For those seeking employment in Japan! In 2024, the Specific Skills system will undergo significant changes.
The system aims to support the active participation of foreign workers in Japan's industries and local communities, contributing to solving labor shortages and revitalizing the economy. The government plans to increase the acceptance of foreign workers under the "Specific Skills" visa from the current level to over 820,000, more than four times the current number, over the next five years starting in 2024. Additionally, four new sectors—"Automobile Transport," "Railways," "Forestry," and "Wood Processing"—have been added. As a result, the number of sectors has expanded from the current 12 to 16. This means that opportunities for foreign nationals seeking employment under the Specific Skills visa are increasing. Don't miss this chance and challenge yourself with the Specific Skills exam! This article summarizes the overview of the Specific Skills system and the Specific Skills exam for taxi drivers, which can lead to high earnings. Use it as a guide to help you!
1. What is Specified Skilled Worker?
The Specific Skills system was established as a framework to address Japan's labor shortage and stimulate industrial activity by allowing foreign workers to work in Japan. Specific Skills refer to a system that certifies foreign workers as having certain skills or knowledge in specific job categories, making it easier for them to work in Japan. However, to work in Japan, foreign workers are required to have the necessary skills and knowledge for specific job categories. Foreign workers with Specific Skills can obtain a residence period of up to five years, provided they meet certain conditions.
The Specified Skilled Worker program is divided into Type 1 and Type 2.
① Specified Skilled Worker Type 1
This qualification is obtained by foreign workers who possess certain skills or knowledge in specific job categories. They can receive a residence period of up to five years. It is necessary to pass the Specific Skills exam and demonstrate proficiency in Japanese language and professional skills.
② Specified Skilled Worker Type 2
This qualification is for foreign workers with advanced skills or knowledge in specific job categories. It is intended for professions that require specialized skills or experience. There is no upper limit on the duration of stay.
① Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 | ② Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 | |
Residence Period | Up to 5 years | No upper limit |
Renewal Timing | 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months | 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months |
Skill Level | Capable of performing tasks requiring minimal knowledge or experience in the industry field at own company | Capable of performing tasks requiring skilled abilities in the industry field at own company |
Need for Assistance | Required | Not required |
Accompanying Family | Not generally allowed | Possible for spouse and children |
Japanese Level | Confirmed by Japanese Language Proficiency Test | No need for confirmation by Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
2. What is the Skills Test?
To obtain Specified Skilled Worker Type 1, it is necessary to pass both the skills test that evaluates knowledge and skills in the specific field and the Japanese language test.
① Skills Test
The skills test varies by industry and occupation, but generally includes issues like the following:
Technical Knowledge Issues | Basic knowledge or technical content related to specific industries or occupations is tested. |
Evaluation of Technical Skills | Technical skills and understanding procedures needed for actual tasks, with a focus on practical abilities, are evaluated. Practical tests may also be included. |
Safety and Health Issues | Knowledge related to safe work practices or environmental consideration at workplaces is tested. |
The pass rate varies depending on the difficulty of the test and the competence of the candidates, but generally ranges from 50% to 70%.
② Japanese Language Test
Foreign workers with specified skills need Japanese language abilities necessary for work and daily life in Japan. Specifically, the level required is to comprehend texts on familiar subjects written in basic vocabulary or kanji and to understand conversations well enough to work. The "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4 or higher)" or "Japan Foundation Japanese Basic Test (A2 level or higher)" is required.
3. Criteria for Recognized Personnel in the Taxi Transportation Industry under Specified Skills
Passing the "Automobile Transportation Sector Specified Skills Type 1 Skills Test (Taxi)" and obtaining "Type 2 Driving License" and Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 and above are prerequisites.
To summarize the key points for passing each test:
① Automobile Transportation Sector Specified Skills Type 1 Skills Test (Taxi)
Necessary Elements | Description |
Technical Knowledge | It is verified whether one is capable of conducting pre- and post-operation inspections, safe operations, creating operation logs, and providing customer service under the guidance and supervision of an operation manager in general passenger car transportation. Also included are items adhering to the academic test for the type 2 driving license. |
Test Language: Japanese (Content adhering to academic test for Type 2 driving license is supplemented with local language)
Conducting Body: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai Method: Written test and practical test (CBT) or paper test.
① Type 2 Driving License
Exam conducted by each prefectural Public Safety Commission.
To obtain an ordinary Type 2 license, one must first obtain an ordinary Type 1 license and have more than 3 years of driving experience, and be over 21 years of age. However, with special training, it is possible to obtain an ordinary Type 2 license with at least 1 year of driving experience and being over 19 years of age.
The experience gained from obtaining a standard car license in your home country can be counted towards the required experience for obtaining the Class 2 driver's license. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain a standard car license either in your home country or in Japan as early as possible.
The Class 2 driver's license can be obtained at driving schools across the country. If you choose to obtain it through a residential training program, you can graduate in about a week. However, a challenge is that many licensing centers administer the written exam in Japanese.
Currently, tests are available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali in Fukuoka Prefecture, and English-language tests for the Type 2 license began in Tokyo (from April 24, 2024) and Aichi Prefecture (from April 30, 2024).
The academic test consists of 90 text questions and 5 illustration questions, with a score distribution of 1 point per text question and 2 points per illustration question. Illustration questions involving a single image comprise 3 questions, and points are awarded only when all 3 answers are correct. Passing requires a score of 90 or above.
③ Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 or higher
Given the need to explain to taxi users and handle emergencies like accidents in taxi and bus transportation industries, the JLPT N3 level or higher is required. N3 level content includes basic expressions and grammar used in daily life or work and reading comprehension. Specifically, the followings are tested:
Conversational and communication skills for everyday and work situations |
Understanding and appropriate use of basic grammar |
Comprehension and understanding of short texts or messages |
Ability to compose simple Japanese writings |
~~~ Flow after Passing the Skills Test ~~~
The flow after passing the skills test is as follows. Those who hold foreign licenses will need to switch them. Following this, obtaining the Type 2 license will be required. Before debuting as an actual taxi driver, these steps must be completed, and until the foreign license switch, type 2 license acquisition, and new recruit training are completed, one will stay in Japan on a Specified Activity visa rather than a Specified Skilled Worker visa.
In Conclusion
Thank you very much for reading this article to the end. As mentioned at the beginning, now is an excellent opportunity with the expansion of the Specific Skills visa. Especially, aiming to become a taxi driver, which offers high earning potential, is a great choice! We wish you all the best for your success!