The short answer
| Your goal | Take this test |
|---|---|
| SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa | JFT-Basic (or JLPT N4+ where the route accepts it) |
| Student visa / language school | JLPT — whatever level your school asks for (often N5–N3 evidence) |
| Company hiring in Japan | JLPT N3–N1 depending on the role |
| Proving steady progress in class | JLPT — the level ladder (N5→N1) is ideal for mock-test tracking |
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験) is the most widely recognized Japanese exam in the world. It has five levels — N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced) — and runs twice a year (July and December) at designated centers, including Nepal.
- Sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar), Reading, and Listening — combined differently by level.
- Scoring: scaled scores with both a total pass mark and minimum section scores (e.g., N2 requires 90/180 overall and at least 19/60 per section).
- Paper-based: answer sheets, fixed annual dates, results take about two months.
What is JFT-Basic?
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (日本語基礎テスト) was created specifically for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program. It measures whether you can handle everyday workplace and daily-life conversation at roughly an A2 level.
- Four sections: Script & Vocabulary, Conversation & Expression, Listening, Reading.
- Scoring: 10–250 total; 200 is the pass line.
- Computer-based (CBT): offered in more frequent windows than JLPT, which matters when an employer is waiting.
Head-to-head comparison
| JLPT | JFT-Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Study, employment, self-assessment | SSW visa route |
| Levels | N5 → N1 | Single (≈A2 / N4 territory) |
| Format | Paper, twice a year | Computer-based, frequent windows |
| Listening | Plays once, exam-hall audio | Plays once, on headphones |
| Score scale | 180 per stage (scaled) | 10–250 (pass at 200) |
| Best for | Students & career growth | Workers targeting SSW |
How consultancies should use both
If you run a consultancy or language class in Nepal, the strongest offer is a mock-test ladder: students start with N5/N4 JLPT mocks to build fundamentals, then switch to JFT-Basic mocks once they choose the SSW route — the timing format (once-only audio, CBT pacing) is different enough that it deserves dedicated practice.