Tokutei Kaigo exam day: preparation and what happens at the centre

Updated 19 October 2026

Exam day holds fewer surprises when you know the process. Both Kaigo tests are taken on a computer at a Prometric test centre. This page lists what to do before, during and after the test, based on the Prometric site checked on 19 October 2026.

30 minutesearly at the venue
OriginalsID only, no copies
At onceresult on screen
5 daysbusiness days for the result notice

Before the day

Save the 確認書 (confirmation sheet) for each test; it can only be downloaded until the test day. Two tests on one day need two of them.
Prepare original, unexpired ID. Copies and phone images are not accepted. Name, passport number and birth date must match your booking.
In Japan: passport and residence card (在留カード). Without a residence card, the passport must show your residence status. The 確認書 can be printed, a screenshot, or shown on the booking site.
In Vietnam: passport only, plus a printed 確認書.
Plan your route to the centre and the travel time, especially if you have not been there before.

At the centre

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start. Doors open 45 minutes before. Latecomers cannot sit the test and are not refunded.
Show your ID and 確認書. Without valid ID and the 確認書 you cannot sit the test.
Store your belongings as staff instruct. In Vietnam only candidates may enter the venue.
Take the test on the computer: read each question and choose 1 of 4 answers. Notes are allowed at venues in Japan, not at venues outside Japan.

Take a timed Kaigo practice test and see right away which answers were wrong and why.

Try it free now

The first 3 tests of each part are free, with furigana and translations. Opens in your browser, no account needed.

During the test

Skills test, 45 questions in 60 minutes: about 80 seconds per question.
Japanese test, 15 questions in 30 minutes: about 2 minutes per question; the document questions take longer to read.
Do not get stuck on one hard question. Mark it, move on, come back later.
The 5 practical questions in the skills test use pictures: check posture, position and the affected or unaffected side before you choose.

After the test

Pass or fail appears on screen as soon as you finish. The result notice (結果通知書) is on your Prometric My Page from the next day, within 5 business days. If you fail, you cannot retake for 45 days from the day after the test; another language counts as the same test. A test you passed cannot be taken again.

Get used to the pace first

Working on a computer feels different from paper. A few timed papers in the app get you used to reading on screen, choosing answers and managing time. See free practice tests, scoring and registration.

ID, arrival and result rules come from Prometric: the Kaigo test page and ID by country. Rules can change; check again before your test.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring?

Original, unexpired ID and the 確認書 for each test. In Japan: passport and residence card. In Vietnam: passport.

When do I get my result?

Pass or fail shows on screen right after the test. The result notice is on your Prometric My Page from the next day, within 5 business days.

Can I take the test if I am late?

No. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start; latecomers cannot sit the test and are not refunded.

Can I take my phone into the room?

Store belongings as staff instruct. A photo of your ID on a phone does not replace the original.