JLPT Applications Surge: Alternative Tests by Status of Residence

The number of applicants for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) continues to increase. For the December 2026 test, domestic applications for N1 and N2 closed on August 31 and will not be reopened. According to a Kyodo News report (September 27, 2026), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has for the first time asked certified Japanese language education institutions nationwide to consider utilizing tests other than the JLPT. This article organizes the Japanese language requirements for Status of Residence by Status of Residence, based on publicly available information from the Immigration Services Agency, to determine whether these requirements can be met by methods other than the JLPT. This content is intended for foreign nationals who were unable to secure a test opportunity, and for company representatives who employ or invite foreign nationals.

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1. Conclusion: Even without JLPT, there are alternative methods depending on the Status of Residence

First, here are the key points:

• The Japanese language proficiency of “B2 equivalent or higher” required for Business Manager and for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (hereinafter, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) primarily engaged in interpersonal work using language skills, can be demonstrated by JLPT N2 or higher, or BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or higher. It can also be recognized through academic background in Japan or 20 years or more of residence as a mid- to long-term resident.
• The Japanese language requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (i) can be met by JLPT N4 or higher, or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) A2.2 equivalent or higher. For example, in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry, if a person has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) regardless of job type, the Japanese language test is waived (the Nursing Care field has a separate Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test).
• However, the JLPT cannot be replaced in all situations. The recognized tests vary depending on the Status of Residence and the required documents. Before using an alternative method, please check the Immigration Services Agency’s materials to confirm what is recognized for that Status of Residence.
• Domestic JLPT exams are for mid- to long-term residents and Special Permanent Residents who do not have Japanese as their native language.

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2. What is happening: Applicant numbers continue to hit record highs

The number of applicants (preliminary figures) published by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) and the Japan Foundation, which organize the JLPT, are as follows:

Test	Number of Applicants (Total Domestic and Overseas)	Of which, Domestic	Of which, Domestic N2
July 2025	911,918	351,770	96,579
December 2025	1,049,597	447,285	132,741
July 2026	943,671	376,028	158,682

The December 2025 test had the highest number of applicants for a single test in history. The July 2026 test had the highest number for a July test, both overseas, domestic, and total.

Particularly noticeable is the domestic N2. The number of domestic N2 applicants for the July 2026 test increased by 64.3% compared to the previous July test. Domestic N4 decreased by 46.9%, so not all levels are increasing.

N2 is the representative method to demonstrate the “B2 equivalent or higher” requirement for Business Manager (amended on October 16, 2025) and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, as seen later. The news reports also cite the addition of Japanese language requirements for some Status of Residence as one of the contributing factors.

For the December 2026 test (test date: December 6), domestic N1 and N2 applications closed at 12:00 PM on August 31, and no re-recruitment will be conducted. Re-recruitment for N3 was conducted in Tokyo and Osaka on September 2.

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3. “Methods other than JLPT” for each Status of Residence

The scope confirmed by the Immigration Services Agency’s materials is listed by Status of Residence.

Status of Residence / Situation	Required Japanese Language Proficiency	If demonstrated by JLPT	Methods other than JLPT
Business Manager (applicant or full-time employee)	“Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education” B2 equivalent or higher	N2 or higher	BJT 400 points or higher / 20 years or more of residence as a mid- to long-term resident / Graduated from a Japanese university or other higher education institution / Completed Japanese compulsory education and graduated from high school
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (primarily engaged in interpersonal work using language skills)	CEFR B2 equivalent	N2 or higher	BJT 400 points or higher / 20 years or more of residence as a mid- to long-term resident / Graduated from a Japanese university, or completed a college of technology or specialized training college’s specialized course / Completed Japanese compulsory education and graduated from high school
Specified Skilled Worker (i) (e.g., Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry)	Standard specified by each field	N4 or higher	JFT-Basic A2.2 equivalent or higher / Japanese language test is waived if Technical Intern Training (ii) is successfully completed

There are three points to note when reading the table:

• The scope of academic background differs slightly for Business Manager and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. For Business Manager, it states “higher education institutions such as universities,” while for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, it states “universities” or “colleges of technology/specialized courses at vocational schools, etc.” Please confirm individually which category your academic background falls under.
• Specified Skilled Worker has requirements determined by sector. The example in the table is for the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry sector. In the Nursing Care sector, in addition to this, the Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test is also required. The level required for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) varies by sector.
• Even when demonstrating by methods other than examinations, documents are necessary. The Immigration Services Agency advises that for Business Manager, if demonstrating by examination, a certificate of passing or a transcript is required; otherwise, documents such as a Certificate of Residence or a graduation certificate that prove the person’s identity and background are needed.

