Which test?
JLPT vs JFT-Basic
They are different tests, on different scales, for different purposes. Mixing them up is the most common — and most costly — mistake. Here is the honest split.
| JLPT | JFT-Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | Five (N5–N1) | Single level |
| Scale | 0–180, scaled (IRT) | CEFR-based, different scale |
| Used for | Study, work, general proof | SSW (i) work route only |
| Frequency | Twice a year (Jul/Dec) | Several times a year (CBT) |
| University admission | Commonly accepted | Not accepted |
The honest bottom line
For the SSW work route, either passing the JFT-Basic or holding JLPT N4+ satisfies the language requirement. For study or general proof, the JLPT is the test that counts — the JFT-Basic is not accepted for student visas or university admission.
AlmiJapanese Wave 1 prepares you for the JLPT. Because the JFT-Basic uses a completely different, CEFR-based scale, we never reuse JLPT scoring on it — a full JFT-Basic surface is a separate, later product, never mixed with these results.
25% of AlmiWorld's income supports the Shamool Foundation — a completely free school for children in Lahore, Pakistan.