What Is Post-Entry Training for Employment for Skill Development? Required Hours, Requirements, and Its Relationship with Pre-Entry Training

This is a reference translation based on machine translation. It has not been checked by a native speaker. The original Japanese article is the official version.

Original article (Japanese)

Original updated: 2026-10-12 · Translated: 2026-10-22

For Employment for Skill Development (育成就労), at least 320 hours of post-entry training (入国後講習) are required in principle if the worker has not passed a test equivalent to A1, or at least 220 hours if the worker has already passed. The required hours can be reduced if the worker has completed the prescribed pre-entry training (入国前講習).

This article explains the requirements based on information published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁). It covers the required hours, training subjects, and implementation methods, as well as Japanese-language education after employment begins.

When preparing to accept workers, it is important to plan post-entry training and Japanese-language education after employment begins as one continuous program.

[Basic Knowledge] What Is Post-Entry Training for Employment for Skill Development?

Post-entry training is education in which foreign nationals who have arrived in Japan learn the basics of daily life, work, and their rights. First, let us look at its place within the Employment for Skill Development System (育成就労制度).

Point ① Developing Workers for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (特定技能1号)

The Employment for Skill Development System is a residence status system that will take effect in April 2027, replacing the Technical Intern Training (技能実習) Program. In principle, it develops workers' skills in the applicable fields and their Japanese-language ability over 3 years, preparing them to transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i).

You can learn about the entire system in What Is the Employment for Skill Development System? A Simple Explanation of the New System Taking Effect in April 2027. As you prepare for the training, make sure you also understand the purpose of the system.

Point ② Basic Education Before Starting Work

Post-entry training is education provided after arrival in Japan and before starting full-scale employment. Accepting companies and Supervising and Support Organizations (監理支援機関) are obligated to ensure that workers receive this training.

While carrying over the post-entry training used under the Technical Intern Training Program, the role of Japanese-language education has been strengthened. It is prepared as introductory education for starting Employment for Skill Development.

Purpose of Post-Entry Training

This is "introductory education" designed to help foreign nationals who have just arrived in Japan acquire Japanese-language skills, learn rules for daily life, understand their own rights (legal protection), and gain basic knowledge about work so that they can begin working with peace of mind.

Post-entry training should be prepared as basic education for beginning daily life and work with peace of mind.

How Many Hours of Post-Entry Training Are Required? Check the Conditions for a Reduction

The required number of hours depends on whether you have passed an A1-equivalent test. A1-equivalent refers to a level equivalent to N5 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, and you must also check the conditions for a reduction based on pre-entry training.

Point ① Training Hours Vary Depending on Pass Status

If you have not passed an A1-equivalent test by the time you arrive in Japan, you will need more Japanese language study. As of August 2026, the required hours are divided as follows.

Category	Total Hours of Post-Entry Training	Japanese Language Training Included
A1-Equivalent Test Not Passed	In principle, 320 hours or more	At least 100 hours of A1-equivalent training in the “employment” course of an accredited Japanese language educational institution (認定日本語教育機関)
A1-Equivalent Test Passed	220 hours or more	A1-equivalent training at an accredited institution (100 hours or more) is not required / However, the Japanese language subject itself is required as part of post-entry training (it may be provided by an institution that is not accredited)

Caution ② Specific Requirements Apply to Reductions

A reduction may apply to pre-entry training completed within the past 6 months before entry into Japan. The training must meet the specified conditions regarding its content, timing, implementation method, and other matters.

A reduction does not mean that you can freely deduct the number of hours of training you completed.If the conditions are met, the statutory minimum number of hours is reduced to the category shown in the table below.

Category	Pre-Entry Training Requirements	Post-Entry Training After Reduction
A1-Equivalent Test Not Passed	Completion of 160 hours or more	Reduced to 160 hours or more
A1-Equivalent Test Passed	Completion of 110 hours or more	Reduced to 110 hours or more

The figures may change

The required hours (320 hours / 220 hours, 160 hours / 110 hours, 100 hours, and so on) are standards for the Employment for Skill Development System stipulated in the Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Employment for Skill Development and the Operational Guidelines for the Employment for Skill Development System. Because they may be revised in the future, always check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan when preparing an acceptance plan.

When estimating the training hours, check the A1-equivalent test pass status and the requirements for pre-entry training.

What Are the 4 Subjects in Post-entry Training? At Least 8 Hours of Legal Protection

Post-entry training covers 4 subjects: Japanese language, general life in Japan, legal protection, and skills acquisition. This article explains the content of each subject and the requirements for instructors who teach legal protection.

Point ①: 4 Subjects That Support Daily Life and Work

Japanese languagePractical Japanese needed for work and daily life. Those who have not passed a level equivalent to A1 must complete at least 100 hours in an employment course at an accredited Japanese language educational institution.
Knowledge of General Life in JapanKnowledge needed for daily life, including traffic rules, garbage disposal, public manners, medical care, and administrative procedures.
Information Needed for Legal ProtectionInformation for foreign nationals to protect their own rights, including labor-related laws and regulations, and how to seek advice and respond when they become aware of a violation of laws or regulations.
Knowledge Contributing to Skills AcquisitionBasic knowledge for the work they will perform, including workplace health and safety and an understanding of their duties.

