The SSW Exam Schedule is very important for candidates who want to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker program. Every year, thousands of candidates from India apply for the SSW skill test and Japanese language test to qualify for jobs in Japan. Understanding the SSW exam schedule 2026, eligibility, exam dates, and application process will help candidates prepare properly and avoid missing important deadlines.
This complete guide explains the SSW Exam Schedule, SSW exam schedule 2026 India, Prometric exam dates 2026, Specified Skilled Worker test Prometric, and how to apply for the exam.
What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Exam?
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program is a Japanese government work visa program that allows foreign workers to work in Japan in various industries such as:
- Nursing Care (Kaigo)
- Food Service
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Building Cleaning
- Aviation
- Hospitality
- Shipbuilding
- Automobile Maintenance
To apply for an SSW visa, candidates must pass:
- Japanese Language Test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4)
- Skill Test in their industry
The skill tests are conducted by
Prometric in many countries including India. SSW Visa Japan Age Limit
- The SSW Exam Schedule varies by country and skill sector, and there is no single global schedule for all exams.
- For India in 2026, SSW exam sessions are scheduled between March 1 to March 31, 2026 and April 1 to April 30, 2026.
- The exam schedule depends on the specific industry or skill sector you are applying for.
- Different sectors such as Nursing Care, Food Service, Manufacturing, Construction, and Building Cleaning release separate exam dates.
- The reservation period is different for each test and usually opens a few weeks before the exam window.
- Candidates must book their exam slots through the official website of Prometric.
- Candidates must always check official sources for the updated SSW Exam Schedule.
All this original information has been integrated naturally in the article below.
SSW Official Website – Visit the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) official website for authoritative details on the program, exam schedule, and eligibility.
SSW Exam Schedule 2026 India
According to the official SSW support website, the SSW exam schedule 2026 for India includes exam sessions during:
SSW (i) Exam Schedule – India 2026
- March 1 – March 31, 2026
- April 1 – April 30, 2026
These exams are conducted for different industries, and candidates must book exam slots through the Prometric website.
The schedule may change depending on:
- Industry sector
- Seat availability
- Country
- Exam demand
Therefore, candidates must regularly check official websites for updated SSW exam schedule 2026 PDF download.
SSW Official Website – Visit the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) official website for authoritative details on the program, exam schedule, and eligibility.
Key Details for SSW Exam 2026
Here are the most important details for the SSW Exam Schedule 2026:
| Category | Details |
| Exam Authority | Prometric |
| Countries | Multiple countries including India |
| Exam Type | Skill Test + Japanese Language Test |
| Language Requirement | JFT Basic or JLPT N4 |
| Age Requirement | 18+ |
| Exam Months India | March & April 2026 |
| Result Time | Few weeks after exam |
| Visa Type | Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) |
The SSW exam schedule is different for each industry, so candidates must check the schedule for their specific field.SSW Visa Cost Explained
Understanding the SSW Exam Schedule
The SSW Exam Schedule varies by country and skill sector. There is no single global schedule because each industry releases its own exam timeline.SSW Visa Requirements
Important points to understand:
- Each industry releases separate exam dates
- Reservation periods are different for each test
- Exam windows are limited
- Results are released after a few weeks
- Candidates must book slots early
For example:
- India had SSW exams in October and November 2025
- Food Service exams were held in September to October 2025
- Industrial Manufacturing exam reservation ended in late October 2025 for November test window
This shows that the Specified Skilled Worker test Prometric schedule changes frequently.
SSW Exam Schedule 2025 (Previous Year Pattern)
Understanding the SSW exam schedule 2025 helps predict the 2026 schedule.
Typical exam cycle pattern:
- Reservation period announcement
- Online booking on Prometric
- Exam dates announcement
- Exam window opens
- Results announced
Industries that conducted exams:
- Food Service
- Agriculture
- Caregiving
- Industrial Machinery
- Building Cleaning
- Aviation
- Manufacturing
Each industry released its own schedule separately.
Downloading the SSW Exam Schedule PDF
The SSW exam schedule PDF is usually available on:
- Prometric official SSW examination page
- Japan Immigration Services Agency website
Candidates must download only from official sources to avoid misinformation.
Expected SSW Exam Schedule 2026
Based on previous patterns and available information, the SSW exam schedule 2026 is expected to include:
- Multiple exam rounds in 2026
- Two major exam cycles in India
- Reservation opens 1 month before exam
- Skill test and Japanese test conducted separately
- Prometric releases industry-wise exam dates
- PDF schedule available for download
Candidates searching for:
- SSW exam schedule 2026 PDF download
- Prometric exam dates 2026
- SSW exam in India
should regularly check official websites.
How Prometric Handles the Specified Skilled Worker Test
Prometric is the official exam organization that conducts SSW exams worldwide.
Prometric is responsible for:
- Publishing exam dates
- Opening reservation periods
- Assigning test centers
- Conducting exams
- Managing candidate verification
- Publishing results
The Prometric exam dates 2026 are usually announced 1–2 months before the exam.
Since each industry runs its own schedule, candidates must regularly check the Prometric website.