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4. Business Manager and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: B2 can also be demonstrated by BJT, academic background, or period of stay

For Business Manager, with the amendment on October 16, 2025, it became necessary for either the applicant or a full-time employee to have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to or higher than B2 of the “Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education.” The Immigration Services Agency states that for individuals other than Japanese nationals or Special Permanent Residents, one of the following will be confirmed:

• Having obtained certification of JLPT N2 or higher.
• Having obtained a score of 400 points or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test.
• Having resided in Japan for 20 years or more as a mid- to long-term resident.
• Having graduated from a Japanese higher education institution such as a university.
• Having completed compulsory education in Japan and graduated from high school.

Even if the applicant does not have N2, it is sufficient if there is a full-time employee who meets the requirements. For example, if there is a full-time employee who graduated from a Japanese university. The overall picture of the amendment is explained in “[Latest 2026] Administrative Scrivener Explains Stricter Requirements for Business Manager Visa.”

For Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, when engaging in interpersonal work such as translation/interpretation or hotel front desk services, which primarily involve language skills, documents demonstrating CEFR B2 equivalent proficiency in the language used for work are required. If working in Japanese, it is considered that the individual has “B2 equivalent Japanese language proficiency” using almost the same methods as for Business Manager above. Even those who are already residing in Japan will need to submit these documents when renewing their Period of Stay if their job change or change in work content makes interpersonal work their main focus. For more details, please refer to “[Latest 2026] Administrative Scrivener Explains Japanese Language Requirements for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa.”

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5. Specified Skilled Worker (i): Japanese language requirements can also be met with JFT-Basic

For Specified Skilled Worker (i), in addition to passing the skills examination, it is necessary to pass a Japanese language examination. For example, in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry sector, the Immigration Services Agency’s sector-specific page states one of the following as the Japanese language proficiency standard:

• Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) A2.2 equivalent or higher
• JLPT N4 or higher

Furthermore, if Technical Intern Training (ii) has been successfully completed regardless of the occupation, the Japanese language examination is waived. For those transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker (i), the inability to apply for JLPT may not be a direct impediment.

On the other hand, in the Nursing Care sector, in addition to the Japanese language examination common to all sectors, the Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test is also required. The Japanese language proficiency for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) varies by sector; for example, in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry sector, from April 1, 2027, B1 equivalent or higher of the “Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education” will be required, and its handling will be announced separately.

Please check the official websites of the respective implementing organizations for JFT-Basic and BJT examination schedules, venues, and application methods.

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6. What Foreign Nationals Themselves Should Confirm Now

1. Confirm which documents are required to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency for the upcoming application (this is determined by the Status of Residence and the type of application).

1. Check the table and Immigration Services Agency documents to see if there are methods other than JLPT recognized for that Status of Residence.

1. Confirm if it can be demonstrated with your existing academic background or period of stay. If you have graduated from a Japanese university or high school, it is advisable to prepare your graduation certificate.

1. If you plan to take an exam, confirm the exam date and result release date by working backward from the application period. Registration for the December JLPT N1 and N2 exams has already closed.

1. When in doubt, consult a specialist before preparing application documents.

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7. For Businesses and Accepting Organizations

• For Business Manager, it is acceptable for a full-time employee, not the applicant themselves, to meet the requirements. Checking the candidate’s JLPT/BJT results and educational background in Japan at the hiring stage will ensure that the application preparation proceeds smoothly.
• If you plan to assign customer service or interpretation tasks under Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, please confirm before making a job offer whether B2 equivalent documentation will be required. Even if JLPT results are not available in time, BJT or educational background in Japan may be used to demonstrate proficiency.
• For Specified Skilled Worker (i), JFT-Basic can be used in some fields, similar to JLPT N4. Exemption from the Japanese language test for those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) is also stated in the field-specific documents. Please check the requirements for the accepting field in the respective field-specific documents.
• Reports indicate that other tests may not always be interchangeable. It is important not to self-assess “this test is sufficient,” but to confirm with the documents for the Status of Residence you are applying for.

