Study Tips & Course Reviews
Effective study methods, recommended courses, and materials for certification exams
Time Management for Working Professionals Studying for Qualifications in Japan | Weekday, Weekend & Long Weekend Planning
According to data compiled by Persol from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs 2021 Survey on Time Use, employed workers spend an average of just 7 minutes per week on learning, self-development, and training. The reason busy professionals in Japan struggle to keep studying is not simply a lack of willpower -- it is the absence of a time design built around weekdays, weekends, and consecutive holidays.
How to Self-Study for Japan's FE Exam | Subject A/B Tips and a 12-Week Plan
The Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (FE), a Japanese national qualification, is available year-round via CBT in 2026. Self-study is a realistic path to passing, but the real hurdle is not Subject A's knowledge questions -- it is Subject B, which centers on pseudocode and algorithms.
How to Self-Study for the FP Grade 3 Exam in Japan and Pass in 3 Months
The FP Grade 3 exam (officially called the Grade 3 Financial Planning Technician, or 3-kyu FP Ginou-shi) is a Japanese national qualification that even first-time learners can realistically pass through self-study. If you are stuck wondering where to start or confused by the difference between JAFP and Kinzai, sorting out the exam structure before diving into study methods will clear up most of the uncertainty.
How to Beat the 14% Pass Rate for the Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) Exam in Japan
The Gyoseishoshi exam in Japan has a low barrier to entry, yet the Reiwa 7 (2025) results tell a different story: out of 50,163 test-takers, only 7,292 passed, yielding a 14.54% pass rate. Here is a strategy-driven study plan to clear that hurdle.
How to Study for the Kanji Kentei (Kanken) in Japan: Difficulty by Level and Memorization Tips
The Kanji Kentei (Japan Kanji Aptitude Test) spans 12 levels from Level 10 to Level 1, making it easy to jump in at whatever stage fits your ability. That said, many people hit a wall around Levels 3, Pre-2, and 2, unsure of where to start.
How to Choose an Online Course in Japan | Studying vs U-CAN Compared
Torn between Studying and U-CAN for exam prep in Japan? Start with four key factors: cost, learning style, Q&A and assignment feedback, and cancellation terms. Both are correspondence courses you can work through at home, but Studying is built around short mobile-first lessons, while U-CAN centers on printed textbooks with instructor-graded assignments. The right pick depends on how you actually study.
How to Pass the Applied Information Technology Engineer Exam (Afternoon Section) in Japan: Subject Selection, Past Exam Questions, and 150-Minute Strategy
The afternoon section of Japan's Applied Information Technology Engineer Exam (応用情報技術者試験) tests more than knowledge. You must choose 5 out of 11 questions, read through lengthy case studies, and produce written answers within 150 minutes. Getting your subject selection, past exam questions practice, and time management aligned is what separates those who clear the 60-point passing threshold from those who fall short.
Sharoushi Self-Study 1,000-Hour Plan: The Reality of Passing and a Month-by-Month Roadmap in Japan
The Sharoushi (Social Insurance Labor Consultant) exam is one of the toughest national qualifications in Japan to tackle through self-study, covering labor law, social insurance, pensions, and HR management. With a 5.5% pass rate in 2025 and 6.9% in 2024, passing on your own is possible but far from easy. Here is a realistic breakdown of what it takes.
Do Qualifications Help Your Career Change in Japan? Best Picks for Your 20s, 30s, and 40s
In today's active job market in Japan, a qualification alone won't guarantee success. What truly matters is how closely it connects to the position you're applying for. Mandatory placement qualifications, exclusive practice qualifications, and credentials that compensate for limited work experience tend to carry real weight in resume screening and interviews.
3-Month Self-Study Plan for the Class 2 Electrician Exam in Japan — Feasibility Check and 12-Week Roadmap
The Class 2 Electrical Worker exam (第二種電気工事士) is a Japanese national qualification that even complete beginners can realistically pass through self-study in three months. The real deciding factor is not talent but whether you can consistently put in 100 to 200 hours — roughly 150 hours for beginners.
Bookkeeping or FP First? Choosing Your Order and Building a Double License Strategy in Japan
Bookkeeping (Boki) and FP are both money-related qualifications in Japan, but they serve distinctly different roles. Bookkeeping deals with corporate finances, while FP covers personal money matters like household budgets, insurance, taxes, and financial planning. That's exactly why the best order to pursue them depends not on difficulty, but on your purpose.
5 Habit Changes for People Who Can't Keep Up with Certification Study in Japan
When your certification study stalls, the problem is rarely a lack of willpower. More often, it comes down to how you designed your start and your routine. This article lays out five habit changes, ordered from easiest to hardest, that help busy working professionals in Japan boost both their start rate and their consistency.