Is educational background necessary for Specified Skills? We also introduce points to note when communicating Specified Skills exams and educational background.
Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).
Do people who want to work in Japan as Specified Skilled Workers need an educational background?
In this article, we will explain whether you need an educational background to obtain a Specified Skills status of residence.
We'll also introduce the requirements to become a Specified Skilled Workers and what the exam is.
When asked about your educational background, we will also tell you what not to do, so please refer to it.
Is educational background required for Specified Skills?
"Educational background" refers to the type of school you received your education at.
No educational background is required to obtain Specified Skills residence status.
If you are 18 years of age or older, you can take the Specified Skills test even if you are not attending school.
No educational background is required, but you must pass the following two exams to qualify for Specified Skills.
- Pass The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam
- Passing the Japanese language exam
However, foreign nationals who have completed the Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing are not required to take an exam when transitioning to Specified Skills.
If you want to work in a field different from the one you worked in Technical Intern Training (ii), you must pass the The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam in the field you want to work in.
You can learn more about migrating from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills here.
Can I migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills? Introducing the conditions and migration methods
"Career history" is required for Specified Skills applications
On the application form for Specified Skills, you will need to fill in the "Career Experience" section.
A resume is a description of the jobs you've had in the past.
Specified Skills require knowledge of the field in which you will work.
You should write about your past jobs to give an idea of how much knowledge you have in the field you will be working in.
Introducing the Specified Skills test!
Specified Skills Exam.
In order to work in Japan as a Specified Skilled Workers, you need to pass two exams: The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam and Japanese exams.
The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam
The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam measures the skill level of whether you can perform the job smoothly.
The content of the exam, where it is administered, and the date you take it will vary depending on your field of work.
You can find information about exams for each field on the Specified Skills Comprehensive Support Site.
For more information about The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam for the construction sector, please see the JAC website.
Japanese Language Exam
For Japanese exam, you can choose between the Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT) or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT).
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): N4 or higher required to acquire Specified Skills
- Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT): 200 points out of 250 or more
Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT) has more exams than the Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT) is an exam using a computer or tablet, so you can quickly see if you have passed.
There are many other types of Japanese language tests, but the most famous is the "Test of Proficiency in Japanese Language (JLPT)".
The Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT) is also introduced on this blog.
What is the Japanese Proficiency Test for foreigners? Types and levels are also introduced
What not to do when asked about your educational background
If you are asked about your educational background, do not lie or state anything that is not true.
If it turns out to be a lie, you will lose credibility with the company.
Furthermore, if you lie about your work history, it will be considered a "false application" and you will not be able to obtain Specified Skills qualification.
Even if you are able to obtain the qualification, it may be revoked.
If your residence status is revoked, you must leave Japan within a specified period of time.
You may also be deported and kicked out of Japan.
You may also be subject to imprisonment and fines.
As explained above, to qualify for Specified Skills, you must pass a Japanese language test.
If you lie about the results of your Japanese language test, you will not be able to work in Japan.
Summary: No academic qualification required for Specified Skills! Aim to pass The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam and the Japanese language test
To obtain the status of residence "Specified Skills", you do not need an educational background.
If you are over 18 years old, you can take the Specified Skills exam.
However, Specified Skills applications have a "Biographical Background" column where you write about your past work.
If you write something that is different from the facts in your career, you will be guilty of career fraud.
You may not be able to work in Japan, so please do not do it.
To become a Specified Skilled Workers, you must pass two exams: The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam and Japanese exams.
If you want to move from Technical Intern Training (ii) to Specified Skills, you don't need to take an exam.
If you work in different fields in Technical Intern Training (ii) and Specified Skills, take a The Specified Skills Evaluation Exam in the field you want to work in.
Specified Skills can challenge you regardless of your educational background.
If you want to work in Japan, please give it a try!
About us, JAC
JAC（Japan Association for Construction Human Resources）is an organization that supports all Specified Skilled Workers working in the Japan construction industry. We work with companies that accept Specified Skilled Workers to create a work environment that is easy for everyone to work in.
We're also taking the exams you need to become a Specified Skilled Workers!
And JAC has received many requests for job offers from companies that want Specified Skilled Workers to work for.
Specified Skilled Workers Wanted! Job Listings
For those of you who want to work in Japan using Specified Skills, we are introducing jobs that match your occupation and aspirations!
If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us!
