.Let’s begin by reviewing the types and characteristics of each exam.
Caregiving Skills Evaluation Test
The Caregiving Skills Evaluation Test is designed to assess whether foreign nationals possess the specialized knowledge and practical abilities required to obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) residence status and work in Japan’s caregiving sector.The exam is administered by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. As of July 2025, examinees can take the test in one of the following 13 languages:
To be eligible, candidates must be at least 17 years old on the day of the exam (18 years old for Indonesian nationals), must not hold Japanese nationality, and must possess a valid residence status if taking the exam in Japan. Those with a short-term stay visa are also eligible to sit for the exam.
The test is conducted in a computer-based testing (CBT) format and is offered regularly in major cities across Japan and overseas.
It consists of 45 questions in total and has a time limit of 60 minutes.
The test includes 40 academic questions covering topics such as basic caregiving knowledge, structure and function of the mind and body, communication skills, and daily living support techniques. In addition, there are 5 questions that assess decision-making and practical skills.
A passing score is set at 60% or higher. Results are displayed immediately after the exam, and candidates can access a score report on the official website within five business days.
In case of failure, retaking the exam is prohibited for 45 days following the test date.
The exam fee is approximately ¥1,000. Pre-registration of an ID and submission of a facial photograph are required.
Test schedules vary by country and city, but exams are frequently held in major urban areas, allowing candidates to select a convenient date and location.
Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test
The Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test is designed to determine whether foreign nationals seeking to obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) residence status possess the necessary level of Japanese language proficiency to work in Japan’s caregiving field.The test is administered by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. As long as the applicant is at least 17 years old on the day of the test (18 years old for Indonesian nationals), they may apply regardless of their residence status. However, Japanese nationals are not eligible to take the test.
The test is conducted in a computer-based testing (CBT) format and is held regularly in major cities across Japan and overseas. Even individuals with a short-term stay status in Japan are allowed to take the test.
The test consists of 15 questions and has a time limit of 30 minutes.
The content focuses on practical Japanese usage relevant to caregiving settings, such as care-related vocabulary, spoken interactions and voice prompts, and written communication.
A score of 73% or higher is required to pass. Results are displayed immediately upon completion, and test takers can also view their scores online within a few days.
If an applicant fails the exam, they must wait 45 days from the test date before they can retake it. Therefore, thorough preparation is strongly recommended.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare provides official study materials on its website, and applicants are encouraged to utilize these resources during their preparation.
The test fee is approximately ¥1,000. Registration requires obtaining a Prometric ID and uploading a photo.
Equivalent to Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 is designed to evaluate whether an individual has the basic Japanese language skills necessary for daily life.This level is widely accepted as proof of language ability when applying for the Specified Skilled Worker residence status and is considered the minimum standard for employment in the caregiving field.
The N4 level indicates the ability to understand simple, everyday conversations spoken at a slow pace, and to carry out basic communication in settings such as restaurants, hotels, and caregiving facilities. The exam is held twice a year—in July and December—and can also be taken outside of Japan.
Even without an N4 certificate, applicants can demonstrate equivalent proficiency by passing the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese). This test is conducted six times per year, offering greater scheduling flexibility, which is one of its major advantages.
Conditions for Examination Exemptions When Transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) Status
When transitioning from Technical Intern Training to the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status with examination exemptions, it is mandatory that the individual has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) with satisfactory performance.Therefore, those who have only completed Technical Intern Training (i) are not eligible to move directly into the Specified Skilled Worker program.
This section provides a detailed explanation of the specific conditions under which examination exemptions are granted.
When Technical Intern Training (ii) in the Caregiving Field Is Successfully Completed with Satisfactory Performance
If an individual has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the caregiving field with satisfactory performance, all examinations required for transitioning to the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status will be waived.Specifically, the following three tests will be exempted: the Caregiving Skills Evaluation Test, the Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test, and the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the N4 level or above.
“Satisfactory completion” is defined as having:
Meeting all of these conditions is mandatory to qualify for the examination exemptions when transitioning to the Specified Skilled Worker status.
When Technical Intern Training (ii) in Other Occupations Is Successfully Completed with Satisfactory Performance
If an individual has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in a field other than caregiving, they may be exempted from the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or its equivalent. However, exemptions are not granted for the Caregiving Skills Evaluation Test or the Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test.Although transitions from other fields of technical intern training to the caregiving sector under the Specified Skilled Worker program are relatively rare, those who wish to make such a transition should begin preparations early. This includes checking test schedules and securing sufficient study time in advance.
Important Considerations When Transitioning from Technical Intern Training (iii) to Specified Skilled Worker Status
When transitioning from Technical Intern Training (iii) to the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status, the general rule is that all components of the internship program must be fully completed before initiating the change of residence status.Therefore, even if an individual has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii), they are not permitted to transfer directly to the Specified Skilled Worker program while still in the middle of the Training (iii) stage. It is important to confirm the appropriate timing and necessary procedures in advance to ensure a smooth transition to the new status.
Conditions for Examination Exemptions When Transitioning from Other Residence Statuses
Even when transitioning from a residence status other than Technical Intern Training to the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status, all three required examinations may be waived if certain conditions are met.For example, foreign nationals who have completed a certified caregiving training program in Japan are eligible to obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) residence status without taking the exams. This is because such training institutions play a central role in developing professional caregivers, and completing the curriculum is considered proof of having the necessary knowledge and skills for employment under the Specified Skilled Worker status.
Additionally, candidates who have worked and trained appropriately for at least three years and ten months under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) program and have scored at least 50% in each subject of the most recent national certification exam are also exempt from all required exams. This exemption is based on the recognition that EPA candidates have attained a sufficient level of skill and knowledge through structured training under the program.
Accurately understanding the specific requirements for each transition path and proceeding with the proper application process are essential for a smooth change in residence status.
Summary
This article has provided a detailed explanation of the examinations required—and the conditions under which they may be waived—when transitioning from Technical Intern Training to the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status.If you have any concerns about the system or your individual circumstances, it is advisable to consult with a relevant expert as early as possible and take the necessary steps with care. Staying up to date with the latest information and planning your transition strategically is essential for expanding your career opportunities and residence status options as a foreign worker.
Supervisor’s Comment
The examination exemption system for foreign nationals who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) and wish to transition to the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status is a beneficial option for both the individuals seeking long-term employment and the companies looking to retain them.However, even though both statuses fall under the same “caregiving field,” their legal frameworks and program objectives differ. As a result, it may be necessary to reassess and adjust the job scope after the transition. If there is any uncertainty regarding the system, it is advisable to consult with a qualified expert to ensure a stable and compliant working environment following the status change.
This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.
