Details of the Skills Examination for the Specified Skilled Worker Program (Caregiving Field): Exam Content, Venues, and Application Procedures
- Publish
- 2025/01/16
- Update
- 2025/08/16
- You can read this article in 7minutes
- What is the Specified Skilled Worker Program (Caregiving Field)?
- Types of Examinations for the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field)
- Content of the Skills Evaluation Test for the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field)
- Number of Examinees and Pass Rates for the Skills Evaluation Test in the Caregiving Field
- Examination Venues and Schedules for the Skills Evaluation Test in the Caregiving Field
- Application Procedures and Test Fees for the Skills Evaluation Test in the Caregiving Field
- Increasing Number of Indonesian Care Workers
Among all foreign nationals working under the Specified Skilled Worker Program in the caregiving field, individuals from Indonesia represent the largest group and play a vital role in Japan’s long-term care industry.
Many of them study the Japanese language and caregiving skills, pass the required examinations, and obtain the appropriate residency status. This article provides an overview of the skills examination required to acquire the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field) status, including the exam content, application procedures, and result notifications.
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What is the Specified Skilled Worker Program (Caregiving Field)?
Overview of the Specified Skilled Worker Program (Caregiving Field)
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program was launched in April 2019. It is a system for accepting foreign nationals who can contribute immediately to industries facing severe labor shortages, despite efforts to enhance productivity. The caregiving field is one of the designated sectors under this program.
While caregiving often brings to mind elderly care, the scope also includes facilities involved in child welfare—such as child development support centers and residential care homes for children with disabilities—as well as group homes for individuals with disabilities.
Previously, home-visit care services were not included in the eligible services for foreign nationals under the SSW caregiving category. However, due to the worsening labor shortage, this restriction is scheduled to be lifted, and the inclusion of home-visit care is expected to begin as early as 2025.
Indonesian Workers in the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field)
According to data from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the number of Indonesian nationals working in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 (Caregiving Field) category continues to increase. As of June 2024, there were 9,760 Indonesian workers in this category, making them the largest nationality group. They account for 26.6% of all foreign nationals employed in caregiving under the SSW program.
Sources:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Statistics on Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status as of the End of June 2024 (Table 1, Table 2, Table 3)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Statistics on Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status (Summary as of the End of June 2022)
(Prepared by PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA)
Precautions when conducting an on-site inspection in Indonesia
Some visitors consider, "My primary purpose is to conduct maintenance work at the factory, but the visa application process appears cumbersome. I will simply enter on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and carry out the work discreetly."
However, there have been numerous cases where entering without the appropriate visa for the intended activities has resulted in significant legal and operational issues. It is therefore strongly advised to obtain the correct visa prior to travel.
Here are the types of visas and their purposes.
Types of Examinations for the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field)
To obtain the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status in the caregiving field, applicants must pass the following three examinations. The Japanese language test (JLPT or JFT-Basic A2 level) is common across all designated industries, but the caregiving field also requires a unique caregiving-specific Japanese language test. The Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test can be taken concurrently with the Skills Evaluation Test for Care Work.
- Skills Evaluation Test for Care Work
- Japanese Language Test
(Japanese-Language Proficiency Test [JLPT] N4 level or above, or Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese [JFT-Basic A2]) - *Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Guidelines for the Implementation of the Skills Evaluation Test for Care Work”
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Content of the Skills Evaluation Test for the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field)
Test Level and Structure
The skills evaluation test for the caregiving field is designed to assess whether the candidate possesses the foundational abilities and mindset necessary to independently provide care tailored to the physical and mental conditions of care recipients. This is equivalent to the level required for completing the “Category II Technical Intern Training” for caregiving, as evaluated in the Care Work Technical Intern Skills Assessment Test. Questions are presented in the official language of the country where the test is administered.
The test is conducted using a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format at designated test centers. The duration is 60 minutes and consists of both written (theoretical) and practical components. The test structure is as follows:
Written Test: 40 questions
- Basics of Caregiving (10 questions)
- Structure and Function of the Mind and Body (6 questions)
- Communication Skills (4 questions)
- Life Support Skills (20 questions)
Practical Test: 5 questions
- Life Support Skills (5 questions)
This section involves interpreting images or photographs to assess knowledge of appropriate caregiving procedures.