Important Point ②: Instructor Requirements for Legal Protection

Legal protection is a subject in which participants learn information for foreign nationals to protect their own rights. Instructor requirements differ between the supervised type and the independent type, so they must be checked according to the implementation method.

Legal protection must be provided for at least 8 hours and taught by an external expert

Of the 4 subjects, “Information Needed for Legal Protection” must be provided for at least 8 hours within the overall training and taught by an instructor with specialized knowledge. For supervised-type Employment for Skill Development, the subject must be taught by an external instructor who does not belong to the Supervising and Support Organization or the accepting company, such as a lawyer or a specialist organization. For independent-type Employment for Skill Development, the instructor requirements differ, so please check the operational guidelines. This is an important subject for preventing problems and enabling foreign nationals to speak up.

After covering all 4 subjects, check the number of hours and instructor requirements for legal protection.

Who Provides the Training? Check the Online Training Requirements Too

When preparing the training, it is necessary to decide which organization will be responsible and how the training will be provided. This section explains coordination with Japanese language educational institutions and the requirements for providing training online.

Point ① Coordination with Japanese Language Educational Institutions

The training is mainly provided by the accepting company, which is the implementing organization for Employment for Skill Development (育成就労実施者), or by the organization responsible for supervision and support. They coordinate with an accredited Japanese language educational institution according to the required Japanese-language training.

Training for people who have not passed a test equivalent to A1 must be provided through the employment course of an accredited Japanese language educational institution. The Japanese-language subjects required for people who have already passed may also be taught by institutions other than accredited institutions.

Japanese language educational institutions that can provide training are published in a list by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. On the operating company's website, “JWC (Find and Compare Japanese-Language Training),” you can filter this list by accreditation category, in-person/online format, and other criteria.

The required number of hours and achievement targets are specified according to Japanese-language proficiency. For details, see Japanese-Language Requirements for Employment for Skill Development | What Do A1 and A2 Equivalents Mean?.

Important Point ② Online Training Must Be Interactive

In addition to in-person training, training may also be provided through an online format that meets the requirements. This includes the ability to communicate interactively in real time.

A format in which participants only watch prerecorded teaching materials without interaction is not permitted. Even when choosing online training, make sure to check the implementation requirements.

Step ③ Coordinate Pre-entry Learning and the Start of Work

Part of the pre-entry training may also be provided in the trainee's home country. Coordinate with the sending organization (送出機関) to determine what will be studied before coming to Japan.

The workload and duration of post-entry training vary depending on what is studied before entry. For an overview of all the changes, also see Differences Between Employment for Skill Development and Technical Intern Training | 7 Changes Companies Should Know.

Workers May Not Engage in Work During Training (Supervisory Type)

Under supervisory-type Employment for Skill Development, all subjects in the post-entry training must be completed before the worker begins work, and the worker may not engage in Employment for Skill Development duties during the training period. Because independent-type Employment for Skill Development is handled differently in some respects, including subjects on legal protections, check the standards for the independent type.

When arranging the implementing organization, also check the online training requirements and when work may begin.

What Does A2-Level Japanese Language Education Continuing After Employment Begins Involve?

Even after completing post-entry training, the obligation to provide Japanese language education continues. This article explains the proficiency target after employment begins and the learning opportunities that companies must provide.

Point ① Target of Reaching A2 Level or Higher

Under Employment for Skill Development, workers generally aim to achieve Japanese language proficiency at A2 level or higher over the course of 3 years. The benchmarks include JLPT N4 or higher, or A2.2 on the JFT-Basic〔a score of 200 or higher〕.

To complete Employment for Skill Development and transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i), workers must meet the Japanese language proficiency requirements. Education should be planned as a continuous process, from post-entry training through education during employment.

Important Point ② Opportunity to Receive at Least 100 Hours of Training

Companies must provide an opportunity to receive at least 100 hours of training aimed at reaching A2 level.This applies to training provided by an accredited Japanese language educational institution or a similar organization.

People who can already demonstrate the required Japanese language proficiency through an examination or other means are not subject to this obligation. There is no uniform requirement to treat training hours as working hours.

Step ③ Plan Japanese Language Support for 3 Years

Companies are required to have a Japanese language support plan covering the full 3 years. For information about career opportunities after transitioning, please also see What Is Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (特定技能2号)? A Complete Guide.

Japanese Language Support Is an Integral Part of the Recruitment Plan

The number of hours and cost of post-entry training, as well as the learning plan for reaching A2 level, affect both the cost of accepting workers and the employee retention rate. If workers do not improve their Japanese language proficiency, transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (i) will become difficult, and the 3 years of skill development will not produce results. It is important to plan Japanese language education as part of the recruitment process from the outset.

In addition to post-entry training, companies should provide learning opportunities and a study plan for reaching A2 level.

