Overview
Hisho Kentei (秘書検定), the Secretarial Skill Proficiency Test, is a Japanese certification assessing the knowledge and manners needed for secretarial and general office administration work, run by the Examination Institute for Practical Skills (Jitsumu Ginou Kentei Kyokai). It is widely taken by students and office workers in Japan as evidence of business etiquette and administrative skill.
Levels or stages
The test is graded from Grade 3 (entry level) through Grade 2, Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 (most advanced), covering progressively more demanding knowledge of business etiquette, correspondence, scheduling and office management as the grade increases.
Exam pattern
Lower grades (Grade 3 and Grade 2) are assessed by a written, multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering required knowledge and etiquette. Higher grades (Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1) add a practical, interview-style assessment of real secretarial skills on top of the written paper.
Marking and results
Candidates must reach the required score on the written paper to be certified at Grades 3 and 2. For Grades Pre-1 and 1, passing the written paper is followed by a second-stage interview.
How to apply
Candidates register for a test date and venue through the Examination Institute for Practical Skills, which holds sittings several times a year across Japan. Grades 2 and 3 can also be taken on a computer (CBT) at test centres on dates you choose, with the result announced the same day. The 140th sitting is on 15 November 2026, with ordinary applications open from 3 September to 13 October 2026.
FAQs
Which grades include a practical test?
Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 add a practical, interview-style assessment on top of the written exam; Grade 3 and Grade 2 are written only.
What does the Hisho Kentei assess?
Business etiquette, correspondence, scheduling and general office administration knowledge and skill, at a level appropriate to each grade.