JLPT vs JFT-Basic — which test do you actually need?
The short answer
- You want to work in Japan with the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) status: you need one of these — JFT-Basic (200/250) or JLPT N4 or higher. Either one satisfies the language requirement.
- You want jobs, school, or a long-term future in Japan: the JLPT is the certificate employers and schools know best, and it goes up to N1. The JFT-Basic has no levels above “basic.”
- You need a result soon: the JFT-Basic is held in several periods through the year. The JLPT is only twice a year (July and December) — miss the registration and you wait months.
Neither test is “better.” They are tools for different doors. The right question is: which door are you walking through next?
Side by side
| JLPT | JFT-Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | Five: N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest) | One test only — basic level (about CEFR A2) |
| What it measures | Vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening — knowledge about Japanese | Using Japanese in daily life and simple work situations |
| Speaking / writing | Not tested | Not tested either — it is a listening/reading/multiple-choice test |
| Format | Paper, mark-sheet (in Japan) | Computer-based at a test centre |
| When | Twice a year: July and December | Several test periods a year (dates vary by country) |
| Result | About 2 months after the test (online earlier in Japan) | Shown on screen on the day; official notification follows within days |
| Pass mark | Depends on level. For N4: 90/180 overall, with a minimum in each section | 200 out of 250 |
| Recognised for | Jobs, schools, universities — the most widely known Japanese certificate | Mainly the SSW language requirement and everyday-life ability |
| Retake | Next session (about 6 months later) | After a waiting period (normally 30 days) |
Always confirm current dates, fees, and rules on the official JLPT and JFT-Basic sites — schedules differ by country and can change.
Choose by your goal
“I want an SSW job in Japan, as soon as possible.”
Take the JFT-Basic — unless you already have JLPT N4. It is more frequent, the result comes fast, and the test focuses on daily-life Japanese, which is exactly what SSW asks for. Our complete JFT-Basic guide walks you through preparing for it.
“I already live in Japan and want better jobs / a long-term future here.”
Take the JLPT, and do not stop at N4. Many Japanese employers ask for N3 or N2 in job listings, and the JLPT is the name on every CV form in Japan. Start with the JLPT level guide and build level by level.
“I want to study in Japan.”
JLPT. Language schools, vocational schools, and universities ask for JLPT levels (often N5–N2 depending on the course). The JFT-Basic is not designed for school admission.
“Can I do both?”
Yes — and many people do. A common smart order is: JFT-Basic first for the SSW requirement and quick confidence, then keep climbing the JLPT (N4 → N3 → N2) after you are in Japan. The study overlaps almost completely at this level.
How the study overlaps — and where it differs
- Vocabulary: Nearly the same base (N5–N4 everyday words). Learn with meanings in Nepali and English from the vocabulary lists.
- Grammar: JLPT wants you to recognise correct grammar in test sentences. JFT-Basic wants the expression you would actually say in a situation. Practise both ways: grammar lessons for accuracy, real-life scenes for use.
- Listening: Both test listening — for many Nepali speakers this is the hardest part in either test. Daily short listening is the single best shared habit.
- Reading: JLPT reading is longer and more test-like. JFT-Basic reading is short daily texts — notices, messages, schedules.
Three questions to decide in one minute
- Is an SSW application waiting on this certificate? → JFT-Basic (or use your JLPT N4 if you have it).
- Do you need the result in less than two months? → JFT-Basic, if seats are available in your country.
- Will you still need this certificate in five years? → JLPT, aiming for N3 and above.
If you answered yes to both 1 and 3, do both, in that order.
Start free, whichever you choose
Everything on Grow with Kitty is free, with every meaning in Nepali and English: vocabulary and grammar from N5 to N1, real-life scenes for daily conversation, and mock tests to check your level. Get the free Japanese tips by email and stay on track for your test date.