Achieving a 72% Pass Rate for Foreign Care Workers in Japan

Improving the Pass Rate for Foreign Care Workers in Japan

In recent years, Japan's nursing care industry has seen an increasing influx of foreign personnel. However, significant challenges remain, such as low wages, career advancement issues, and barriers related to language and specialized knowledge. These factors result in early resignations or returning home without obtaining the necessary qualifications. To counter these challenges, Meisei Group, through its subsidiary Meisei Human Resource Center, has developed an online preparation program, 'Dekiru KAIGO®', specifically focused on foreign care workers aiming to pass the national nursing care qualification exam.

Launched in August 2025, 'Dekiru KAIGO®' utilizes the expertise of registered Japanese language teachers who provide easy-to-understand on-demand video content. Additionally, it incorporates weekly online classes led by specialized instructors in the care field, allowing participants to study while they work.

The initial year of the program has yielded impressive results, with a 72% pass rate among participants—eight out of eleven candidates were successful. This marks a significant achievement compared to the average pass rate of about 30% for foreign applicants.

Structural Challenges Facing Foreign Care Workers

The reasons for turnover among foreign care workers often include dissatisfaction with wages and a desire to transition to other professions. One underlying issue is the lack of nursing care qualifications, which heavily influences their treatment and opportunities for career growth. Moreover, since the national exam is conducted in Japanese, comprehension of the language and terminology poses a considerable hurdle for many foreign participants.

Overview of Dekiru KAIGO®

'Dekiru KAIGO®' is a trademarked service designed to support foreign care workers in passing the national nursing care qualification exam. It provides a curriculum based on unique educational methodologies that involve close collaboration between Japanese language teachers and specialized instructors in the nursing field.

Key Features include:

- Simplified Japanese Instruction: Registered Japanese language teachers provide explanations using easy-to-understand language tailored for foreign learners.
- Engaging Learning Materials: The program utilizes illustrations and examples in video content to enhance comprehension.
- Flexible Learning Schedule: Participants can attend weekly two-hour online sessions while accessing additional on-demand learning resources.
- Dedicated Advisors: Learners receive support from advisory personnel to manage their study progress effectively.

The learning modules include furigana (phonetic guides) for challenging terms, as well as enjoyable quizzes that reinforce the main points of each chapter.

Benefits of Implementing the Program

The Dekiru KAIGO® program is eligible for certain governmental subsidies aimed at supporting foreign care workers, enabling facilities to reduce financial burdens associated with training initiatives. This not only addresses the hesitation to invest in personnel development but also promotes the retention of foreign care workers through qualifications support, thereby contributing to alleviating the chronic personnel shortages in the nursing industry.

Meisei Group's mission revolves around facilitating 'qualification support that leads to improved treatment', which encompasses:

- Increasing retention rates of foreign care workers to reduce turnover.
- Enhancing service quality by empowering workers through qualification attainment.
- Optimizing costs related to recruitment and training.
- Strengthening operations through stable personnel availability.

By fulfilling its role as a bridge between foreign care workers and the nursing care sector, Meisei Group aims to contribute to the sustainable growth of Japan's nursing care industry, ensuring a better future for all stakeholders involved.

Additionally, it is important to note that 'Dekiru KAIGO®' is a registered trademark of Meisei Human Resource Center, reflecting its commitment to quality and specialized education in this essential field.