# JFT-Basic study tips: how to prepare in the time you have

> JFT-Basic rewards practical everyday Japanese under a 60-minute limit. Study tips for each section, a weekly routine, and how to use free official materials.
- **Author**: Testmigo
- **Published**: 2026-04-06
- **Category**: Test format & prep
- **URL**: https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-study-tips

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## The short answer

JFT-Basic, the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese, tests practical everyday Japanese: about 50 questions in 60 minutes across four sections, with 200 out of 250 needed to pass at A2.

The most efficient preparation is:

- Small daily practice of real-life Japanese.
- The Japan Foundation's free Irodori course.
- Full timed mocks to find the section costing you the most points.

## Study by section

| Section | Focus your practice on |
| --- | --- |
| Script and Vocabulary | Kanji and words from daily life and work: signs, labels, forms |
| Conversation and Expression | Polite set phrases and the grammar for asking, offering and explaining |
| Listening Comprehension | Numbers, times and prices, announcements, and instructions with steps |
| Reading Comprehension | Finding one piece of information in notices, messages and timetables quickly |

Read for information, not every character. Most reading questions ask you to find one fact, so practice scanning a notice for a time, place or rule under time pressure.

**Ten minutes of vocabulary a day** Flip through everyday words by topic, with audio. It is the easiest JFT-Basic habit to keep on a phone. [Open the flashcards](/jft-basic/flashcards)

## A weekly routine

1. Take a full 60-minute mock and note your weakest section.
2. Study 20-30 minutes a day, mostly on that section, using Irodori materials.
3. Add 10 minutes of listening daily at natural speed, using your two plays per clip on purpose.
4. After every practice set, name the reason for each mistake: vocabulary, a missed number, kanji recognition or sentence length.
5. Retest with a fresh mock at the end of the week.

For listening in detail, see [how to prepare for JFT-Basic listening](/blog/jft-basic-listening-practice); for the section rules, see the [exam format](/blog/jft-basic-exam-format).

## Prepare for the day itself

In Nepal, bring your original passport, which is the only accepted ID, and arrive early at the Prometric center. The whole test shares one 60-minute limit, and you can't return to a section once you leave it, so don't linger on one question.

Details are in the [Nepal booking guide](/blog/jft-basic-nepal). To practice the real format, start with a [free JFT-Basic mock](/jft-basic).

## Common questions

### How long should I study for JFT-Basic?

It depends on your starting level. Take a full mock first: the gap between your score and 200 tells you how much work remains and which section to start with.

### What free materials help with JFT-Basic?

The Japan Foundation's Irodori coursebooks and online course, which it recommends for JFT-Basic, and the official sample questions.

### What score do I need to pass JFT-Basic?

200 or more out of 250, which is A2. There is no pass mark for individual sections.

**Sources**
- [The Japan Foundation: About the JFT-Basic (checked 19 September 2026)](https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/e/about/index.html)
- [The Japan Foundation: JFT-Basic FAQ (checked 6 April 2026)](https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/e/faq/index.html)
- [Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan (checked 6 April 2026)](https://www.irodori.jpf.go.jp/en/)
- [Prometric: identification requirements (checked 6 April 2026)](https://www.prometric-jp.com/en/ssw/exam/identification/)

## Related guides

- [How to prepare for JFT-Basic listening](https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-listening-practice)
- [JFT-Basic exam format: 4 sections, about 50 questions, 60 minutes](https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-exam-format)
- [JFT-Basic in Nepal (2026): test centers, fee, booking and retakes](https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-nepal)

[Practice with a free JFT-Basic mock](https://testmigo.com/jft-basic)
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