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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. I couldn’t apply for the December JLPT. Can I still apply for Business Manager?

A. Japanese language proficiency equivalent to B2 or higher for Business Manager can be recognized not only by JLPT N2 or higher but also by BJT 400 points or higher, 20 years or more of residence as a mid- to long-term resident, or graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution. Furthermore, it is acceptable for a full-time employee, not the applicant themselves, to meet the requirements.

Q2. What BJT score is required for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services involving interpersonal tasks?

A. The Immigration Services Agency considers a score of 400 points or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test as possessing Japanese language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2.

Q3. Is JFT-Basic alone sufficient for Specified Skilled Worker (i)?

A. For example, in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry, the Japanese language requirement can be met with either JFT-Basic A2.2 equivalent or higher, or JLPT N4 or higher. However, for the Nursing Care field, the Caregiving Japanese Language Evaluation Test is also required. Please check the requirements for each specific field.

Q4. Can I take the JLPT in Japan even if I don’t live in Japan?

A. According to JEES guidelines, the domestic exam is for non-native Japanese speakers who are mid- to long-term residents or Special Permanent Residents. If you live overseas, please check the guidelines of the implementing organization in your country/region of residence.

Q5. Have the requirements for Status of Residence changed due to the request from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology?

A. What has been reported is that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology requested certified Japanese language education institutions to consider utilizing tests other than JLPT. As of September 28, 2026, no public announcement confirming a change in the Japanese language requirements for Status of Residence itself has been confirmed from the Immigration Services Agency.

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9. Summary

The number of JLPT applicants continues to increase, and registration for the December 2026 domestic N1 and N2 exams closed on August 31. The period when the number of domestic N2 applicants significantly increased coincides with the time when “B2 equivalent or higher” Japanese language proficiency became required for Business Manager and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.

However, Japanese language requirements for Status of Residence are not solely demonstrated by JLPT. For Business Manager and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, they can also be demonstrated by BJT 400 points or higher, or educational background/residence history in Japan. For Specified Skilled Worker (i), they can be demonstrated by JFT-Basic or successful completion of Technical Intern Training (ii). On the other hand, there are situations where alternatives are not accepted. Please proceed with preparations after confirming what is recognized for the Status of Residence you are applying for, using the documents from the Immigration Services Agency.

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Our firm, an Administrative Scrivener Corporation in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, offers consultations regarding residence procedures.

• Confirmation of whether Japanese language proficiency requirements can be met by methods other than JLPT
• Preparation of application documents and filing of applications for Business Manager, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, and Specified Skilled Worker
• Consultation on application schedules tailored to hiring and acceptance periods

Please feel free to use our free consultation service.

📩 Contact Us Here

📞 To book a phone consultation: 0985-68-0851

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This article is based on publicly available information as of September 2026. Japanese proficiency requirements and recognized examinations may change in the future due to revisions of materials from the Immigration Services Agency. The number of applicants is a preliminary figure announced by the organizing body. For actual applications, please confirm with official information from the Immigration Services Agency or contact our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama

Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office

Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Immigration Services Agency “Regarding the Revision of the Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Criteria for the Status of Residence ‘Business Manager'” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Status of Residence ‘Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services'” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/gijinkoku.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Field” (Specified Skilled Worker) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/ssw/foodandbeverages.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Specified Skilled Worker Examination Information” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/nyuukokukanri01_00135.html
• Japanese Language Proficiency Test “Overview of the July 2026 Examination (Preliminary Figures)” https://www.jlpt.jp/about/pdf/2026julypr.pdf
• Japanese Language Proficiency Test “Overview of the December 2025 Examination (Preliminary Figures)” https://www.jlpt.jp/about/pdf/2025decemberpr.pdf
• Japanese Language Proficiency Test “Overview of the July 2025 Examination (Preliminary Figures)” https://www.jlpt.jp/about/pdf/2025julypr.pdf
• Japan Educational Exchanges and Services “Regarding Applications for the 2nd Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1/N2 in 2026” https://info.jees-jlpt.jp/other/n1n2close.html
• Japan Educational Exchanges and Services “2nd Examination Implementation Guide 2026” https://info.jees-jlpt.jp/info/2026-2jisshiannnai.html