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Language tests for working abroad: JFT-Basic, JLPT, EPS-TOPIK, IELTS, OET and telc

Written by KarirAman editorial team Approved by Kaiser Khan (editor), Updated

JFT-Basic and JLPT for Japan, EPS-TOPIK for Korea, IELTS or OET for the UK and telc for Germany: official providers, levels and how to check results.

Summary

  • For Japan's SSW route, Japanese ability is shown by tests such as JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher.
  • The JLPT has five levels, N1 to N5; 2026 tests run in July and December, including in Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya.
  • Passing EPS-TOPIK only puts you in the EPS job-seeker pool for Korea; it does not guarantee a job.
  • IELTS uses a 9-band scale, while OET is an English test designed for healthcare professionals.
  • telc offers German exams from A1 to C2, including specialist nursing exams.
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On this page
  1. Which language test do you need to work in Japan?
  2. What is JFT-Basic and how is it scored?
  3. What is the JLPT and which level is usually required?
  4. What is EPS-TOPIK for work in South Korea?
  5. How is TOPIK different from EPS-TOPIK?
  6. When do you need IELTS or OET?
  7. Which German exams are used for work in Germany?
  8. Which Chinese test is used for work?
  9. What changed for health workers who want to work in Australia?
  10. What are the warning signs of scams around work language tests?
  11. Which careers can this route lead to?
  12. Which routes to work abroad ask for this route?
  13. How can you check the results of each test?

Which language test do you need to work in Japan?

For the Specified Skilled Worker (i) route, or SSW, Japan's Immigration Services Agency accepts JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher as proof of Japanese, alongside a skills test for the field of work. People who completed technical intern training (ii) are exempt from those tests. Each SSW field has its own skills test, so check the field you want in KarirAman's Japan route guide before paying for a course.

What is JFT-Basic and how is it scored?

JFT-Basic is the Japan Foundation's computer-based Japanese test for foreigners coming to Japan mainly to work. It has about 50 questions in 60 minutes, with instructions you can read in Indonesian. Since August 2026, results show whether you reached A1, A2.1 or A2.2 (A2) on a 10 to 250 scale. Your score appears on screen, and the official result is issued through the Prometric website within five working days.

What is the JLPT and which level is usually required?

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) has five levels: N5 is the easiest and N1 the hardest; N4 and N5 measure basic Japanese learned in class. For SSW, N4 or higher is accepted. The 2026 list of test cities (as of 11 September 2026) shows tests in July and December, and in Indonesia in cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, Yogyakarta and Padang.

What is EPS-TOPIK for work in South Korea?

EPS-TOPIK is the Korean-language test for South Korea's Employment Permit System. Requirements include being aged 18 to 39, having no serious criminal record, never having been deported from Korea and not being under a travel ban. The test has 25 listening and 25 reading questions in 70 minutes. Among candidates scoring above 80 of 200 points, the set number pass in order of score according to the quota.

How is TOPIK different from EPS-TOPIK?

TOPIK is the general Korean proficiency test run through the official TOPIK site, used for example for study. EPS-TOPIK is a separate test for the Employment Permit System work route (E-9 visa), with 25 listening and 25 reading questions, and its result is valid for 2 years. For work in Korea through the G to G route, EPS-TOPIK is the one that counts, not the general TOPIK. Passing EPS-TOPIK only puts you in the job-seeker pool and does not guarantee a job.

When do you need IELTS or OET?

IELTS is used for study, work and migration in English-speaking countries. There is IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS for UK visas (UKVI), and IELTS Academic is also used for professional registration. Scores use a 9-band scale. OET is an English test for healthcare professionals, accepted by health regulators in countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Check which test and score your target regulator requires before you book.

Which German exams are used for work in Germany?

German ability is usually stated as a CEFR level, from A1 to C2. telc offers German exams at all of those levels, including specialist exams for medicine and nursing, and a certificate-verification service. The German Embassy in Jakarta (26 June 2026) also says the Goethe-Institut gives skilled workers free advice. Confirm which certificate your employer or the visa office wants before paying for an exam.

Which Chinese test is used for work?

HSK is the international standard test of Chinese proficiency. According to the official HSK site, the new HSK moves from a six-level system to a framework of three stages and nine levels, and assesses listening, speaking, reading, writing and, at advanced levels, translation. The site also says HSK scores are used in employee recruiting. Register only through test centres listed on the official HSK site, and get the level an employer requires in writing.

What changed for health workers who want to work in Australia?

Health workers who want registration in Australia must meet their profession's National Board English language skills standard through Ahpra, including overseas-trained applicants. Ahpra says changes to the standard's minimum scores apply from 23 April 2026. So do not rely on old score lists from brochures or agents; check the current scores on Ahpra's English language standard page before booking a test.

