Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is set to introduce significant changes to the national examination for care workers, aiming to boost the number of qualified professionals amid declining candidate numbers. The modifications, announced on September 11, 2024, will take effect from January 2026 and feature a revolutionary "part passing" system intended to alleviate the burden on potential exam takers.
Currently, the care worker national examination comprises thirteen subjects, testing various competencies from dementia care to communication techniques. The stark truth is, more than 10,000 candidates have opted out of the examination over the past four years, primarily due to the increasing difficulty of balancing work and study. With the elder care sector expected to see around 572,000 additional workers needed by 2040, the MHLW's new approach is both timely and necessary.
Under the upcoming system, candidates who pass certain parts of the exam will be exempt from taking those sections again the following year. This creates flexibility for those juggling work commitments with their studies, encouraging them to re-attempt the exam with more focused efforts on the parts they previously failed. The MHLW notes this transformation is not intended to diminish the integrity or rigor of the certification process. Yoshida Masashi, Director of the MHLW’s Social Welfare Bureau, emphasizes, "We want to assure everyone this will not lower the standards of qualifications; the integrity of the certification process remains intact."
For many, this change could be the light at the end of the tunnel. Currently, approximately eighty percent of those taking the exam are working within the care sector as they prepare for qualification. The MHLW recognizes the challenges faced by these care professionals. “We’ve seen around 10,000 fewer candidates over the last four years. This new system aims to increase accessibility and maintain motivation for those wanting to achieve qualifications,” officials commented.
The rationale behind these reforms is clear: as Japan continues to battle with one of the world’s most rapidly aging populations, the demand for skilled care professionals will only increase. MHLW officials anticipate not only supporting Japanese citizens pursuing careers within the care sector, but also improving conditions for foreign workers, many of whom contribute significantly to this workforce. Currently, there are approximately 43,000 foreign workers residing under specific skill visas, with only around 10,000 qualified as designated care workers.
Experts predict this move may catalyze more foreign workers to engage with the system. Since becoming qualified removes restrictions on visa extensions and allows workers to invite family members to Japan, the incentive is powerful. Despite the new system's introduction, concerns remain about the qualification rate among foreign exam takers, currently sitting at just under 40%. These figures starkly highlight the need for adaptation to enable aspiring care workers, irrespective of their background.
Yoshida voiced optimism about the changes, stating, "We want to create an environment conducive to certification, even for those studying and working simultaneously." With the backdrop of Japan’s rising care demands, he emphasized the importance of 'supporting the aspirations of both Japanese and foreign workers.'
Industry professionals also highlight the necessity of these changes. Takemi Yoshida, Professor of Social Welfare at Nagoya City University, insists, “There should be supplementary provisions for foreign workers who struggle to pass exams. Extending their stay permits for those attempting the qualifications could make all the difference.”
The MHLW's overhaul of the national examination system reflects deep-seated challenges facing Japan's care workforce, blending ambitious long-term policy visions with immediate practical needs. The anticipated changes symbolize progress and hope for many aspiring care workers striving to make their mark within Japan's healthcare system.
By adapting the examination structure, the MHLW aims to create openings for new talent to enter the workforce, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society, particularly within the care sector.
The situation remains fluid as the new policies are rolled out, with careful monitoring and adjustments planned to respond to the needs and challenges faced by aspirants. Moving forward, the MHLW’s commitment to maintaining high standards of care through improving access to the qualifications necessary for the role is commendable. One thing is sure: Japan's need for skilled care workers is rising, and the examination overhaul may provide the boost needed to attract the next generation to this noble profession.