Sathi Japan · Guides
How to prepare for JFT-Basic and JLPT N4
An easy 8-week plan to prepare for JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 for SSW, with free official study materials and test-day tips.
Updated: 2026-11-09
SSW (i) usually needs JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. This guide gives you a simple plan.
Which test fits you?
| JFT-Basic | JLPT N4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer (CBT) at Prometric centres, including Nepal | Paper test |
| When | Many times a year; book online | Usually July and December; check the dates for your city |
| Good for you if | You want a date soon, and are fine with a computer | You like paper tests, or want a JLPT level |
What each test checks
JFT-Basic (about CEFR A2, Japanese for daily life and work):
- Script and Vocabulary
- Conversation and Expression
- Listening Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
JLPT N4:
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) · Reading
- Listening
Free official materials
- Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan (いろどり 生活の日本語). A free coursebook with audio for beginners (A1–A2). It matches the JFT-Basic level: https://www.irodori.jpf.go.jp/en/
- JLPT official sample questions and workbooks: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/samples/
- JFT-Basic official site: https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/
Your 8-week plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hiragana and katakana. Read them slowly every day. |
| 2 | Finish kana. Start basic kanji and daily-life words (Irodori). |
| 3 | Basic kanji and vocabulary. Start daily listening. |
| 4 | Basic grammar: particles, verb forms. Keep listening daily. |
| 5 | More grammar. Practise short conversations. |
| 6 | Reading practice: signs, notices, short texts. |
| 7 | First mock test using official samples. Fix weak areas. |
| 8 | Second mock test. Review mistakes. Rest the day before. |
Already know some Japanese? Compress the early weeks and do mock tests sooner.
Daily routine (30–60 minutes)
- 10 minutes: flashcards (words and kanji).
- 15–30 minutes: Irodori lesson or grammar.
- 10–20 minutes: listening. Use shadowing: listen, then repeat out loud at the same speed.
- 5 minutes: review yesterday’s mistakes.
Short and daily beats long and rare.
Test-day tips
- Bring the ID the test site asks for.
- Arrive early.
- For JFT-Basic: practise on a computer or large screen first, so the CBT feels normal.
- Sleep well. Eat something.
- Listen carefully. Do not spend too long on one question.
Common mistakes
- Skipping hiragana and katakana and jumping to grammar.
- Studying only reading, not listening.
- Never doing a mock test.
- Studying for many hours once a week instead of daily.
- Buying “leaked questions” or paying someone to “guarantee” a pass. These are scams.
Book your test
- JFT-Basic: book a date online at https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/
- JLPT: check the dates for your city at https://www.jlpt.jp/e/
Next: SSW requirements checklist · Skills test preparation
This guide is general information. Test rules and dates change; always check the official test websites.