Overview
Ginou Kentei (技能検定) is Japan's national trade skill test. It certifies workers' skills against a fixed national standard under the Human Resources Development Promotion Act. As of 3 March 2026, JAVADA lists 111 trades run by prefectures and 22 trades run by designated examination bodies. Passers may call themselves a Ginoushi (技能士).
The test papers are written by the Japan Vocational Ability Development Association (JAVADA). Each prefecture runs the exam itself, and applications go to the prefectural vocational ability development association, not to JAVADA. The trade list and the test standard for each trade are published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Levels or stages
Most trades are split into Special Grade, Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3. Some trades have a single grade.
Special Grade (特級): the skill expected of a manager or supervisor.
Grade 1 (1級) and single-grade trades: the skill of a senior skilled worker.
Grade 2 (2級): the skill of an intermediate skilled worker.
Grade 3 (3級): the skill of an entry-level skilled worker.
Separately, Grade 2, Grade 3 and Basic Grade tests are held at any time of year for foreign technical intern trainees.
Who can apply
Work experience in the trade is normally required. The standard periods are:
| Grade | Experience |
|---|---|
| Special Grade | 5 or more years after passing Grade 1 |
| Grade 1 | 7 or more years |
| Grade 2 | 2 or more years |
| Grade 3 | no minimum period |
| Single-grade trades | 3 or more years |
Training history and education can shorten these periods. Students of a related course and people in related vocational training can also sit Grade 3. Check the Ministry's site or your prefectural association for the exact rules for your trade.
Exam pattern
Each trade has a practical test and a written test, based on the national standard.
Practical test: the task is normally announced before the exam day. It usually takes about 4 to 5 hours, and some trades set a standard time and a cut-off time. Some trades add a judgement test or a planning test, whose questions are not announced in advance.
Written test: held on the same day nationwide for each trade and grade.
Some practical tasks involve work that legally needs a licence or special training, so you may have to show your licence or certificate to sit the test.
Marking and results
The Ministry sets the pass mark: normally 60 points or more out of 100 on the practical test and 65 points or more out of 100 on the written test. Passers receive a certificate in the name of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (Special Grade, Grade 1, single grade) or the prefectural governor (Grade 2 and 3). Passing can bring exemptions in some other national exams.
Important dates
Tests run in two rounds each year. JAVADA gives these rough timings:
| First half | Second half | |
|---|---|---|
| Public notice | early to late March | early September |
| Applications | early to mid April | early to mid October |
| Practical tests | mid June to early September | late November to late February |
| Written tests | end of July to early September | end of January to mid February |
| Results | end of August (Grade 3) and early October | mid March |
Fees
Fees are set by each prefecture for each trade. JAVADA's standard amounts, as listed on its site since fiscal 2019, are 18,200 yen for the practical test and 3,100 yen for the written test.
How to apply
Get the application form from your prefectural vocational ability development association and submit it to them in person or by post, by the deadline and with the fee they specify. JAVADA itself does not take applications.
FAQs
What grades does the test have?
Most trades have Grade 3, Grade 2, Grade 1 and a Special Grade. Some trades have only one grade. A Basic Grade exists for foreign technical intern trainees.
Do I need work experience?
Normally yes, and the required years rise with the grade. Grade 3 has no minimum, and training or related schooling can shorten the periods for other grades.
Where do I apply?
At your prefectural vocational ability development association, not at JAVADA.