Overview
The Denki Koji Shi (電気工事士, electrician) licence is the national qualification under Japan's Electrician Act for people who carry out electrical wiring work. The Electrical Technicians Examination Center runs the exams. There are two types, and the exam for each has a written test followed by a practical test.
Levels or stages
Type 2 (第二種): covers indoor wiring and similar work for homes and shops that receive power at low voltage, and small solar power installations.
Type 1 (第一種): covers everything Type 2 does, plus electrical work for small buildings and factories that receive high-voltage power. Passing the exam is not enough on its own: to get the Type 1 licence you also need at least 3 years of qualifying electrical work experience (work done before passing counts).
Who can apply
The Center states that no work experience is needed to sit the exam, so anyone can apply. Some people can be exempted from the written test on application, for example those who passed the written test of the same type in the previous or the one before that session, graduates of a recognised electrical engineering course, and holders of an electrical chief engineer licence.
Exam pattern
Both types use two stages. The practical test is open only to those who have passed, or are exempt from, the written test.
Written test: four-choice questions, answered on a mark sheet (paper) or on a computer (CBT). Topics include basic electrical theory, wiring design, equipment and tools, installation methods, inspection, wiring diagrams and safety law. Type 1 adds electrical applications and the basic structure of power generation, transmission and substations.
Practical test: using your own hand tools, you complete a wiring job given as a diagram, with materials supplied, within a set time. The Center publishes the candidate practice problems in advance.
Important dates
For 2026 (Reiwa 8, the Center's calendar), there are two sittings per type:
Type 1, second half of 2026: written test by CBT from 11 September to 18 October, paper written test on 4 October, practical test on 21 November.
Type 2, second half of 2026: written test by CBT from 24 September to 8 November, paper written test on 25 October, practical test on 12 or 13 December.
Applications for these sittings had closed by the review date. Check the Center's schedule page for the next round.
Fees
For the 2026 second-half sittings, as listed by the Center:
| Type | Online application | Paper application by post |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 13,000 yen | 14,400 yen |
| Type 2 | 11,100 yen | 12,500 yen |
Online application is the normal route.
How to apply
Apply to the Electrical Technicians Examination Center, online as the standard method, through its application site.
After the exam
The Center states the licence has no expiry date and needs no renewal. The licence itself is issued by the prefecture.
FAQs
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
Type 2 covers homes and shops on low-voltage supply. Type 1 adds work on high-voltage installations such as small buildings and factories, and needs at least 3 years of qualifying work experience before the licence is issued.
Does the exam include a hands-on test?
Yes. After the written test you complete a timed practical wiring job with your own tools.
Do I need experience to sit the exam?
No. The Center states that anyone can sit it. Experience matters only for getting the Type 1 licence after passing.