Ministry of Justice-certified Japanese online test "JOT" now available at over 100 Pearson VUE certified testing centers nationwide

With the introduction of the "Immigration and Residence Management System" in April 2027, the need for foreign nationals to prove their Japanese language proficiency is rapidly increasing. The Global Inclusive Society Promotion Association (GISPA) today announced that the Ministry of Justice-certified Japanese online test (JOT) will be available at over 100 Pearson VUE certified testing centers across Japan starting in July.

This will create an environment where the test can be taken from anywhere in the country, dramatically improving convenience. By leveraging JOT's unique strengths of "CBT (face recognition) testing" and "early result notification," we will swiftly support not only individuals hoping to study or work in Japan, but also students aiming to enter Japanese language schools, holders of "Technical Intern Training Program" visas, and foreign residents currently under the "Specified Skilled Worker" system looking to advance their careers.

* Certification as a Japanese Language Proficiency Test required for "Specified Skilled Worker" visa applications is currently pending.

Next-Generation Japanese Online Test "JOT"

Partnership with industry leader "Pearson Professional Assessment" enables testing nationwide

JOT has been primarily conducted through partner educational institutions both in Japan and abroad. Moving forward, it will also be available at over 100 certified Pearson testing centers across Japan. This allows test-takers to choose a nearby venue and take the exam according to their own schedule, significantly improving accessibility and convenience.

* In the future, testing will be available at both JOT-certified venues and Pearson VUE certified testing centers.

Three features of "JOT" that accelerate advancement to higher education and employment

JOT is an online Japanese language test designated by the Ministry of Justice, optimized for foreign nationals. By adopting a complete CBT (Computer-Based Testing) format, it complements the shortcomings of traditional tests in the areas of "opportunity," "speed," and "fairness." It can be widely utilized by a diverse range of foreign nationals, from Japanese language learners aiming for higher education or employment to foreign workers utilizing the "Specified Skilled Worker" and "Immigration and Residence Management" systems.

Feature 1: On-demand or year-round testing / Flexible scheduling

Traditional tests were only held twice a year, meaning that if a candidate failed, they had to wait over six months for the next opportunity. In contrast, the addition of Pearson VUE's strength in providing on-demand testing opportunities, in addition to the traditional JOT testing methods, further enhances test-taker convenience. This allows candidates to flexibly schedule their exams according to their academic or employment timelines, ensuring they do not miss career opportunities.

Feature 2: Results available in "about one week" via smartphone, etc.

While traditional tests took about two months to notify results, with JOT, candidates can check their pass/fail status and scores from their registered "My Page" in about one week after taking the test, allowing them to proceed to the next step immediately. It also includes a QR code-based score certificate verification function (anti-counterfeiting), paving the way for speedy procedures for school admissions and job applications.

Feature 3: Strict evaluation through AI-powered identity verification

As proof of Japanese language proficiency is a requirement for official and social purposes such as visa applications and job hunting, test fairness is absolutely essential. JOT mandates AI-powered identity verification for all test-takers, creating a secure testing environment that is trusted by candidates, companies, and administrative agencies alike. Furthermore, its Ministry of Justice certification (A1/A2 and above) allows it to be officially used as proof for study abroad or work visas.

* Image of JOT test-taking

[Social Background] Why is the next-generation test "JOT" necessary now?

To eliminate regional educational disparities and support learning, GISPA offers a comprehensive educational package combining the self-study app "jElearning," online classes by professional instructors, and "JOT" to verify learning outcomes.

An environment where foreign nationals working across Japan, such as participants in the "Specified Skilled Worker" and "Immigration and Residence Management" systems, can learn regardless of their location and prove their abilities at a nearby Pearson VUE certified testing center will be a powerful bridge for their long-term settlement in Japanese society.

* Using the Japanese e-learning app "jElearning" in conjunction further enhances learning effectiveness!

About the Global Inclusive Society Promotion Association (GISPA)

GISPA aims to create an environment where foreign nationals can overcome language barriers and thrive in Japanese society. Through a comprehensive educational package consisting of the Japanese e-learning platform "jElearning," online classes by professional instructors, and the ability-proving test "JOT," GISPA provides one-stop support for Japanese language education, employment, and settlement.

(Comment from Koji Nakano, Representative Director of GISPA)

"An environment where individuals can prove their abilities at any time is a major step towards closing the distance between foreign nationals and their dreams. By widely promoting JOT, we aim to expand employment opportunities, encourage deeper settlement in local communities, and ultimately strive for the realization of a rich, inclusive society where people support and elevate each other, regardless of nationality."

(Comment from Craig Macfarlane, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Pearson Professional Assessment)

"As more people seek to prove their skills for study abroad or employment, access to high-quality assessments is increasingly important. We are pleased to support the expansion of GISPA's Japanese online test "JOT" through our nationwide network of testing centers, offering greater flexibility to test-takers while maintaining consistency and a secure testing experience."

【Corporate Profile】

Organization Name: Global Inclusive Society Promotion Association (Abbreviation: GISPA)

Date of Establishment: September 15, 2021

Location: 5F, ACN Kokubunji Station Building, 2-2-14 Honcho, Kokubunji City, Tokyo 185-0012

Representative: Koji Nakano, Representative Director

URL: https://gispa.jp

JOT: https://jot.gispa.jp/

【Contact】

Global Inclusive Society Promotion Association

Phone: 042-401-0158

FAX: 042-359-4873

Mail: info@jot.gispa.jp