JFT-Basic: format, scoring and how to prepare

The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) measures the Japanese needed for everyday life and work. It is one of the language tests accepted for Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa, which makes it the test many Nepali candidates heading to Japan prepare for.

How the test is laid out

JFT-Basic is a computer-based test with four sections:

• Script and vocabulary (文字と語彙)
• Conversation and expression (会話と表現)
• Listening comprehension (聴解)
• Reading comprehension (読解)

The whole test runs on a single 60-minute clock. Listening is played in order, so it pays to keep moving rather than going back.

How scoring works

JFT-Basic does not give a simple number of correct answers. Your result is a score from 10 to 250. A score of 200 or above means you are judged to be at A2 level, which is the level the Specified Skilled Worker route asks for. The result sheet also shows how you did in each section, which is the most useful part for planning further study.

Test dates, venues and rules are published by the Japan Foundation and can change, so check the official site before you register.

What each section asks

• Script and vocabulary: reading words written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji, and knowing what they mean.
• Conversation and expression: choosing the natural reply or expression for an everyday situation, such as greetings, shopping or asking for directions.
• Listening comprehension: understanding short announcements and conversations.
• Reading comprehension: reading notices, messages and short texts, and finding the information you need.

How to prepare

1. Learn the scripts properly. Hiragana and katakana should be automatic before you start timed practice.
2. Practise the four sections separately, then together. Section practice builds skill; full 60-minute tests build pace.
3. Use your section results. If listening is your weakest section, give it the most time each week.
4. Learn set phrases. Many conversation questions turn on fixed expressions such as はじめまして, いただきます and すみません.
5. Read real notices. Signs, timetables and short messages are exactly what the reading section uses.

Practising with UBTApp

UBTApp institutes can run JFT-Basic practice with the four official sections, one 60-minute clock, listening in order, and a result sheet that reports the 10 to 250 score and each section. You can try four JFT-Basic style questions on our homepage.