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How to prepare for the SSW skills test

How to find your SSW field test, get the official study text, study in 4–6 weeks, book through Prometric and avoid scams.

Updated: 2026-11-09

Each SSW field has its own skills test. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Find your field and its test

  1. Open the Immigration Services Agency SSW page: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/index.html
  2. Find your job field.
  3. Follow the link to that field’s test.

Step 2: Download the official materials

Each test body publishes a test outline and official study texts on its website. Many are in several languages.

  • Test outline downloaded
  • Official study text downloaded
  • Any official sample questions found

Step 3: How to study

  1. Read the official text slowly. Make short notes.
  2. Learn the key Japanese work words for your field. Write them on flashcards.
  3. Practise with official sample questions, if the test body provides them.
  4. Review your mistakes every week.

Step 4: Book the test

Many skills tests are computer-based through Prometric, including in Nepal. Booking is done online: https://www.prometric-jp.com/en/. Always check your test body’s page first for how to book.

Your 4–6 week plan

Week Focus
1 Read the test outline. Get the study text. Make a study schedule.
2 Read the first half of the text. Start work-word flashcards.
3 Read the second half. Keep learning words.
4 Practise with official samples. Note weak topics.
5 Review weak topics. Do samples again.
6 Light review. Check your booking and ID. Rest.

Short on time? Use 4 weeks: merge weeks 2–3 and weeks 5–6.

Scam warning

  • No one can guarantee a pass.
  • No one can sell you real test questions. “Leaked questions” are a scam.
  • Never pay an agent to “arrange” a test result.

Common mistakes

  • Using unofficial notes instead of the official text.
  • Ignoring the Japanese work words.
  • Booking late and missing a good date.
  • Not checking whether your field needs more (for example JLPT N3, or the nursing care test).

This guide is general information. Test rules and dates change; always check the official test websites.