Do they have CNA in Japan? Understanding the Japanese Care Worker System

While the specific title "Certified Nursing Assistant" (CNA) does not exist in Japan, a highly-regulated national qualification, the Certified Care Worker or Kaigo Fukushi-shi (介護福祉士), serves as a professional equivalent for direct caregiving roles. Unlike the CNA, the path to becoming a Kaigo Fukushi-shi involves rigorous training, language proficiency, and passing a national exam. This qualification is crucial for foreigners seeking to work in Japan's rapidly growing elderly care sector.

Quick Summary

Japan does not have the CNA title, but offers a certified care worker system called Kaigo Fukushi-shi for professional caregiving. The pathway for foreigners involves specific visas, language proficiency, and passing a national exam, with no automatic license recognition for international CNAs.

Key Points

• No direct CNA equivalent: The specific job title "Certified Nursing Assistant" (CNA) as known in the US does not exist in Japan's healthcare system.

• Closest equivalent is Kaigo Fukushi-shi: The most comparable professional role is the nationally certified Kaigo Fukushi-shi, or Certified Care Worker, which involves specialized training and a national examination.

• Foreigners require specific visas: International CNAs cannot transfer their license; they must follow specific pathways, such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program, which has its own language and skills requirements.

• Japanese language proficiency is essential: A high level of Japanese language skill (at least JLPT N4 for SSW, N2 or higher for Kaigo Fukushi-shi) is necessary for communication and for passing national exams.

• Foreign licenses are not recognized: Credentials from other countries, including CNA certifications, are not recognized for direct employment in Japan's caregiving sector.

• Long-term residency is possible through certification: Obtaining the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi qualification can lead to a "Care Worker" residence status, allowing for indefinite residency.

Do they have CNA in Japan?: Understanding the Care Worker Framework

Japan does not have a direct equivalent to the American Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) title. Instead, the country has a structured system for caregivers, primarily focused on the national qualification of Kaigo Fukushi-shi, or Certified Care Worker. This professional role is distinct from non-certified positions and requires specific training and examinations, with no automatic recognition for international CNA certifications.

The Japanese Caregiving System: Key Roles

The Japanese system includes several roles in caregiving and nursing:

• Kaigo Fukushi-shi (介護福祉士) - Certified Care Worker: A national qualification requiring specific education, training, and a national exam. They provide extensive support for daily living while emphasizing dignity and independence.
• Jun-Kangoshi (准看護師) - Assistant Nurse: A licensed role supervised by registered nurses or doctors.
• Sei-Kangoshi (正看護師) - Registered Nurse: The highest level of nursing, similar to an RN, requiring a national license exam with high Japanese proficiency.
• Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginō) Caregiver: A visa category for foreigners addressing labor shortages in caregiving. It has language and skills test requirements.

Pathways for Foreigners to Become Care Workers in Japan

Foreigners cannot directly transfer an international CNA license to Japan and must use established pathways:

1. Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

• Eligibility: Must be 18+, have certain Japanese proficiency (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2), and pass a skills test.
• Duration: Up to 5 years. Experience gained can help qualify for the Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam for long-term residency.
• Benefits: Allows entry into the caregiving workforce with employer support.

2. EPA Certified Care Worker (Economic Partnership Agreement)

• Eligibility: For nationals from countries with an EPA with Japan (Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia).
• Duration: Interns work and study towards the national exam over several years.
• Outcome: Passing the Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam allows for a "Care Worker" residence status and potential indefinite residency.

3. Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushi-shi) National Qualification

• Eligibility: Requires a three-year training school program or three years of work experience with training, followed by the national exam. High Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2 or higher) is usually needed for schooling.
• Outcome: Provides permanent resident status options and career advancement.

Comparison Table: CNA (USA) vs. Kaigo Fukushi-shi (Japan)

Feature	Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in USA	Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushi-shi) in Japan
Governing Body	State-specific Nursing Boards and laws	Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (National Qualification)
Certification Process	Varies by state; typically requires a shorter training program (weeks to months) and passing a competency exam.	Standardized national process; requires passing the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi examination after specific education or practical experience.
Prerequisites	High school diploma or equivalent	Multiple pathways, often requiring significant language skills (e.g., JLPT N4 or higher) for foreign applicants and specialized training.
License Recognition	Not recognized in Japan; CNA qualification cannot be directly transferred.	Internationally recognized qualification in some contexts, but not equivalent to a foreign CNA license.
Visa Relevance	Not applicable; requires pursuing a different visa.	The national qualification is the basis for a permanent "Care Worker" visa and indefinite residency opportunities.
Scope of Work	Provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse, varying by state.	A highly-specialized role focusing on care that respects human dignity and independence for the elderly and disabled.

