Practical Guide for Businesses] Introduction of Specified Technical Skills (Construction Field): Procedures, JAC, and Application to Kyomachiya-Related Work

Voice Explanation

The construction industry's severe labor shortage is a pressing issue for business continuity.The specified skills (in the construction field) are an important solution to overcome this challenge and supply immediate energy and vitality to the job site. In this column, we will explain the fundamentals of the system and specific procedures for business operators who are considering accepting the program.The following is an explanation so that you can understand the following topics.

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1. basics of specified skills and scope of application in the construction field

The specific skill system is,Certain skills and Japanese language proficiencyThis is a status of residence to welcome foreign human resources as "ready-to-work" personnel who have

🔹 Classification and career path

Specified skills include up to five years ofnumber oneand no limit on the length of stay and family members can accompany you.No. 2and provides a pathway for long-term retention and career advancement for talented individuals.

🔹 Applicable work and the importance of "building classification

The work in which specified skilled foreigners can engage is reorganized into three categories: "civil engineering," "lifelines and equipment," and "construction.

• Building Classification: In addition to new construction and renovation of general housing and buildings,New construction, repair, and redecoration of traditional wooden structures such as Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses) and traditional private homesThe work is clearly included in the scope of application. This will enable us to secure human resources to carry on the traditional skills.

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2. mandatory requirements unique to the construction sector and membership in the JAC

Business operators accepting specified skills (in the construction field) are required to ensure proper employment and training of foreign human resources, which is not the case in other fields.Unique mandatory requirementsmust be complied with.

🌎 Join JAC (Japan Association for Construction Skills and Human Resources)

Businesses that accept specified skilled foreign nationals are,Membership in JAC is mandatory.It is attached.

requirement	Contents	Practical considerations
obligation to join a society	All businesses that accept specified skilled foreign nationals.	Before applying for status of residenceYou must complete the subscription process to
Expenses	Proper maintenance and development of the construction industrycontribution(annual contribution).	The amount of the cooperation grant is determined by the number of specified skilled foreign nationals employed and other factors.
role	Foreign human resourcesSkills Improvement Support,Appropriate employment managementThe CCUS is a system for the promotion and dissemination of the CCUS (Construction Career Upgrade System), as well as guidance and audits for

📜 Certification by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and CCUS

In addition to joining the JAC, the "Construction Specific Skills Acceptance Planand create a "________",Certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismIt is mandatory to receive the In addition, all receiving companies are required to have their skilled workers, including foreign nationalsCCUS (Construction Career Upgrade System) registration and utilizationis now mandatory. This is the basis for objectively evaluating the employment history and skills of foreign personnel and linking them to appropriate treatment.

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3. specific steps for accepting foreign nationals with specified skills

The procedures for properly and smoothly accepting a foreign national with specified skills are as follows.

step	Summary of Procedures	responsible organization
Step 1: Join JAC	Submit the required documents and complete the subscription process after review and approval by JAC's Board of Directors and others.	JAC (Japan Agency for Construction Skills and Human Resources)
Step 2: Approval of Acceptance Plan	The plan will include a plan for the utilization of CCUS.	Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Step 3: Recruitment	Find a person who has passed the specified skill evaluation test or completed Technical Internship No. 2 and conclude an employment contract.	Local sending agencies, domestic employment agencies, etc.
Step 4: Application for status of residence	After receiving certification from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, an application for status of residence is filed with the regional immigration office.	Regional Immigration Bureau
Step 5: Provide assistance	After the arrival of foreign human resources, we provide orientation on daily life, accompany them to public institutions for procedures, and respond to consultations and complaints.mandatory supportto implement the project. If it is difficult to do in-house,Registered Support AgenciesYou can outsource to	Host company or registered support organization

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 Details of the specified skills "Construction Field" skill evaluation test

