#Japan #Tokyo #National Exam #Zenken #care workers

Zenken Launches National Exam Prep Course for Foreign Care Workers

Zenken Corporation, headquartered in Minato City, Tokyo, has announced the commencement of applications for its new study program tailored for foreign care workers aiming to pass the National Certified Care Worker Exam. This initiative is set to kick off in June 2026, targeting the January 2027 examination. The course is designed to assist foreign caregivers working in the field, focusing on solidifying their knowledge and enhancing their chances of success in the upcoming exam.

One of the standout features of this program is the personalized support each student receives. Designated supporters will conduct weekly progress meetings with participants, ensuring they stay on track and motivating them throughout their studies. Furthermore, the curriculum has been updated to accommodate the 'part pass' system introduced in the recent exam reforms, which allows candidates to split the exam into three sections and exempt them from re-taking sections they have already passed in future attempts.

Understanding the 'Part Pass' System

The new 'part pass' system, established for the exam conducted from January 2026, seeks to reduce the burden on candidates by dividing the exam subjects into three parts. If a participant meets the passing criteria for any part, they will be exempt from retaking that part in subsequent years, thus easing the overall educational load.

In association with this system, special provisions for caregivers with specified skills have been introduced. For those who cannot pass the exam within the set five-year residency period, there is now a possibility for a one-year residency extension if they meet necessary conditions, such as achieving passing scores in specific areas. Zenken has updated its course offerings to align with these changes, enhancing support for foreign-based healthcare workers in achieving their national qualifications.

Program Features

The 'ZENKEN National Certified Care Worker Exam Prep Course' emphasizes thorough understanding over rote memorization. By fostering a profound grasp of subjects — particularly those that foreign caregivers typically find challenging — the program empowers students through coaching and guidance tailored to their learning needs. Here are four key features of the program:

1. Strategic Instruction for True Understanding
Students are provided with courses that promote a deep understanding of material rather than mere memorization. This strategic approach ensures candidates are effectively prepared for the new 'part pass' exam format.

2. Ongoing Support from Mentors
Each student is paired with a supporter, ensuring clear objectives are maintained throughout the learning experience. Regular chats and discussions keep students motivated while balancing their work commitments.

3. Clear Explanations of Trends and Tactics
Instructors are specialists in care worker training, with extensive experience teaching international candidates. They have a deep understanding of common problem areas and provide guidance that reflects current exam trends.

4. Regular Progress Updates
Students will receive ongoing feedback on their learning progress, including metrics such as video view times and attendance at live classes, ensuring a structured learning pathway.

Testimonials from Participants and Facility Managers

Participants:
"Explaining while working through past questions made it easier to retain information. The system was truly effective." (Indonesian national)
"Even when I felt my motivation slipping, weekly support meetings helped me stay focused." (Vietnamese national)

Facility Managers:
"With weekly meetings and online instruction, our three foreign staff members grasped the exam preparation strategies effectively." (Tokyo)
"They provided mental support all the way to the exam, and we received regular updates on their study progress, making it easy for us to trust the process." (Ibaraki)

For more detailed information, you can download our resources here.

About Zenken Corporation

• - Company Name: Zenken Corporation
• - CEO: Junichiro Hayashi
• - Head Office: 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Founded: May 2, 1975
• - Established: July 14, 1978
• - Capital: 439,530,000 yen (as of June 30, 2025)
• - Stock Market Listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 7371)
• - Official Website: zenken.co.jp