Working in Japan

The JFT-Basic Japanese test, explained for Sri Lankans

To work in Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker you must prove basic Japanese. This page explains what the test is, what it costs in Colombo, how Sri Lankans have been scoring, and how to tell whether you are ready to book.

Who needs it

Specified Skilled Worker (i): you need level A2.2, which means a score of 200 or more.
Employment for Skill Development (the programme replacing Technical Intern Training from Apr 2027): you need level A1 before you start work. Some job fields may ask for more.
Nursing care: as well as the Japanese test, you must pass the Nursing care Japanese language evaluation test.

Source: jpf.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

What the test looks like

About 50 questions in 60 minutes, on a computer at a Prometric test centre. There is no speaking or writing. Four sections:

1. Script and vocabulary
about 12 questions
word meaning · word usage · kanji reading · kanji meaning and usage
2. Conversation and expression
about 12 questions
grammar · expressions
3. Listening
about 12 questions
conversations · shops and public places · announcements and instructions
4. Reading
about 12 questions
understanding messages and letters · finding information in notices

Source: jpf.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

Rules on the day

Questions appear in English. A pop-up offers 12 other languages, but not Sinhala or Tamil. Learn the English instruction words before you go.
You can change answers within a section, but once you move to the next section you cannot go back.
In the listening section you cannot move back or forward between questions.
Each audio clip can be played up to 2 times.
Your score appears on screen when you finish. The official notice is on the Prometric website within 5 business days.

Source: jpf.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

How it is scored

The score is not the number of correct answers. The Japan Foundation converts it to a scale of 10 to 250 so that different test days are comparable.

145–174 pointsA1 — entry level. Enough for the Employment for Skill Development programme.
175–199 pointsA2.1 — past A1, on the way to A2. Used when changing employer under that programme.
200–250 pointsA2.2 (A2) — the pass for Specified Skilled Worker (i).

Below 145 points the result is shown as “＊”. A1 and A2.1 have been reported since Aug 2026. Before that, only the 200-point pass was.

Source: jpf.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

Cost, booking and retakes

The fee in Sri Lanka is LKR 12,000.
You cannot cancel, and the fee is not refunded if you miss the test.
Booking closes at 23:59 Japan time, 3 business days before your test date (4 if the test falls on a weekend or Japanese holiday).
If you score 199 or less you can take it again, but only after 45 days.
Once you score 200 or more you cannot take it again.
Results do not expire.

A failed attempt costs LKR 12,000 and at least 45 days. Booking before you are ready is the most expensive mistake you can make.

What you should pay: every official fee, and what agencies advertise →

Source: prometric-jp.com ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

Where and when in Sri Lanka

There is one test centre in Sri Lanka, in Colombo (Prometric centre code SRJ01). Test dates are released in two-month windows:

October 2, 2026 – November 15, 2026booking September 29, 2026 – November 11, 2026
December 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027booking November 25, 2026 – January 12, 2027

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Seats are limited, and the centre has closed on some days at short notice. Check Prometric's schedule before you plan travel.

Source: prometric-jp.com ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

How Sri Lankans have scored

The Japan Foundation publishes results per country for every test window. This is the share of Sri Lankan examinees who reached A2.2, the pass for Specified Skilled Worker (i), next to the figure for all countries.

Most recent window, Aug – Sep 2026: 2,360 Sri Lankans sat the test and 32.1% passed, against 41.3% across all countries.

From Aug 2026 the Japan Foundation reports three levels. For Sri Lanka in Aug – Sep 2026: A1 21.0%, A2.1 25.3%, A2.2 32.1%. The chart and table show A2.2.

Share of examinees reaching A2.2, last 12 windows

Sri LankaAll countries

Every window since 2022, and how other countries compare →

Source: jpf.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

The JLPT alternative

JLPT N4 or higher is also accepted for Specified Skilled Worker (i). The JLPT is a paper test held twice a year. In Sri Lanka it is run in Colombo by the Japanese Language Education Association of Sri Lanka. Results take about two months, so plan for the wait.

Source: mofa.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

Should you book yet?

A self-check, not a prediction. If you cannot tick most of these, the LKR 12,000 is better spent after more study.

I can read hiragana and katakana without stopping to think.
I know the English words used in the instructions: question, listen, choose, correct, next, section.
I can follow a short conversation about shopping, work or directions after hearing it twice.
I can read a notice, timetable or short message and find the time, place or price in it.
I can answer 12 questions in about 15 minutes without rushing.
I have taken a full timed practice test and reviewed every mistake.
0 / 6

What visitors reported about their results

No results reported yet.

Self-reported by visitors, not verified. The Japan Foundation's official rates are on the test guide.

Try the free practice test48 questions, 60 minutes, the real test's rules. Explanations in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Free official materials

These are the Japan Foundation's and Prometric's own pages. We link to them and do not copy them.

Source: jpf.go.jp ↗ · checked October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much does the JFT-Basic cost in Sri Lanka?

Prometric lists the fee for Sri Lanka as LKR 12,000. It cannot be cancelled or refunded, so book only when you are ready.

What score do I need on the JFT-Basic for a Specified Skilled Worker visa?

200 or more out of 250, which the Japan Foundation reports as level A2.2 (A2). Scores of 145–174 are A1 and 175–199 are A2.1; A1 is the level needed to start under the Employment for Skill Development programme from April 2027.

Can I retake the JFT-Basic if I fail?

Yes, if you scored 199 or less, but only after 45 days. Once you score 200 or more you cannot take it again. Results do not expire.

What is the JFT-Basic pass rate for Sri Lankans?

In the most recent Japan Foundation report (Aug – Sep 2026) 32.1% of Sri Lankan examinees reached A2.2, against 41.3% across all countries. The rate changes every window; this page lists every one since 2022.

Is the JFT-Basic available in Sinhala or Tamil?

No. Questions are shown in English, with a pop-up in 13 other languages that do not include Sinhala or Tamil. Learn the English instruction words before test day.

Not an official site

expathjobs.com is independent. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Japan Foundation, Prometric, JEES or any ministry. Every fact above was read from an official page on the date shown next to it. Rules and fees change: confirm on the official site before you pay.