1. Examination Overview and Objectives

• Objective.: Confirms skills (safety management, basic work, reading drawings, etc.) that can be used immediately in the Japanese construction industry. When dealing with traditional architecture (Kyoto townhouse renovation) as in the project, select an examination for the construction category (woodworking, plastering, etc.).
• target group: Persons with no experience of technical internship (or persons with experience in a different category). Those who have completed Technical Internship No. 2 may be exempted.
• classificationConstruction : 18 categories according to the nature of the construction business (e.g., building carpentry, plastering, roofing tiles, etc.). For machiya-related work, "architectural carpentry" or "plastering" is appropriate.
• criterion (criteria) for eligibility: 601 TP3T or higher for academic and 701 TP3T or higher for practical. No expiration date for passing the exam.
• qualifications of candidacy for an examinationNo age limit. Japanese language proficiency is required to pass the JLPT N4 or higher or the Japan Foundation Basic Japanese Language Test (common to all fields).

*Overseas skills evaluation tests are currently conducted in Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.
For example, U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Japan with a "Temporary Visitor Visa" and take the examination.

2. Test Contents

The examination consists of two parts, the academic and practical skills, and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Textbooks can be downloaded free of charge from the official JAC website (7 textbooks: 4 for academic and 3 for practical skills).

• examinations in academic subjects(written and CBT format, about 100 questions, multiple choice):.
  • Description: Basic knowledge of the construction industry (health and safety, construction methods, materials, drawings, quality control). Traditional techniques specific to Kyomachiya renovation (e.g., wood framing, plastering) will be covered at a basic level.
  • Score: 40-50% overall; sample questions are available on the JAC website.
• practical test(actual work format, using specified tools):.
  • Description: Hands-on work according to classification (e.g., wood processing and joining for architectural carpentry, wall painting and finishing for plastering). Accuracy and safety are evaluated within time limits.
  • Score: 50-601 TP3T overall; no need to bring tools (provided by the venue).

For details on the scope of the test, we recommend checking the "Guidelines for Implementation of the Evaluation Test for Specific Skills No. 1 in the Construction Field" (PDF, available from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). Project participants will take a practice test before OJT to reinforce weak points.

3. Examination Schedule and Application Process (as of November 2025)

• Frequency of implementation: Multiple times per year (Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, etc.; Overseas: Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.). Please refer to the JAC website for the latest information.
• Most recent example (2025):
  • November: Tokyo venue (11/15, 11/22), Osaka (11/20), etc. Overseas (North America): 2-3 times a year (e.g., 11/10 in Canada).
  • Detailed schedule: Check the Immigration Bureau's "List of Scheduled Examinations for Resident Status 'Specified Technical Skills No. 1'" (Excel, as of September 30, 2025) for a nationwide and overseas list.
• offer: JAC official website (Online at https://jac-skill.or.jp/exam.html). Deadline is one month before the exam.
  • Required documents: copy of passport, photo, proof of payment of application fee.
  • Venue: Prometric Test Center (CBT portion) or JAC designated facility (practical skills).

4. Examination Fees and Preparation Methods

• examination feesDomestic: 10,800 yen (tax included), Overseas: varies depending on the country (e.g., about 15,000 yen for North America).
• Preparation Method:
  • Official Text Utilization: Academics 1-4 (Basic Knowledge), Practical Skills 5-7 (Operations Manual).
  • Training: Practical practice through on-the-job training on projects and JAC seminars (free/paid). E-learning for beginners available.
  • Pass rate: approx. 60-701 TP3T (improved with prior preparation).

 How to join JAC (Japan Association for Construction Skills and Human Resources)

Companies accepting foreign nationals with specific skills in the construction field can apply to JAC forDirectly or indirectlyIt is mandatory to join the program. 

 How to Join

There are two main ways to join: 1. 

1. Join indirectly through a construction contractor organization that is a full member of JAC
   • If you are already a member of one of the regular member organizations (e.g., Construction Industry Association, etc.), you will participate in JAC projects through that organization.
   • Each regular member organization may have different annual membership fees and conditions (e.g., membership recommendation required), so please check with each organization for details.
2. Join JAC directly as a supporting member
   • If you do not belong to a regular member organization or wish to join directly, you can join as a supporting member of JAC.
   • You can apply for membership through the JAC website. 

