Announcement of the Production Meister Certification Exams for 2026
The Japan Management Association Management Center (JMAM), led by CEO Zhang Shiluo and based in Chuo City, Tokyo, has released the schedule for the Production Meister Certification exams for the 2026 fiscal year. This certification is designed to enhance the skills of core personnel in the manufacturing sector.
On May 28, 2026 (Thursday), registration will begin for the first exam, the 39th iteration, scheduled for July 26, 2026 (Sunday). Both corporate and individual applicants will be able to register for the exam.
About the Production Meister Certification
The Production Meister Certification, launched in 2012, is an educational program and certification system aimed at nurturing essential personnel within the manufacturing industry. It focuses on six crucial topics: Role (R), Quality Management (Q), Cost Management (C), Delivery and Production Management (D), Safety Management (S), and Environmental Management (E). These topics are systematically organized based on four tiers of learning, accommodating beginners to management-level personnel. JMAM offers various services based on these topics, including educational materials, skills assessments, and practical training sessions. Over 500 companies have already integrated this certification into their promotion requirements and training programs.
The Production Meister Certification serves as an objective examination of knowledge and skills, with around 30,000 graduates up to the 37th exam in 2025.
To support the development of essential manufacturing personnel, it is vital to enhance technical skills while recognizing individual roles and cultivating a strong desire for improvement, alongside acquiring comprehensive knowledge about production. By participating in this certification and its related services, individuals can systematically learn the required knowledge and skills for the manufacturing field, visualize their competence levels, and contribute to the development of their abilities and organizations.
2026 Production Meister Exam Schedule
| Exam Number | Exam Date | Implementation Format | Application Period | Result Dispatch Date (Tentative) |
|---|
| --- | --- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| 39th | July 26, 2026 | Corporations: Group venues, public venues, online | Corporation: May 28 - June 18, 2026 | August 21, 2026 |
| | | Individuals: Public venues | Individual: May 28 - June 12, 2026 | |
| 40th | October 18, 2026 | Corporations: Group venues, online | August 20 - September 20, 2026 | November 17, 2026 |
| 41st | January 17, 2027 | Corporations: Group venues, public venues, online | November 19 - December 10, 2026 | February 10, 2027 |
| | | Individuals: Public venues | Individual: November 19 - December 4, 2026 | |
| 42nd | March 21, 2027 | Corporations: Group venues, online | Group venues: February 4 - 22, 2027 | April 19, 2027 |
| | | | Online: February 4 - 15, 2027 | |
Note: The 40th and 42nd exams will only accept corporate applications. Three testing formats are available based on the application method.
Application Requirements and Fees
| Exam Level | Application Requirements | Exam Fee (incl. tax) |
|---|
| --- | ------------ | ------- |
| Level 1 | Completion of the official certified correspondence course | 12,100 JPY/person |
| Level 2 | Completion of the official certified correspondence course | 11,000 JPY/person |
| Level 3 | Completion of the official certified correspondence course | 9,900 JPY/person |
| Basic Level | Completion of the official certified correspondence course | 6,600 JPY/person |
| Student | Applicable to those attending school while employed | 5,500 JPY/person |
| General | Open to all | 8,800 JPY/person |
Exam Overview
- - Topics Covered: A list of certification topics can be found here.
- - Exam Format: Multiple choice (fill-in-the-blank, true/false, calculation questions, mini-case problems).
- - Test Method: Mark sheet method, online (IBT) method.
- - Number of Questions: Level 1, 2, and 3: 50 questions; Basic level: 60 questions.
- - Passing Criteria: 60 points or more out of 100.
- - Certification Criteria: Level 1, 2, and 3: Pass the exam and complete the official certified correspondence course by the day before the exam.
Benefits of Obtaining the Production Meister Certification
For Corporations:
- - Systematic learning of basic production knowledge and abilities.
- - Objective goals for capability development through clear standards in manufacturing companies.
- - Clear role-based criteria to assist in talent development and placement considerations.
For Individuals:
- - Systematic learning of fundamental production management that is difficult to acquire in daily tasks.
- - Certification acts as a strong asset for self-promotion, both within and outside the company.
Supplemental Learning Resources Offered by JMAM
- - Correspondence Course: Official certification textbooks providing necessary knowledge and skills tailored for all levels.
- - Seminars: One-day online seminars focusing on effective exam preparation strategies with previous attendee success.
- - Publications: Official texts updated to include sustainable development goals and automation in manufacturing.
For further details about the Production Meister Certification, visit the official pages of JMAM.