Validity Period of “Examination Pass” for Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional Points#
When considering applying for or changing to a status of residence in Japan using the Points-Based System for Highly Skilled Professionals (HSP), a detailed understanding of each item on the point calculation table is essential. A common question arises concerning the points awarded for an “Examination Pass” (5 points), which certifies specialized knowledge or skills: “Is a qualification I passed many years ago still valid for points?”
This article provides a detailed and objective explanation of the validity period for the “Examination Pass” category within the HSP system, based on official information, and outlines key considerations for applicants.
The Fundamental Principle: The Validity of the Examination Itself is Key#
To state the conclusion first, in the context of the HSP point calculation, a past examination or qualification can be used to claim points as long as the examination or qualification itself does not have an expiration date.
The point calculation rules published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) do not specify any limitation on the number of years that have passed since the examination was passed. This principle is similar to how a university degree under the “Academic Background” category does not become invalid over time.
Points in this category are awarded for “passing an examination related to information technology specified in a public notice by the Minister of Justice, or holding a qualification related to information technology specified in a public notice by the Minister of Justice.” Specifically, this includes national examinations administered by Japan’s Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), such as:
- Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination
- Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
- IT Strategist Examination
- System Architect Examination
- Project Manager Examination
- Network Specialist Examination
- Database Specialist Examination
- Embedded Systems Specialist Examination
- IT Service Manager Examination
- Systems Auditor Examination
These Japanese national examinations are lifetime qualifications once passed. Therefore, as a general rule, even if you passed the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination 10 years ago, that achievement is still valid at the time of your application and is eligible for points.
Key Considerations for Claiming “Examination Pass” Points#
While there is generally no expiration date from the perspective of the immigration system, several important factors must be considered when preparing your application.
1. The Point Calculation Reference Date#
HSP points are calculated and assessed based on the applicant’s circumstances at the time of applying for a Certificate of Eligibility or a Change of Status of Residence. Consequently, it is essential that you can objectively prove the fact of having passed the examination at the time of your application.
2. Check the Expiration Date of the Examination or Qualification Itself#
The list of eligible qualifications includes certifications from other countries. Some of these international certifications may require periodic renewal or mandate Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to remain active. If the qualification you hold has an expiration date or a renewal system, you must prove that it is in an “Active” status at the time of application. An expired or inactive qualification will not be accepted for points.
3. Confirm the List of Eligible Examinations#
The examinations and qualifications eligible for points are designated by a public notice from the Ministry of Justice. This list is subject to change. It is theoretically possible that an examination that was once eligible could be removed from the list due to system revisions. Therefore, it is crucial to check the latest list of eligible examinations on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency before preparing your application.
4. Prepare a Certificate of Proof#
To prove that you have passed an examination, you must submit a copy of the pass certificate or qualification certificate with your application. If you have lost the original certificate, you will need to contact the issuing organization to request a reissuance or an equivalent document. This process can take time, so it is wise to start this preparation well in advance. If the document is in a language other than Japanese or English, a translation into either Japanese or English is generally required.
Conclusion#
The points awarded for an “Examination Pass” under the Highly Skilled Professional system are, in principle, valid regardless of how many years have passed since you obtained the qualification, provided the qualification itself does not have an expiration date. Lifetime national qualifications, such as Japan’s Information Technology Engineer Examinations, can be a valuable asset for your point calculation.
However, to ensure your application is accepted and evaluated correctly, it is critical to take the following steps:
- Verify that your qualification is in an active and valid state at the time of application.
- Before applying, check the latest list of eligible examinations on the Immigration Services Agency’s official website.
- Prepare the official documentation (e.g., pass certificate) to prove your achievement, and initiate reissuance procedures if necessary.
By addressing these points and preparing your application based on accurate and up-to-date information, you can navigate the process more smoothly.