# JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4: which should you take for the SSW visa?

> Both prove the Japanese level for Specified Skilled Worker (i). JFT-Basic runs almost every day with results on screen; JLPT N4 runs twice a year. Here is how to choose.
- **Author**: Testmigo
- **Published**: 2026-09-19
- **Category**: Visa & scores
- **URL**: https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-vs-jlpt-n4

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## The short answer

For the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa, either test works: you need to pass JFT-Basic or hold JLPT N4 or higher, alongside a skills test for your field. For most people heading to Japan for work, JFT-Basic is the faster route, because it runs on most days in Nepal and shows your result the moment you finish. JLPT N4 makes more sense if you also want a certificate that is recognised well beyond the visa, or if your field needs JLPT.

## Side by side

|  | JFT-Basic | JLPT N4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What it measures | Japanese for daily life and work in Japan | General Japanese ability, one of five levels |
| How often in Nepal | Most days within back-to-back booking windows | Twice a year (July and December), in Kathmandu |
| Format | Computer-based at a Prometric centre | Paper-based, with a mark sheet |
| Length | 60 minutes, about 50 questions | 115 minutes: vocabulary 25, grammar and reading 55, listening 35 |
| Scoring | One total, 10-250 | Total 0-180, from two scored parts |
| To pass | 200 or more (A2); no section minimum | 90 overall, plus at least 38 in language knowledge and reading and 19 in listening |
| Results | On screen at the end of the test | Online after about two months; certificate after about three |
| Fee in Nepal | USD 36 | Set by the local host; check with JALTAN |

*From the Japan Foundation, JLPT and Prometric official pages, checked 19 September 2026.*

## When JFT-Basic is the better choice

Pick JFT-Basic if your goal is the SSW (i) visa and you want to move quickly. You can book a date that suits your employer or agency, you know your result the same day, and if you score 199 or lower you can retake after 45 days instead of waiting half a year. Its content also sticks to practical situations: shops, stations, notices and instructions at work. Most working learners find that easier to prepare for than JLPT's broader grammar and reading.

## When JLPT N4 is the better choice

Pick JLPT if you want a qualification with wider recognition, such as for study, other jobs or future visa types, or if you plan to keep climbing the levels to N3 and beyond. Some SSW fields ask for more than N4: taxi and bus drivers and railway train operators need JLPT N3 or higher, and nursing care adds its own Japanese test on top of N4. JLPT's section minimums also mean you can't pass on strong reading alone; listening has to be solid too.

Whichever you choose, practise under real timing first. Testmigo's [free JFT-Basic mocks](/jft-basic) show which section is holding your score below 200, and the [exam format guide](/blog/jft-basic-exam-format) explains the rules for each section.

## Common questions

### Is JFT-Basic the same level as JLPT N4?

They measure different things, but both are accepted as proof of the Japanese level for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa. JFT-Basic's pass level is A2 on the CEFR scale.

### Which is easier, JFT-Basic or JLPT N4?

Neither is simply easier. JFT-Basic is shorter, focuses on practical situations and has no section minimums; JLPT N4 is longer and requires minimum scores in each part. Many working learners find JFT-Basic more predictable to prepare for.

### Do I need both tests for the SSW visa?

No. For SSW (i) you need one of them, plus the skills test for your field. Some fields ask for more, such as JLPT N3 for taxi and bus drivers and railway train operators.

**Sources**
- [Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Steps to working in Japan (SSW)](https://www.ssw.go.jp/en/about/step/)
- [The Japan Foundation: JFT-Basic FAQ](https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/e/faq/index.html)
- [JLPT: test sections and times](https://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/testsections.html)
- [JLPT: scoring and pass criteria](https://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/results.html)
- [JLPT: overseas test sites](https://www.jlpt.jp/e/application/overseas_list.html)
- [Prometric: JFT-Basic exam fees](https://www.prometric-jp.com/en/ssw/exam/fee/)

## Related guides

- [JFT-Basic in Nepal (2026): test centres, fee, booking and retakes](https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-nepal)
- [JFT-Basic scoring explained: the 10-250 scale and why 200 is a pass](https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-scoring-pass-mark)
- [JFT-Basic now reports A1 and A2.1 levels (from August 2026)](https://testmigo.com/blog/jft-basic-a1-a2-levels-2026)

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