- Partnerships
TOKYO, Jan. 28, 2025 — Pearson VUE, the global leader in computer-based testing for high-stakes certification and licensure exams, has today announced a new agreement with the Japan Building Maintenance Association (JBMA) to transition its technical skills assessments from pen-and-paper (P&P) to computer-based testing (CBT).
As the body designated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare to develop and maintain comfortable building environments, the JBMA conducts the Building Cleaning Field Specified Skills Evaluation Test (i). The association’s strategic partnership with Pearson VUE will provide a broader range of test opportunities to workers from overseas — aligning talent from outside Japan with technical skills shortages in the country.
With one of the most rapidly aging populations in the world (30% of the population is 65 or older) and a low birthrate, Japan is contending with a shrinking workforce — even as its economy grows. To address these demographic shifts, the Japanese government introduced the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa in 2019, focused on attracting skilled professionals from countries participating in the SSW Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC).
‘‘Skilled workers will now be able to test in their country of immigration, before moving to Japan if they are successful. With our previous pen-and-paper format, we could only target suitable candidates during limited periods. We see many more possibilities to improve productivity and generate future growth in our industry by increasing access to testing through Pearson VUE,’’ said Mr. Sachio Sugiyama, Secretary General, the Japan Building Maintenance Association (JBMA).
From March 2025, the exam will be available across Pearson VUE’s extensive global test center network, allowing candidates to schedule and take the test at their convenience. Geographic delivery will cover 16 countries in the SSW MOC as well as Japan, with additional testing locations planned.
‘’There is currently high demand for labor in sectors such as construction and building maintenance. Providing an official channel for foreign workers to legally reside in Japan and work in industries facing shortages will be key to developing a robust workforce for the future. We look forward to helping many building maintenance professionals unlock new opportunities through our collaboration with JBMA,’’ explained Shunsuke Mitsudome, Director of Business Development, Pearson VUE Japan.
Scheduling and delivery of the Building Cleaning Field Specified Skills Evaluation Test (i) will begin in March 2025. Details on how to schedule will be available on the Pearson VUE web page in late February.
About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE has been a pioneer in the computer-based testing industry for decades, delivering close to 21 million certification and licensure exams annually in every industry from academia and admissions to IT and healthcare. We are the global leader in developing and delivering high-stakes exams via the world's most comprehensive network of nearly 20,000 highly secure test centers as well as online testing across more than 180 countries. Our leadership in the assessment industry is a result of our collaborative partnerships with a broad range of clients, from leading technology firms to government and regulatory agencies. For more information, please visit PearsonVUE.com. Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON).
About the Japan Building Maintenance Association (JBMA)
The Japan Building Maintenance Association (JBMA) is a public interest incorporated association recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for buildings in Japan.
Since its establishment in 1966, JBMA has been focused on improving technical skills and techniques used for building maintenance, while collaborating with administrative bodies to observe local regulations. The JBMA is a member of the World Federation of Building Service Contractors and committed to its mission of enhancing buildings to support local communities and benefit society as a whole.
For more information, visit www.j-bma.or.jp
Media contacts
Caroline Darrington, Senior Global PR & Communications Manager
caroline.darrington@pearson.com