Attainable qualifications
Obtain a diploma or advanced diploma
Vocational school graduates are granted a “Diploma” if graduating from a department of a technical college certified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology based on common standards.
In addition, those who have completed an advanced vocational school will be granted the title of “Advanced Diploma”.
Differences between diplomas and advanced diplomas
Obtain a diploma | Advanced diploma | |
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Course length | At least two years | At least four years |
Class hours | At least 1,700 credit hours | At least 3,400 credit hours |
Completion certification | Evaluated based on grades in exams, etc. and certified as having completed the course | Evaluated based on grades in exams, etc. and certified as having completed the course |
Course organization | Not regulated | The curriculum is systematically organized |
Career Paths | Graduates from a department that awards diplomas are eligible for transfer admission to a university | Graduates from a department that awards advanced diplomas are eligible for admission to graduate school |
Qualifications and certifications that can be obtained at a vocational school
There are several patterns in how to obtain qualifications, such as national qualifications that are awarded upon graduation, and eligibility to sit a qualification exam upon graduation. Please ask a school for details.
Industrial
Architect
Can work in building design and construction supervision. The size (total area) and building structure (reinforced concrete, steel frame, wooden, etc.) of buildings that can be worked on differ depending on the class and type.
Class and type | Class 1・Class 2・Wooden |
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Certifier | Certifying organization |
Construction management engineer
The qualification required for creating construction plans at construction sites, and managing site processes, safety, quality, etc. The scale of construction sites that can be managed differs depending on the class.
Class and type | Class 1・Class 2 |
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Certifier | Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
Automobile mechanic
Performs inspection, maintenance, repair, etc. of automobiles. Vocational school graduates are exempt from the practical examination when taking the 2nd Class Automobile Mechanic national examination.
Class and type | Class 1・Class 2・3rd Class・Special (automobile tire mechanic, etc.) |
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Certifier | Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer
Design and develop programs for information system development, utilizing fundamental knowledge about general information technology.
Certifier | Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry |
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Applied Information Technology Engineer
Has acquired a wide range of knowledge and application capabilities as an IT engineer, from technology to management and business operations, and demonstrates high performance in aspects such as system development and IT infrastructure construction
Certifier | Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry |
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CG-ARTS Exams
Exams that aim to improve within a specialized area and acquire comprehensive skills in various fields, from exams that test knowledge in the IT field to exams for designers and creators who express themselves using CG, exams for engineers and programmers who develop and design in the CG field, and exams that evaluate knowledge of Web creation.
Class and type | ICG creator, web designer, CG engineer, image processing engineer, multimedia |
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Certifying organization | Computer Graphic Arts Society |
CAD engineer (1D/2D)
Tests knowledge of CAD systems in general and drawing and tracing abilities in the fields of architecture and machinery. Not only CAD knowledge, but also business knowledge and computer processing knowledge are required.
Class and type | 2D: 1st or 2nd Class or basic; 3D: 1st or 2nd Class |
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Certifying organization | Association for Computer Skills Promotion |
Traditional craftsperson
A certification system for artisans that manufacture “traditional crafts of Japan” as designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and who possess high-level skills and techniques. As of 2019, Japan has designated 235 craftworks as traditional crafts of Japan.
Certifying organization | The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries |
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Medical
Athletic Trainer
Specialists who work in close cooperation with sports doctors and coaches and are responsible for health management and disability prevention, first aid for sports injuries and disabilities, rehabilitation, physical training and conditioning for athletes.
Certifying organization | Japan Sport Association and others |
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Health Exercise Instructor
Recognized as having the ability to safely and effectively provide practical guidance for exercise aimed at active health promotion.
Certifying organization | Japan Health Promotion & Fitness Foundation |
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Acupuncturist / Moxibutionist
Acupuncturist and moxibutionist are different qualifications, but both exams are often taken at the same time, and those who perform both treatments are called acupuncturists. By puncturing acupuncture points with a needle or warming them with moxibustion, the balance of mind and body is adjusted and health recovery is helped or treated.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Anma massage / Shiatsu massage
Manual therapy is performed on the acupuncture points of the body.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Physical therapist / Occupational therapist
A physiotherapist rehabilitates basic body movements such as standing up, getting up from horizontal, walking, and turning over while horizontal.
Occupational therapists provide occupational training through horticulture, ceramics, handicrafts, etc. for the purpose of rehabilitating persons with physical or mental disabilities.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Dental hygienist
Involved in medical assistance, tartar removal, dental cavity preventive treatment, and dental health guidance in dental treatment.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Medical billing work, medical assistant work, medical secretary work
A certification for smoothly performing the various types of medical assistant work such as reception, medical record management, equipment operator, accounting (calculation of treatment costs) and medical billing.