Eligibility for SSW Exam 2026
To appear for the SSW exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum age 18 years
- Valid passport
- Physically and mentally fit
- No serious criminal record
- Must pass skill test
- Must pass Japanese language test (JFT Basic A2 or JLPT N4)
After passing both exams, candidates can apply for the SSW visa and job in Japan.
Institutes like
TLS – The Japanese Language School helps students prepare for Japanese language tests and SSW exams.
If you are planning to study in Japan through scholarships, you can also read about the Japanese Government Scholarship 2026 for Japanese Studies here.
SSW Exam in India
The SSW exam in India is conducted in major cities depending on industry and test availability.
Common exam sectors in India:
- Food Service
- Nursing Care (Prometric SSW Kaigo)
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Building Cleaning
- Agriculture
Many candidates search for:
- Prometric SSW Kaigo
- SSW Skill test book PDF
- SSW Skill test book PDF free download
to prepare for the exam.
Where to Find SSW Exam Schedule PDF Download
Candidates can download the SSW exam schedule PDF from official websites such as:
- Prometric official SSW page
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- SSW official support website
- NSDC India website
Always download the SSW exam schedule 2026 PDF from official sources only to avoid incorrect information.
Students and working professionals can also explore the MEXT YLP Scholarship 2026 for postgraduate study opportunities in Japan:
SSW Exam Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Here is the complete application process for SSW exam:
Step 1 – Choose Your Industry
Select your skill sector like food service, caregiving, manufacturing, etc.
Step 2 – Pass Japanese Language Test
Pass:
- JFT Basic A2 OR
- JLPT N4
Step 3 – Create Prometric Account
Register on Prometric website.
Step 4 – Check SSW Exam Schedule
Check reservation period and exam dates.
Step 5 – Book Exam Slot
Select test center and date.
Step 6 – Pay Exam Fee
Pay exam fee online.
Step 7 – Appear for Exam
Attend skill test.
Step 8 – Get Results
Results are usually released within a few weeks.
Step 9 – Apply for Job & SSW Visa
After passing both exams, apply for job and visa.
SSW Exam Study Guide
To pass the SSW exam, candidates should:
- Study official skill syllabus
- Practice sample questions
- Study industry related tasks
- Improve Japanese language
- Take mock tests
- Follow Prometric schedule updates
- Use SSW Skill test book PDF
- Practice previous exam questions
Proper preparation increases chances of passing both language and skill tests.
Frequently Asked Questions – SSW Exam Schedule
1. How to schedule a Prometric exam?
You must create an account on the official website of Prometric, choose your industry skill test, select the available exam date and test center, and book your slot online during the reservation period.
2. How much does the SSW exam cost?
The SSW exam fee depends on the industry and test type, but generally the fee ranges between JPY 1,000 to JPY 7,000 for different skill tests and Japanese language tests.
3. How to get an SSW visa in Japan?
To get an SSW visa, you must pass the Japanese language test (JFT Basic or JLPT N4) and the skill test, then secure a job offer from a Japanese employer, obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), and apply for the visa.
4. What is the SSW 2 category?
SSW 2 is an advanced Specified Skilled Worker category that allows workers to stay in Japan for a longer period, renew their visa multiple times, and bring family members to Japan.
5. What is the age limit for the SSW exam?
The minimum age requirement is 18 years. There is no strict upper age limit, but many employers prefer candidates between 18 and 35 years.
After passing the SSW exam, the next step is the visa process, so you should read the guide on Japan Work Visa Online Apply here.
6. Where can I check the SSW exam schedule 2026?
You can check the official SSW exam schedule on the websites of Prometric and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, where reservation periods and exam dates are published.
7. Is the SSW exam conducted in India?
Yes, the SSW exam is conducted in India for several sectors such as Food Service, Nursing Care, Manufacturing, and Construction. The exam dates depend on the industry and Prometric schedule.
8. How many times can I take the SSW exam?
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts. If you fail the exam, you can apply again in the next exam cycle according to the SSW Exam Schedule.
9. How long is the SSW exam result valid?
SSW exam results are usually valid for several years, allowing candidates to apply for jobs and SSW visa without retaking the exam, unless rules change.
10. Where can I download the SSW exam schedule PDF?
You can download the SSW exam schedule 2026 PDF from the official Prometric website or the Japan Immigration Services Agency website. Always download schedules from official sources only to avoid incorrect information.
If you are planning to apply for a Japanese scholarship, you should also understand the MEXT Scholarship Application Process 2026.
Conclusion
The SSW Exam Schedule is very important for candidates planning to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker program. The SSW exam schedule 2026 India currently includes exam sessions in March 2026 and April 2026, but the schedule varies by industry and country.
Since the Specified Skilled Worker test Prometric schedule changes frequently, candidates must regularly check official websites for reservation periods, exam dates, and result announcements. Understanding the SSW exam schedule 2026 PDF download, Prometric exam dates 2026, and SSW exam in India will help candidates plan their preparation and application process properly.
With proper preparation, Japanese language training, and awareness of the exam schedule, candidates can successfully pass the SSW exam and start their career in Japan.
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