2025 Is a Year of Change for Japanese Certification Exams
令和7年 (2025) has brought meaningful updates to several of Japan's most important professional qualification exams. Whether you're currently studying or planning to sit an exam later this year, staying informed about format changes is critical — studying for an outdated curriculum can cost you both time and money.
Below is a summary of notable changes and updates affecting certification candidates in 2025.
日商簿記 (Nissho Boki) — Ongoing Reforms
The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been gradually revising the Nissho Boki curriculum in response to changes in Japanese accounting standards (J-GAAP revisions) and the growing adoption of accounting software. Key points for 2025 exam takers:
- Grade 2 continues to emphasize consolidation accounting (連結会計) concepts
- Grade 1 exam incorporates updated treatment of financial instruments and lease accounting under revised standards
- Candidates should ensure their study materials are published in or after 2023 to reflect current content
IPA Information Processing Exams — CBT Expansion
The Information-technology Promotion Agency has continued its expansion of CBT (Computer-Based Testing) formats. In 2025:
- 基本情報技術者試験 (FE) remains year-round CBT — no fixed exam dates required
- ITパスポート continues as on-demand CBT nationwide
- IPA has announced ongoing review of whether 応用情報技術者試験 may eventually transition to a CBT or hybrid format — no confirmed date yet as of this writing
The shift to CBT is broadly positive for candidates: it allows more flexible scheduling and reduces the pressure of a single annual sitting.
宅建試験 (Real Estate Transaction Agent Exam) — 2025 Updates
The 宅建 exam, administered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, continues to reflect Japan's evolving real estate laws. Candidates for the October 2025 exam should note:
- Continued inclusion of questions related to デジタル化 (digitization) in real estate transactions, including electronic contracts (電子契約) made possible by 2022 legal reforms
- Questions on updated provisions of the 宅地建物取引業法 that came into effect following recent legislative sessions
- Environmental considerations and energy efficiency disclosures in property transactions are an emerging topic area
社会保険労務士 (Sharoushi) Exam — Law Update Cycle
The Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (社労士) exam always reflects laws in effect as of a specified cut-off date (usually April of the exam year). For 2025:
- Updates to 育児・介護休業法 (Childcare and Caregiver Leave Act) enacted in 2024 are expected to be tested
- Changes to pension law (年金制度改正) should be reviewed carefully
- Candidates are strongly advised to use 2025-edition study materials rather than repurposing older books
General Advice for All Candidates in 2025
- Verify your study materials are current. Legal and standards-based exams change annually. Always use the latest published edition of textbooks.
- Check official exam body websites. Confirmed format changes are always published by the administering body — cross-check any information you read with primary sources.
- Sign up for official newsletters. Most major exam bodies (IPA, JEES, JCCI, etc.) offer email updates when exam content notices are issued.
- Review past papers cautiously. Past papers from 3+ years ago may test superseded laws or formats. Use them for structural practice, but supplement with current content.
Where to Find Official Updates
- IPA exams: ipa.go.jp
- JLPT: jlpt.jp
- 日商簿記: kentei.ne.jp
- 宅建: retio.or.jp
- 社労士: sharosi.or.jp
Staying current is part of exam preparation. Build a habit of checking official sources at the start of your study cycle and again about 8 weeks before your exam date.