The pass rate for the Specified Skilled Worker Level 2 (Construction) surged in October 2025. JAC will significantly change the exam method starting December 2025. This article provides a thorough explanation of the outlook for increased difficulty and what you should do now.
建設業界で20年の現場経験を持ち、数多くの外国人技能実習生の指導にあたってきた。現在はUKARU代表として、建設分野の特定技能試験対策をDXし、外国人が日本で長く活躍できる環境づくりに注力している。
著者について詳しく→In the Specified Skilled Worker Level 2 evaluation exam for October 2025, the pass rates for the construction field rose to unprecedented levels.
In August, the rate for Architecture was only 31.72%. This is a surge of over 30 points in just two months.
Furthermore, starting from December 2025, JAC (Japan Association for Construction Skill Management) will significantly change the implementation method of the exam.
In this article, we will build on the facts to consider whether you should take the exam now or strengthen your preparations.
Data Source: JAC Official Announcement (Exam conducted on October 17, 2025; published values as of November 2025)
| Exam Date | Civil Engineering | Architecture | Lifelines | |:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| | August 15, 2025 | 27.37% | 31.72% | 25.23% | | September 19, 2025 | 29.50% | 37.16% | 35.29% | | October 17, 2025 | 55.34% | 67.55% | 56.91% |
Source: JAC Official PDF (October 2025 Exam Results)
The pass rate has nearly doubled in three months. In particular, Architecture reached 68% (rounded) in October, the highest level in the history of this exam.
According to public industry information, the pass rate for the Specified Skilled Worker Level 2 (Construction) has trended as follows:
| Period | Pass Rate Level | Background | |:---|:---:|:---| | Before 2023 | Single digits to around 10% | Exam just started, limited information | | Early 2024 | Around the 10% range | CBT transition begins, venues were limited | | October–December 2024 | 13–31% (varies by category/round) | Effect of JAC official texts and samples being released | | August–September 2025 | 25–37% | Increase in experienced examinees | | October 2025 | 55–68% | Something happened |
The measured values for 2024 can be confirmed on multiple sites such as Nihongo Cafe and MEIKOGLOBAL.
According to explanations by industry experts (note / Mr. Takaki Tojo), the factors for the rising pass rate are the following four:
However, our frank impression is that it is difficult to explain the jump from "single digits to 68%" with these four factors alone. Study materials have been comprehensive since early 2024, so the timing does not align with the October 2025 surge.
Around the same time, JAC announced that it would significantly change the implementation method of the exam (JAC Notice, September 17, 2025).
| Item | Before Change (Until Nov 2025) | After Change (From Dec 2025) | |:---|:---|:---| | Application Method | JAC Members App | Prometric Site | | Exam Venues | Limited Venues | Approximately 95 Prometric Test Centers Nationwide | | Retake Interval | Once a Month | 30 Days or More Since Previous Exam | | Multiple ID Acquisition | No Clear Ban | Result Invalidation + Loss of Eligibility | | Registration Start | — | From October 3, 2025 |
Looking at the facts, we can see the following strengthening of measures:
While JAC has not officially termed this "anti-fraud measures," it can be said that these rule changes have a strong character of fraud prevention.
Based on past data and these changes, the author proposes the following hypotheses:
If the exam moves to 95 venues nationwide, using the same questions would cause answers to spread quickly. Therefore, it is predicted that JAC will significantly increase the number of questions. If new questions are added, "strategies based on rote memorization of answers" will no longer work.
The 68% figure for October is clearly an anomaly compared to past trends. Assuming the exam content itself has not suddenly become easier, it is highly likely to return to its original difficulty level after December.
A return to the 20–30% range, which was the measured level in late 2024, is entirely possible.
Prometric test centers are known for strict identity verification using passports. The Prometric Official Terms and Conditions clearly state the check items upon entry.
Acts such as "someone else taking the exam on your behalf" will be detected immediately on-site.
On October 23, 2025, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Osaka Prefectural Police arrested nine Vietnamese nationals on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in a substitute test-taking incident for the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic). It was also revealed that the Japan Foundation had consulted the police in December 2024, stating there were "about 100 cases of suspected substitute test-taking."
Important Distinction:
UKARU's Position: Fraud is an individual illegal act, and the majority of Vietnamese workers take exams through legitimate study. Developing true ability through proper preparation is the best way to protect trust in the entire community.
Whichever you choose, you should be prepared for the fact that a strategy of "passing through rote memorization of answers" is unlikely to work after December 2025.
UKARU emphasizes learning to understand the meaning of the questions.
These materials are designed for acquiring a way of thinking rather than just memorizing answers.
Do not be complacent; start preparing today to pass with your own true ability.