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The Class 3 mechanic test and the SSW automobile maintenance test
When you read about the SSW automobile maintenance test you see 3級（さんきゅう） everywhere. It is the entry grade of Japan's national mechanic qualification, and it is also the yardstick for the level of the SSW (i) test.
Last updated: 2026-10-12
At a glance
- 3級entry grade of the national qualification
- 4types: chassis, petrol, diesel, two-wheel
- ≈(i) test level is about Class 3
- 3級 → (i)a Class 3 pass replaces the (i) test
Mechanic qualifications in Japan
In Japan, car mechanics hold a national qualification called 自動車整備士（じどうしゃせいびし）, obtained through the skills test 自動車整備士技能検定. It has grades 1, 2 and 3 plus a special (特殊) grade. Class 3 is the entry grade and is split by field:
- 3級自動車シャシ整備士: chassis mechanic
- 3級自動車ガソリン・エンジン整備士: petrol engine mechanic
- 3級自動車ジーゼル・エンジン整備士: diesel engine mechanic
- 3級二輪自動車整備士: two-wheel vehicle mechanic
Eligibility, dates and booking for Class 3 differ from the SSW test. If you want to take Class 3, follow JASPA's official guidance.
How Class 3 and the SSW (i) test connect
There are two key links:
- Same level. The MLIT implementation rules set the level needed to pass the (i) test at about the same as the Class 3 test. A pass shows you can carry out daily and periodic inspections and basic maintenance work on your own, following instructions.
- Substitution. According to the JASPA page, a Class 3 pass counts in place of the (i) skills test. Likewise, Class 2 replaces the (ii) test.
Comparing the formats
| SSW (i) test | Class 3 mechanic (theory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Theory item type | True/false ○×, 30 items | Four-choice |
| Practical | 3 figure-based two-choice tasks (CBT) | Under the Class 3 rules |
| Scope | Engine and chassis, basic level | By type (chassis, petrol, diesel, two-wheel) |
| Support for foreign candidates | Furigana on kanji, CBT also overseas | See JASPA guidance |
With four-choice items you must rule out three wrong options, which needs deeper understanding than one ○× statement. On the other hand, the ○× items of the (i) test have their own trap: one swapped word makes the statement false. See how to answer true/false items.
Which route to choose
For foreign beginners, the (i) test was designed for exactly this purpose, SSW status: it has furigana, is computer-based and has test sites overseas such as Vietnam. After working in Japan, many people go on to Class 3 or Class 2, because the national qualification has lasting value in the trade and Class 2 opens the way to (ii). See SSW (i) vs (ii).
Study once, use it for both
The core knowledge is the same: the four-stroke cycle, cooling, lubrication, clutch, brakes, steering, basic electrics, measuring tools and fluids. If you study to understand functions rather than memorise sentences, it serves you for the (i) test today and for Class 3 and Class 2 later. JASPA also publishes past Class 3 papers with answers, which make good extra practice once you are comfortable with the basics. Start with engine topics and chassis and brake topics.
Gino 1 Seibi prepares you for the (i) test (20 papers, 3 free). It does not include Class 3 four-choice papers.
Sources checked: the JASPA specified skills test page (2024 test summary), the MLIT implementation rules and acceptance handbook (MLIT page) and the Prometric booking page. Rules can change, so check the latest version at these sources.
FAQ
What is a Class 3 mechanic?
Class 3 is the third grade of Japan's national automobile mechanic skills test (自動車整備士技能検定). The system has grades 1, 2 and 3 plus a special (特殊) grade.
If I pass Class 3, do I still need the SSW (i) test?
According to the JASPA page, a Class 3 pass counts in place of the (i) skills test. You still need a Japanese result (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher) for (i) status.
How is the Class 3 test different from the (i) test?
Class 3 theory uses four-choice items. The (i) test uses true/false ○× items and figure-based two-choice practical items, with furigana on kanji. Both sit at the same basic level for engine and chassis.
Does studying for (i) help with Class 3 later?
Yes. The scope overlaps heavily (structure, inspection, measuring tools, materials), so understanding functions for (i) is a good base for Class 3 or Class 2 later.
Take a mock exam and see right away which items you missed and why.
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More topics
- Gino 1 SeibiSSW (i) automobile maintenance exam practice (vi / ja / en)
- SSW (i) maintenance exam format30 ○× items in 60 min, 3 practical tasks in 20 min, 65% and 60%
- Booking on PrometricEligibility, Prometric booking, fees, results
- Free CBT mock exams20 CBT papers, first 3 free, missed-item review
- Japanese car mechanic vocabularyWork words and part names with readings
- Study tipsStudy the scope, read ○× items, practise gauges
- Engine topicsFour-stroke cycle, cooling, lubrication, battery, alternator
- Chassis and brake topicsClutch, differential, disc and drum brakes, steering, tyres
- Reading measuring toolsCaliper, micrometer, dial gauge, feeler gauge, tester
- How to answer ○× itemsReading ○× items and the word pairs that get swapped
- 30-day study planA 30-day plan that follows the test scope
- Practice questions with answers12 ○× items and 1 practical task with answers
- The practical testPractical test format, three task types, how to prepare
- Car part names in JapaneseEngine, chassis, electrical and body parts in Japanese
- Pass mark and pass rate65% and 60% pass marks, scoring, pass rate
- SSW (i) vs (ii)Comparing the (i) and (ii) tests and visa status