Age Requirements
The skills evaluation test for the Specified Skilled Worker program has the following age requirements. Individuals applying for the status from abroad must take the test in their home country, while those already residing in Japan with a valid visa status may take the test domestically.
- For Indonesian nationals: Must be 18 years of age or older
- For other nationalities: Must be 17 years of age or older
Exemption Criteria
The following individuals are exempt from both the skills evaluation test and the Japanese language test when applying for the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status in the caregiving field:
- Those who have successfully completed the Category II Technical Intern Training Program for caregiving
- Graduates of caregiving training institutions
- Candidates who have completed their four-year period of stay under the EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) Care Worker Program
Passing Criteria
To pass the skills evaluation test for the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 (Caregiving Field), examinees must score at least 60% of the total possible points.
Upon completion of the test, results are immediately displayed on the computer screen at the test venue. In addition, examinees can view a detailed score report on the designated website within approximately five business days after the test date.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Overview of the Acceptance of Foreign Nationals under the Specified Skilled Worker Program in the Caregiving Field”
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Domestic corporation
Recruitment Agency
We set up a domestic capital company in Indonesia using the name of a former employee from Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker program. At first, communication was smooth, but once the business became profitable, they claimed ownership, seized bank accounts and contracts, and disrupted client relations. A contract was in place but ineffective, leaving us to regret relying solely on trust.
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Foreign-owned corporation
Machinery Manufacturer
We hired a local consulting firm to set up our foreign-owned company in Indonesia, but responses were slow and explanations kept changing. Repeated requests for extra documents and shifting requirements disrupted our schedule, and the process took nearly a year, delaying our business launch. We learned the importance of clearly defining project management and responsibilities in the contract.
Number of Examinees and Pass Rates for the Skills Evaluation Test in the Caregiving Field
The following data presents the number of examinees and the pass rates for the fiscal year 2023 at test centers in both Japan and Indonesia. Please note that examinees at test centers in Japan include nationalities other than Indonesians.
Test Centers in Japan
| Month | No. of Examinees | No. of Passers | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2023 | 542 | 377 | 69.6% |
| May 2023 | 746 | 517 | 69.3% |
| Jun 2023 | 711 | 452 | 63.6% |
| Jul 2023 | 847 | 616 | 72.7% |
| Aug 2023 | 834 | 559 | 67.0% |
| Sep 2023 | 907 | 619 | 68.2% |
| Oct 2023 | 870 | 615 | 70.7% |
| Nov 2023 | 862 | 575 | 66.7% |
| Dec 2023 | 806 | 512 | 63.5% |
| Jan 2024 | 852 | 535 | 62.8% |
| Feb 2024 | 1,275 | 847 | 66.4% |
| Mar 2024 | 808 | 583 | 72.2% |
- Total Examinees: 10,060
- Total Passers: 6,807
- Average Pass Rate: 67.7%
Test Centers in Indonesia
| Month | No. of Examinees | No. of Passers | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2023 | 222 | 158 | 71.2% |
| May 2023 | 408 | 307 | 75.2% |
| Jun 2023 | 402 | 305 | 75.9% |
| Jul 2023 | 384 | 300 | 78.1% |
| Aug 2023 | 941 | 689 | 73.2% |
| Sep 2023 | 414 | 306 | 73.9% |
| Oct 2023 | 1,019 | 821 | 80.6% |
| Nov 2023 | 520 | 415 | 79.8% |
| Dec 2023 | 904 | 728 | 80.5% |
| Jan 2024 | 784 | 599 | 76.4% |
| Feb 2024 | 782 | 673 | 86.1% |
| Mar 2024 | 159 | 127 | 79.9% |
- Total Examinees: 6,939
- Total Passers: 5,428
- Average Pass Rate: 77.6%
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Examination Results for the Specified Skilled Worker Program in the Caregiving Field”
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Examination Venues and Schedules for the Skills Evaluation Test in the Caregiving Field
Test Centers in Japan
The Skills Evaluation Test for the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Field) is available in both Japan and Indonesia. Within Japan, test centers are located in all prefectures. In many locations, tests are conducted three to five days a week. Although weekdays are the primary testing days, some venues also offer testing on weekends.
