#Japan #Tokyo #AI Certification #TOEIC #Nikkei HR

Nikkei Job Changing Survey: Useful and Desired Qualifications

In late October to mid-November 2025, Nikkei HR, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, conducted a survey titled "Nikkei Job Changing Survey on the Awareness of Qualifications and Learning Opportunities". The survey attracted responses from 544 registered members, reflecting the growing importance of reskilling in the current job market. This ranking highlights qualifications that can aid in career advancement and employment opportunities.

Key Insights from the Survey

The survey results offer a comprehensive look into which qualifications are deemed useful and which are desired by job seekers. The rankings are divided into categories for better clarity, including a comprehensive list of the top qualifications and several sector-specific rankings.

Top Useful Qualifications

The following qualifications ranked as the most beneficial, based on a score system where respondents rated how much the qualifications helped them in their employment or job transition:

1. Bookkeeping Test Level 2 (JICPA) - 26.60 points
2. Real Estate Transaction Specialist - 20.31 points
3. TOEIC Listening & Reading Test Score (900s) - 15.75 points

These qualifications not only reflect essential skills for specific industries but also showcase the importance of financial literacy and proficiency in English, which are highly regarded in many job applications.

Participants rated their existing qualifications on a scale of five, assessing their utility in the workplace. The overall average score for these qualifications reached 4.18, indicating that many professionals believe these certifications significantly enhance their job prospects.

Desired Qualifications for Future Education

As the focus on continuous learning intensifies, the survey also examined which qualifications job seekers intend to pursue. Respondents selected multiple qualifications and indicated which one they are most interested in obtaining, incorporating their level of interest:

1. AI Certification - 117 points
2. G Certification - 115 points
3. Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant - 104 points

AI-related qualifications took the lead, partnering with a notable shift in the job landscape towards technology and data science. These qualifications validate one's foundational knowledge and ability to implement AI in business contexts, a demand that has surged as technology becomes integral to various industries.

Professional Aspirations and Specialization

Among the qualifications people wish to obtain, the survey revealed which qualifications respondents plan to achieve, highlighting the necessities in specific professional roles that may not have ranked in the overall picture but demand high attention:

1. US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) - 38% of respondents plan to pursue this qualification, indicating a high level of interest in acquiring accounting expertise relevant to international operations.
2. Type I Financial Instruments Representative - 33% expressed an intention to obtain this certification due to its relevance in securities.
3. Securities Analyst - 29% also reported plans to advance in this area, showcasing the growing importance of financial analysis in the modern economy.

Conclusion

As the landscape for job requirements continues to evolve, professionals need to adapt their skill sets accordingly. The insights from Nikkei HR's survey provide a valuable resource for understanding which qualifications hold the most weight in today's competitive environment. For further information and detailed rankings, be sure to check out the Nikkei Job Changing platform, and keep an eye out for the upcoming 'Desired Qualifications Ranking' set to be released in early February.

Additional Information

• - Survey Period: October 31 - November 17, 2025
• - Number of Respondents: 544
• - Methodology: Participants answered an online questionnaire delivered via email. Scores were weighted based on interest levels and necessity in the workplace.