 Subscription cost (for direct subscriptions)

The cost of joining JAC directly as a Supporting Member is as follows 

• annual feeTotal: 240,000 yen
• admission fee: An amount equivalent to one year's annual membership fee (240,000 yen) may be required (confirmation required).

Support system by a registered support organization after entry into Japan

What is a registered support organization?

1. Definitions and Roles:.
   • An organization that implements all or part of the support plan for foreign nationals with specified skills on behalf of the organization to which the specified skills belong (the recipient company).
   • The recipient company isIf all support cannot be providedmust be assisted by a registered support agency.commitIt must be done.
2. Summary of registration requirements:.
   • A system (personnel, appropriate support implementation methods, etc.) must be in place to properly provide support.

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2. specifics of "mandatory support" in the construction sector

The following 10 items, which are stipulated by the Ministry of Justice Ordinance, are provided or supported by the registered support organization to foreign nationals with specific skills.mandatory supportwill be explained. Particular emphasis will be placed on points of importance in the construction sector.

Item	Key points of support	Points to keep in mind in the construction field
(1) Advance guidance	Ensure that they understand the working conditions, activities, entry procedures, and whether or not a security deposit will be collected before entering the country.	Health and safety issues are also communicated in advance.
(2) Pickup and drop-off at entry and exit	Provide transportation to and from airports, etc. upon arrival and return.	Reduces the burden of moving around in unfamiliar environments.
(iii) Assistance in securing housing and contracts necessary for daily living	Assist with the contracting procedures for bank accounts, cell phones, and lifelines, as a guarantor for apartments and other contracts.	Assist in arranging housing and establishing a living infrastructure as soon as possible.
4) Orientation for daily life	Provides information on Japanese laws and regulations, traffic rules, manners, how to use public institutions, and consultation services.	Ensure that garbage is separated, noise regulations are enforced, and other important aspects of group living and neighborhood relations.
(5) Accompanying procedures to public institutions, etc.	Assist with accompanying and documenting necessary notifications and procedures (e.g., resident registration).
6) Provide opportunities to learn Japanese	Provides information and assistance with enrollment procedures for Japanese language classes and online materials.	Improving communication skills in the field is important.
(vii) Response to consultations and complaints	For consultations and complaints regarding professional, daily and social life,native languageCorrespondence in.	Establish a system of cooperation with specialists (lawyers, labor attorneys, etc.).
8) Assistance in promoting exchanges with Japanese people	Provide information and support for participation in local government events and other opportunities to interact with local residents in Japan.	Prevent isolation outside the workplace and encourage retention.
(ix) Job transfer support (when the recipient is responsible)	Assistance in finding a new job when the specified skill employment contract is terminated for reasons on the part of the host company.	A rapid response system in the event of an event attributable to the company's responsibility.
(10) Periodic interviews and reporting to administrative agencies	At least once every three months, interview the foreigner and his/her supervisor to check working conditions. If any problems are found, they are reported to administrative agencies.	Special attention is paid to safety management and working environment at construction sites.

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Strengths of Registered Support Agencies in the Construction Sector

• Use of expertise:. We can help you understand the laws and regulations (e.g., health and safety laws) and customs specific to the construction industry.
• Human Resource Retention Support:. Follow-up on the life and mental aspects, taking into account the characteristics of construction sites (early morning work, physical work, etc.).
• Administrative procedures on behalf of:. Support for construction-specific administrative procedures, including support for registration with the Construction Career Upgrade System (CCUS).

Conclusion: Understanding the System is the Key to Success

Specified skills (in the construction field) are not just a temporary labor force supplement, but are also a long-term "job creation" program for foreign human resources.talented personThis is a strategic program to enhance the sustainability of the construction industry in Japan by fostering it as a Businesses are,JAC membership and ministerial accreditationBy ensuring compliance with these unique requirements and following the appropriate procedures, we will be able to welcome immediate and new vitality to the site, which includes special technical fields such as Kyomachiya.