What Should Companies Prepare? Items to Check Before Acceptance

Before accepting workers, organize the arrangements for the required hours, implementing institutions, and daily life. Let us review both post-entry training and the subsequent Japanese language education.

Step ① Confirm the Required Hours and Implementation Structure

Pass status: Confirm whether the worker has passed a test equivalent to A1 by the time of arrival in Japan. As a general rule, estimate at least 320 hours for those who have not passed and at least 220 hours for those who have already passed.
Pre-entry training: Coordinate the training content with the sending organization. If the requirements are met, plan to reduce the training to 160 hours or 110 hours.
Japanese language educational institution: Secure an accredited Japanese language educational institution to provide the required Japanese language training.
Instructor on legal protections: For the supervised type, arrange an external expert to provide at least 8 hours of instruction. For the independent type, check the instructor requirements in the operational guidelines.

Step ② Prepare for Continued Learning and Daily Life

Japanese language support plan: Prepare a 3-year plan that includes at least 100 hours of training aimed at reaching A2 after employment begins.
Living expenses: Confirm how wages, training allowances, and other payments will be handled during the training period.
Accommodation and payment of expenses: Confirm the rules for securing accommodation and determining who will bear the costs.

Develop a detailed acceptance plan while checking the latest operational guidelines.The required hours and operational rules may be updated before the system takes effect.

From the time of recruitment, work together on training, preparations for daily life, and continued Japanese language education.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be paid during the post-entry training period?

In principle, living expenses are covered through a training allowance or similar payments rather than wages for work. This is because trainees do not engage in their regular Employment for Skill Development duties during the training period.

The Regulations for Enforcement of the Employment for Skill Development Act prescribe measures such as allowances and the provision of appropriate accommodation. Please check the latest operational guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the amounts and allocation of costs.

Is post-entry training unnecessary if I have already passed a test equivalent to A1?

No. Even if you have already passed, at least 220 hours of post-entry training is required. If you meet the prescribed requirements for pre-entry training, this can be reduced to at least 110 hours.

What is waived is the requirement to complete at least 100 hours of training equivalent to A1 at an accredited Japanese language educational institution or similar organization. Japanese-language subjects may be provided by organizations other than accredited institutions, and subjects covering everyday life, legal protection, and skill acquisition are still required.

Can our company provide the Japanese-language training itself?

The training required for people who have not passed a test equivalent to A1 cannot be replaced by your company’s own Japanese-language education. It must be provided through an employment-oriented course at an accredited Japanese language educational institution, so coordination with such an institution is required.

However, Japanese-language subjects in post-entry training for people who have already passed a test equivalent to A1 may also be provided by organizations other than accredited institutions.

Can I improve my Japanese while working and pass the Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) requirements?

Yes. You can continue studying while working. Employment for Skill Development is a system that combines work and study, with the goal of reaching a level equivalent to A2 (equivalent to N4) within 3 years.

To transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i), you must meet the Japanese-language proficiency requirements. If you are unsure how to balance work and study, please consult us about your study plan.

Where is the content of post-entry training determined?

The subjects, number of hours, and delivery methods are prescribed in the Regulations for Enforcement of the Employment for Skill Development Act and the Employment for Skill Development System Operational Guidelines. However, they may be revised before the system takes effect.

Before finalizing your acceptance plan, please check the latest official versions.

Summary of this article

Post-entry training provides the basic education needed to begin living and working under Employment for Skill Development. Confirm the required number of hours and delivery arrangements based on the participant’s test status, and plan Japanese-language education after employment begins as well.

However, the appropriate approach differs depending on the participant’s Japanese-language proficiency and the status of their pre-entry training. The requirements that must be checked also differ depending on whether the supervised type or independent type is used.

If you are unsure how your company should prepare, please consult us about the acceptance plan and how to proceed with Japanese-language study.

Role of post-entry training: Participants learn the basics of Japanese, knowledge of daily life, legal protection, and skill acquisition. Under the Employment for Skill Development System, which takes effect in April 2027, providing this training will be an obligation of the accepting organization.
Required training hours: As a general rule, those who have not passed a test equivalent to A1 (equivalent to N5) must complete at least 320 hours, while those who have already passed must complete at least 220 hours. With the prescribed pre-entry training, these requirements can be reduced to 160 hours and 110 hours, respectively.
Subject requirements: Legal protection must be taught for at least 8 hours, and an external instructor must provide this subject under the supervised type. Those who have not passed a test equivalent to A1 must complete at least 100 hours of training at an accredited Japanese language educational institution.
Delivery methods: In addition to in-person training, interactive online training that meets the requirements is permitted. One-way viewing of recorded content is not permitted.
Education after employment begins: Participants aim to reach at least a level equivalent to A2 within 3 years (JLPT N4 or higher, JFT-Basic A2.2, or similar). Eligible participants must be provided with opportunities to complete at least 100 hours of training, leading to a transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i).

Sources

出入国在留管理庁（育成就労制度Q&A・運用要領）