Gino 1 Seibi › SSW (i) vs (ii)
SSW (i) and SSW (ii) in automobile maintenance: the differences
Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能（とくていぎのう）) status in automobile maintenance has two levels, (i) 1号 and (ii) 2号. Each has its own test, its own eligibility rules and different residence rights. This page compares them briefly so you know where you stand and what comes next.
Last updated: 2026-10-12
At a glance
- (i)30 ○× items + 3 practical tasks
- (ii)40 four-choice items + 3 practical tasks
- 3 yearsexperience to take (ii)
- Class 3 / 2matching substitute tests
The two tests side by side
JASPA runs both tests as CBT. The figures below come from the JASPA test page:
| (i) 1号 | (ii) 2号 | |
|---|---|---|
| Theory (学科) | 30 true/false ○× items, 60 min | 40 four-choice items, 80 min |
| Theory pass mark | 65% of items | 60% of items |
| Practical (実技) | 3 figure-based tasks, 20 min | 3 figure-based tasks, 30 min |
| Practical pass mark | 60% of total score | 60% of total score |
| Work experience | Not required | 3+ years at a certified workshop |
| Substitute test | Class 3 (3級) mechanic | Class 2 (2級) mechanic |
The (ii) test is clearly harder: four-choice items make you tell several details apart at once, not just judge one statement. For (ii), theory and practical are taken on the same day and both must be passed; people who completed the foreign technician training course (外国人技能養成講習) are exempt from the practical part. Read the JASPA guidance carefully for details.
Eligibility
- (i): aged 17 or over on the test day (Indonesian nationals: 18), no experience required. If you test in Japan you must hold a residence status. See test dates and registration.
- (ii): in addition, at least 3 years of automobile maintenance experience at a certified workshop (認証工場) by the day before the test. Time at several employers can be combined; technical intern training in the sector also counts.
Differences in residence status
Under the general SSW scheme run by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan: with (i), your total stay is capped at 5 years and family members generally cannot join you; the accepting company must support you at work and in daily life. With (ii), the period of stay can be renewed with no limit on the number of renewals if you meet the conditions, and a spouse and children can live with you. Details can change; check the Immigration Services Agency or ask your accepting company.
Besides the skills test, (i) also needs a Japanese language result: JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. People who completed technical intern training (ii) (第2号技能実習) in good standing are exempt from some tests.
A common path
- Pass the (i) test (or Class 3) and a Japanese test.
- Work at a maintenance workshop in Japan with (i) status, building experience and technical Japanese.
- After 3 years at a certified workshop, pass the (ii) test (or Class 2) to move up to (ii).
The (i) knowledge is the base for (ii), so studying properly from the start, understanding functions instead of memorising sentences, pays off later. See also the Class 3 mechanic test.
Which level the app covers
Gino 1 Seibi prepares you for the (i) test: 20 papers, each with 30 ○× items and 3 practical tasks, with furigana and translation. Papers 1 to 3 are free. The app does not include (ii)-style four-choice papers.
VIP unlocks papers 4 to 20 and the detailed explanations for missed items. VIP is bought inside the iOS app with Apple payment, and Apple shows the price. The App Store version is coming soon. You can try the free exams on the web now.
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 do I need to take the (ii) test?
According to the JASPA page, by the day before the test you need at least 3 years of hands-on automobile maintenance experience at a certified workshop (認証工場). Time at several companies can be added up, and technical intern training in automobile maintenance also counts.
How is the (ii) test different from (i)?
(i): theory 30 ○× items in 60 minutes (pass at 65%), practical 3 tasks in 20 minutes (60%). (ii): theory 40 four-choice items in 80 minutes (60%), practical 3 tasks in 30 minutes (60%).
Is there a substitute test?
Yes. Passing the Class 3 (3級) mechanic test substitutes for the (i) test; Class 2 (2級) substitutes for the (ii) test. For (i) you also need Japanese: JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher.
Which should a beginner take?
The (i) test. The (ii) test requires 3 years of experience at a certified workshop, so it normally comes after working in Japan.
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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