Class and type | Class 1・Class 2 |
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Certifying organization | Japan Medical Insurance Office Work Association, Japan Association of Business Certifications and others |
Hairdresser
Performs work to adjust a person’s appearance by cutting hair and shaving.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Beautician
In addition to haircuts, perms, styling, and coloring, also performs makeup, dressing, nail care, and full-body beauty treatment.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Chef
A national qualification unique to Japan for the purpose of promoting the rational development of food preparation technology and thereby contributing to the improvement of the nation’s dietary habits. Only a person who has a chef’s license can use the title of chef. They are a specialist engaged in cooking.
Certifier | Prefectural governor |
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Confectionery hygienist
A national qualification stipulated by the Confectionery Hygienists Act. Applies to any genre such as Japanese or Western confectionery. An expert with a wide range of knowledge from the ingredients of confectionery to hygiene aspects.
Certifier | Prefectural governor |
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Baker
A qualification that evaluates and certifies a series of skills and related knowledge for bread production, from the selection of raw ingredients to baking and finishing.
Class and type | Special grade to 2nd grade |
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Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
Confectioner
A qualification that certifies the possession of a certain level of skill and knowledge in making sweets.
Class and type | 1st and 2nd grades for Western and Japanese confectionery |
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Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
Registered dietitian
It is obligatory to have a registered dietitian in facilities such as hospitals and schools that provide group meals of 300 or more meals at one time. Registered dietitians use specialized knowledge and skills to provide nutritional guidance, group meal management and nutritional management tailored to sick, elderly, and healthy individuals.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Pet Care Advisor
A pet specialist who spreads information on the habits of pets, how to care for them properly, and the spirit of animal welfare to many people.
Class and type | Class 1・Class 2 |
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Certifying organization | Japan Pet Care Association |
Animal trimmer
A person who performs trimming (shampoo, conditioning, and cutting of hair; nail and skin care) as a beautician for dogs and cats. While performing the work, they observe the health condition of the pet and detect diseases and parasites at an early stage.
Certifier | Japan Kennel Club, Association for Animal Vocational Schools, Japan Dog Association and others |
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Education and social welfare
Nursery school teacher
Provides childcare for preschoolers on behalf of their parents at child welfare facilities such as nursery schools and orphanages.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Class 2 kindergarten teacher
Involved in childcare and promoting the mental and physical development of children in kindergarten from the age of 3 until they enter elementary school, through music, painting, games, etc.
Certifying organization | Prefectural Board of Education |
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Certified Care Worker
Provides everyday nursing care for the elderly and the physically and mentally disabled at facilities and at home. They are also called a care worker.
Certifier | Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare |
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Commercial occupations
Restaurant services
Certifies skills as a specialist in food and beverage services at hotels and restaurants.
Class and type | 1st to 3rd grades |
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Certifying organization | The Japan Hotel and Restaurant Service Development Association |
Hotel management
Judges the possession of accurate knowledge and experience and have the ability to make decisions as an operator or manager of a hotel or inn.
Class and type | 1st to 3rd grades |
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Certifying organization | Japan Lodging Management Competence Association |
Certified Travel Service Supervisor
Performs the management and supervision of affairs necessary to ensure the fairness of travel-related transactions. General level supervisors can handle both domestic and international travel.
Class and type | Domestic or general |
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Certifier | Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
Tour Conductor (Travel Itinerary Control Manager)
The qualification which is necessary to accompany tours and group trips planned by travel agencies, make arrangements with transportation operators, accommodation facilities, etc. according to the plan and manage the itinerary smoothly.
Class and type | Domestic or general |
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Certifying organization | Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
Certified public accountant
Performs audits and certifications of financial documents of companies and business establishments, as well as financial consultation.
Certifying organization | Certified Public Accountants and Auditing Oversight Board of the Financial Services Agency |
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Tax accountant
Performs agency work and document preparation for tax filings such as income tax, business tax, corporate tax and property tax at the request of companies and businesses.
Certifier | Commissioner of the National Tax Agency |
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Official Business Skill Test in Book-keeping
The qualification required for corporate accounting specialists. Those who pass Level 1 are eligible to take the tax accountant examination.
Class and type | Levels 1 to 4 |
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Certifying organization | Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
Culture and liberal arts
Tea ceremony
Comprehensively learn from the basics through a combination of skills, lectures, and practical training to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills of a “tea ceremony instructor.”
Class and type | Levels 1 to 4 |
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Certifying organization | Urasenke Foundation Konnichian |
TOEIC
A worldwide test that widely evaluates English communication skills.
Certifying organization | The Institute for International Business Communication |
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