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The SSW (i) automobile maintenance exam explained
This skills test is the route to 特定技能（とくていぎのう）1号 status as a car mechanic in Japan. Here is how many items it has, how long it takes, how it is scored and what it covers.
Last updated: 2026-10-12
At a glance
- 30theory ○× items in 60 minutes
- 3practical tasks, 9 items, 20 minutes
- 65%theory, that is 20 of 30
- 60%of the practical score
What this test is
The official name is 自動車整備分野特定技能1号評価試験, the Specified Skilled Worker (i) evaluation test for automobile repair and maintenance. It is run by the Japan Automobile Service Promotion Association (JASPA) under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). You take it if you want to work in a Japanese car maintenance shop under 特定技能 1号 status.
The MLIT implementation rules set the required level at about the same as the Class 3 mechanic test (自動車整備士 3級). A pass shows you can understand work instructions and carry out daily inspection, periodic inspection and specified maintenance on your own: checking tyre pressure, lamps and wheel-nut looseness, and removing major parts such as the engine or brakes for inspection.
The two parts
| Part | Items | Format | Time | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 学科 Theory | 30 | True/false ○× | 60 min | 65% (20/30) |
| 実技 Practical | 3 tasks (9 items) | Two choices, built on figures or work situations | 20 min | 60% of the score |
The test is computer based (CBT): you read each item on screen and answer on screen. The MLIT rules also allow a paper test, but the 2024 JASPA summary describes the CBT format.
Scope: engine and chassis
Both parts cover the automobile chassis (シャシ) and engine (エンジン). Theory asks for elementary knowledge of structure, function and handling; inspection, repair and adjustment; testers, measuring instruments and tools; and the properties and use of materials, fuels and lubricants. Practical covers simple basic work, disassembly and assembly with simple inspection and adjustment, simple repair, and handling testers and measuring instruments.
The JASPA sample papers show theory items on topics such as engine knocking, diesel exhaust, cooling and lubrication, the battery, the alternator and the clutch. Practical items follow one job each, for example removing and refitting a cylinder head, measuring battery voltage with a circuit tester or measuring tyre tread depth.
How scoring works
The two parts are scored separately. If you get 27 of 30 theory items right but score under 60% in practical, you fail. A strong practical with only 19 of 30 in theory (63%) also fails, because theory needs 65%.
After the test
Within about 30 days JASPA posts the ID numbers of those who passed on its website. Once an employment contract is decided, the accepting company requests your pass certificate, which is valid for 10 years from the test date. For 特定技能 1号 status you also need Japanese at JLPT N4 or higher, or JFT-Basic.
Practise with Gino 1 Seibi
Every paper in the app has 30 ○× items and 3 practical tasks × 3 items, scored with the same 65% and 60% marks. Read on: how to book on Prometric, reading measuring tools for the practical part and a 30-day study plan.
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
How many questions are on the test?
Theory has 30 true/false (○×) items. Practical has 3 tasks with several items each; the JASPA test summary gives 9 items in total.
How long is the test?
Theory is 60 minutes and practical is 20 minutes. Each part is timed separately.
What score do I need?
65% or more of the theory items (20 of 30) and 60% or more of the practical score. Both parts must pass; they are not added together.
Which language is the test in?
Japanese. Under the MLIT rules every kanji has furigana, and technical terms may carry English notes.
Take a mock exam and see right away which items you missed and why.
Try it free now3 free papers with furigana. Opens in your browser, no sign-up.
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- 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
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