Test Centers in Indonesia
In Indonesia, test centers are located in the following cities:
- Special Capital Region of Jakarta
- Bandung (West Java Province)
- Denpasar (Bali Province)
- Manado (North Sulawesi Province)
- Medan (North Sumatra Province)
- Semarang (Central Java Province)
- Surabaya (East Java Province)
- Special Region of Yogyakarta
Among these, Jakarta has five test centers, while each of the other cities has one. Most venues conduct tests three to seven days per week.
Information on test venues and schedules in both Japan and overseas is available on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. For more detailed information, applicants can log in to the website of Prometric Co., Ltd., which administers the tests.
- Specified Skilled Worker Comprehensive Support Site – Exam Information:
https://www.ssw.go.jp/about/sswv/exam/
We create a WhatsApp group, allowing you to contact us anytime for free if any issues arise during your business trip. Unexpected troubles can occur during on-site visits, but with our team-based support, we can resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
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●Creative agency
I traveled without arranging an interpreter, but when I faced difficulties dealing with the local police, they came to my aid.
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●Recruitment agency
When I suddenly needed a conference room, I truly appreciated that they arranged one on my behalf.
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●Cosmetics manufacturer
After finishing drinks with colleagues late at night and being unable to find a taxi, they arranged a car for us, which was a great help.
Application Procedures and Test Fees for the Skills Evaluation Test in the Caregiving Field
Application Method and Deadline
First, applicants must obtain a user ID from the website of Prometric Co., Ltd. After logging in with this ID, they can access the application page, where available test dates and seat availability are displayed.
- Prometric Co., Ltd. – Specified Skilled Worker Test Site:
https://www.prometric-jp.com/ssw/
Applications and reservation changes can be made from 59 days before the test date until 11:59 p.m. (Japan Standard Time) three business days prior to the test. If the test date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Japanese national holiday, the deadline is four business days in advance. Please note that applicants must wait 45 days after a test before taking it again.
Test Fees
As of January 2025, the test fee for the Skills Evaluation Test in the caregiving field is:
- Japan: ¥1,000
- Indonesia: IDR 110,000
Payment must be made via the website using a credit card or other accepted online payment method.
Increasing Number of Indonesian Care Workers
The Specified Skilled Worker program serves as a crucial solution to the labor shortage in Japan’s caregiving industry, allowing a growing number of foreign nationals to work in Japan through this system. Among them, Indonesian workers have a particularly significant presence. With the anticipated expansion to include home-visit care services, their role is expected to grow even further.
As discussed above, the skills evaluation test for the caregiving field is offered at numerous venues and conducted frequently. This makes the caregiving field one of the more accessible employment opportunities for Indonesian individuals seeking to work in Japan.
If your company is interested in dispatching or receiving Indonesian caregivers, please feel free to contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA at any time.
We create a WhatsApp group, allowing you to contact us anytime for free if any issues arise during your business trip. Unexpected troubles can occur during on-site visits, but with our team-based support, we can resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
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What kinds of tests are conducted in the caregiving field under the Specified Skilled Worker program?
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To obtain the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 residency status in the caregiving field, applicants must pass three types of tests: the Skills Evaluation Test for Care Work, a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 level or higher, or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese \[JFT-Basic A2]), and the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.
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Where are the tests for the caregiving field under the Specified Skilled Worker program conducted?
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The Skills Evaluation Test for the caregiving field under Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 is conducted at venues in all 47 prefectures of Japan as well as at overseas locations.
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How many Indonesians are working in the caregiving field under the Specified Skilled Worker program?
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As of June 2024, there were 9,760 Indonesians working in the caregiving field under Specified Skilled Worker No. 1. This is the highest number by nationality and accounts for 26.6% of all foreign workers in the caregiving field under the program.