Challenges and Considerations for Foreign Applicants

Foreigners face challenges when pursuing caregiving in Japan:

• Language Barrier: High Japanese fluency is essential for medical work and passing the Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam, which is only in Japanese. A minimum of JLPT N2 is often needed.
• No License Portability: Foreign CNA certificates are not legally valid in Japan.
• Work Visas: Specific visas like the SSW are needed for entry. The Kaigo Fukushi-shi qualification can lead to a permanent visa.
• Cultural Adaptation: Understanding Japanese healthcare culture and societal expectations is crucial.

Conclusion

While the term "CNA" is not used in Japan, the functions are performed by qualified professionals within a regulated system. The Kaigo Fukushi-shi is the closest equivalent, representing a national standard for caregiving. Foreigners cannot simply transfer a CNA license but must qualify through Japanese pathways like the Specified Skilled Worker visa or by obtaining the Kaigo Fukushi-shi national qualification. This requires significant Japanese language proficiency and passing national exams, reflecting Japan's high standards for elder care. A career in Japanese caregiving is achievable for those who meet these requirements.

Citations

JES（Japan, Education & Senmon Gakko）- English's post - Facebook. {Link: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jes.english.japan/posts/what-certified-care-workers-need-to-respecta-certified-care-worker-%E4%BB%8B%E8%AD%B7%E7%A6%8F%E7%A5%89%E5%A3%AB-kaigo-f/1254243814946251/} KAIGO in JAPAN. WHAT is KAIGO?. {Link: kaigo-in-japan.jp https://kaigo-in-japan.jp/en/what-is-kaigo/} imsvisa.support. Qualifications Related to “Care Work” and Their Respective Systems | Blog. https://imsvisa.support/en/2025/07/25/qualifications-related-to-care-work-and-their-respective-systems/. Reddit. Moving to Japan to be a Nurse : r/movingtojapan. https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/1d3nudt/moving_to_japan_to_be_a_nurse/.

Other Relevant Sources

The National Caregiver Certification Exam Explained | What Is ... (2022). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMT4o03Owto Japan Care Worker Guide. Japan Care Worker Guide. https://japancwg.com/ Tokutei Ginou Ikusei. SSW Nursing Care Visa: Work as a Nurse in Japan. https://www.tokuteiginounp.com/blog/ssw-nursing-care-visa Facebook. Can foreign nurses work in Japan without Japanese. https://www.facebook.com/groups/175803416104782/posts/2319362041748898/. 千葉県外国人介護人材支援センター. FAQ/Chiba Foreign Careworkers Support Center (CFCSC). https://cfcc.jp/en/consult.html Wikipedia. Nursing in Japan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing_in_Japan 日本看護協会. Overview of Japanese Nursing System - 日本看護協会. https://www.nurse.or.jp/english/activities/system.html Reddit. how to become a certified care worker in japan? - Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/y3vrdx/how_to_become_a_certified_care_worker_in_japan/ ZipRecruiter. International CNA: What Is It? and How to Become One?. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/International-CNA/What-Is-How-to-Become

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a CNA in Japan with my American certification?

No, your American CNA certification is not recognized in Japan. You will need to qualify for a Japanese caregiving role through one of their official pathways, such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program or by pursuing the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi qualification.

What is the equivalent of a CNA in Japan?

The closest equivalent to a CNA in Japan is the Kaigo Fukushi-shi (Certified Care Worker). This is a national qualification for professional caregivers and requires a more extensive training and examination process than the standard CNA.

What visa do I need to work as a caregiver in Japan?

Most foreigners start with a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa for caregiving, which allows for up to five years of work. For indefinite residency, you would need to pass the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam to upgrade to a "Care Worker" visa.

Do I need to be fluent in Japanese to be a care worker?

Yes, a strong level of Japanese is required. For the SSW visa, a minimum of JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2 is necessary. To take the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam, you typically need a higher level of fluency, often N2 or above.

What does a Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushi-shi) do in Japan?

A Kaigo Fukushi-shi provides extensive support for a client's daily living activities, including bathing, meal assistance, and toileting. The role emphasizes respecting the client's dignity and promoting independence.

Can foreigners take the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam?

Yes, foreigners are eligible to take the national Kaigo Fukushi-shi exam after meeting specific educational or practical training requirements. The exam is conducted in Japanese.

How long does it take to become a Certified Care Worker in Japan?

The duration varies depending on your chosen path. It can involve studying for three years at a care worker training school or working for at least three years as a caregiver with practical training before taking the national exam.