What are the warning signs of scams around work language tests?

Be wary of anyone selling answer keys, a special route without a test, or certificates for sale. The EPS website has a menu for reporting corruption and brokers, and says passing the test does not guarantee a job. Official results can always be checked with the provider: JFT-Basic results through Prometric, EPS-TOPIK scores on the EPS website, and telc certificates through its verification service. Register directly with the official provider, not through a broker.

Which careers can this route lead to?

16 careers on KarirAman list Language tests for working abroad as an education or training route, grouped by field. The route is commonly asked for in these careers, but the exact requirements always follow the official vacancy.

Hospitality and tourism

Healthcare

Logistics and transport

Manufacturing and technical

Construction and property

Security and services

Creative and media

Beauty and care

Which routes to work abroad ask for this route?

18 legal routes to work abroad list Language tests for working abroad as related education or training. Each route shows its status as of its last check.

Checklist before booking a language test

  • You know which test and level your work route or employer requires.
  • You register directly on the official provider's website.
  • Your results will still be valid when your application is processed.
  • Nobody is selling answer keys, a pass or a certificate.

How can you check the results of each test?

Language tests for working abroad and how to check results (checked 7 October 2026)
TestUsed forProviderHow to check results
JFT-BasicJapan, including SSWJapan FoundationOfficial result on the Prometric website
JLPTJapanJapan Foundation and JEESSee jlpt.jp
EPS-TOPIKSouth Korea, EPS programmeKorea's Ministry of Employment and LaborCheck scores on the EPS website
IELTSEnglish-speaking countriesBritish Council, IDP, CambridgeReceiving organisations can verify results
OETHealthcare professionalsOETSee oet.com
telc DeutschGermanytelc gGmbHtelc certificate verification service

Frequently asked questions

How long are EPS-TOPIK results valid?

According to the official EPS website, EPS-TOPIK results are valid for two years from the date results are announced. During that time you can be in the EPS job-seeker pool, but employers in Korea still choose their own workers.

Does passing a language test mean you will get a job abroad?

No. For Korea, the EPS website says passing EPS-TOPIK only gives you a place in the job-seeker pool and does not guarantee a job. In any country you still need skills tests, employer selection and a valid work visa.

Where is official EPS-TOPIK information for Indonesia published?

Announcements for the government-to-government (G2G) Korea programme, including EPS-TOPIK results, are published on KP2MI's announcements page. You can check your score on the EPS website. Do not trust registration information from individuals' social-media accounts.

Who wrote and reviewed this page?

Written by KarirAman editorial team Published Updated

Prepared with AI assistance. Checked against official sources and approved for publication by Kaiser Khan (editor). Approval date: .

Sources

The facts on this page come from these sources. Dates show when we opened them.

  1. Initiatives to Accept Foreign Nationals and for the Realization of Society of Harmonious Coexistence: Specified Skilled Worker System (explanatory material) Immigration Services Agency of Japan · accessed
  2. JFT-Basic (国際交流基金日本語基礎テスト) とは The Japan Foundation · accessed
  3. JLPT: N1-N5 summary of linguistic competence Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JLPT) · accessed
  4. JLPT: list of overseas test site cities (2026) Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JLPT) · accessed
  5. EPS: Ikut Ujian EPS-TOPIK (halaman bahasa Indonesia) Ministry of Employment and Labor, Republic of Korea (EPS) · accessed
  6. G to G Korea Selatan: Pengumuman (KP2MI) Kementerian Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia (KP2MI) · accessed
  7. IELTS test types: Academic and General Training IELTS (British Council, IDP, Cambridge University Press & Assessment) · accessed
  8. IELTS scoring in detail IELTS (British Council, IDP, Cambridge University Press & Assessment) · accessed
  9. OET: English language test for healthcare professionals OET · accessed
  10. telc: German certificate examinations telc gGmbH · accessed
  11. Fachkräfte willkommen: Deutsche Botschaft Jakarta Deutsche Botschaft Jakarta (Auswärtiges Amt) · accessed
  12. HSK: About HSK (Chinese Tests Service Website) Chinese Testing International (chinesetest.cn) · accessed
  13. TOPIK 한국어능력시험 (Test of Proficiency in Korean), situs resmi National Institute for International Education, Korea (topik.go.kr) · accessed
  14. English language skills registration standard (Ahpra) Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) · accessed
How to cite

KarirAman (2026). Language tests for working abroad: JFT-Basic, JLPT, EPS-TOPIK, IELTS, OET and telc. Updated 8 October 2026. https://kariraman.com/en/education/language-tests-for-work-abroad/

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Change log
  • : Added how TOPIK differs from EPS-TOPIK, HSK three stages and nine levels, and the Ahpra English standard changes from 23 April 2026.