Learn · JFT-Basic

How to book the JFT-Basic test

The JFT-Basic is booked through Prometric, the company that runs the test centres. The Japan Foundation does not book seats for you. These are the steps and the rules that catch people out.

Step by step

1. Create a Prometric ID. One person may have only one ID. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport (or e-KTP in Indonesia); symbols cannot be entered.
2. Choose the country, test centre and date. Seats open in reservation periods. For example, Prometric’s Japan site opened bookings on 29 September 2026 for tests between 2 October and 15 November 2026.
3. Pay the test fee. The fee and the payment methods depend on the country — check Prometric’s fee page for yours.
4. Keep the confirmation letter. You need it on test day.

Deadlines and changes

• You can book or change a reservation until 23:59 Japan time three business days before the test date — four business days if the test is on a weekend or Japanese holiday.
• Cancellations are not possible, and changes are only possible before the deadline and if a seat is free.
• If you are absent or late, the fee is not refunded.
• To take the test in Japan you need a Japanese residence status; a short-term stay is also accepted.

On test day

• Bring your confirmation letter and your original photo ID. Copies and photos on a phone are not accepted. The ID must be valid, and its name, number and date of birth must match your Prometric ID.
• Arrive 30 minutes before the start. Entry opens 45 minutes before. If you are late, you cannot take the test.

After the test

• Your score and level appear on screen when you finish, and the official report is on the Prometric site within 5 business days.
• If you scored 199 or lower you can book again, with at least 45 days between test dates. With 200 or more you cannot retake.

Booked your date? The weeks before the test are the best time to find your weak section and fix it with full timed mock tests.