The Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) now offers the
Associate Professional Civil Engineer (Level 2) examination in English.
Japan is facing a critical shortage of engineers due to demographic changes. The construction industry is actively seeking talented international engineers to build the future infrastructure of the country. The JSCE has launched this English examination to remove language barriers and provide a clear pathway for your career success in Japan.
This qualification is fully equivalent to the Japanese version. It proves your engineering knowledge meets the Japanese national standard, enhancing your credibility with employers.
Obtaining this certification is a powerful asset for employment, visa applications, and promotion within Japanese construction companies and consultancies.
The Level 2 exam focuses on fundamental academic knowledge. You can take it immediately after graduating or while working, regardless of your practical experience history.
The JSCE offers four levels of certification. The Associate Professional (Level 2) is your gateway to the system.
The examination is conducted entirely in English. It assesses the fundamental knowledge acquired in specialized civil engineering university courses.
| Examination Date | November 7, 2026 (Saturday) Reception: 9:30 - 9:45 / Exam: 10:00 - 12:00 |
|---|---|
| Venue | JSCE Hall Auditorium (Doboku Kaikan) Yotsuya 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Inside Sotobori Park) |
| Application Period | July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026 |
| Application Method | Online Application Only |
| Examination Fee | 6,600 JPY (Tax included) |
| Format |
Time: 120 minutes Method: Multiple-choice (CBT/Mark sheet style) Structure: 70 questions total (10 Basic Engineering, 60 Specialized Engineering). *All questions must be answered. |
| Eligibility | Open to all applicants regardless of nationality, age, or practical experience. |
Passing the examination is the first step. To be officially certified as an "Associate Professional Civil Engineer," successful candidates must apply for registration. Please note that specific practical experience is required for registration.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
*Enrollment in graduate school counts as practical experience.
| Final Education | Required Practical Experience |
|---|---|
| University / Junior College (Advanced Course) / College of Technology (Advanced Course) | 1 year or more |
| Junior College / College of Technology (Regular Course) | 3 years or more |
| High School | 5 years or more |
| Junior High School | 8 years or more |
The qualification is valid for 5 years from the date of certification. To maintain the qualification, engineers must renew it every 5 years. Renewal requires earning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units to demonstrate ongoing self-improvement and technical maintenance.
Please download the official examination guide. It contains essential details regarding the application process, code of ethics, and the detailed scope of the exam.
The specialized engineering section covers the following six major fields. The keywords below represent the sub-fields covered in each category.
| Major Field | Keywords (Sub-Fields) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Materials / Construction / Construction management | Steel / Reinforcement, Admixture, Cement, Fresh Concrete, Hardened Concrete, Abnormality of Reinforced Concrete, Concrete Works |
| Structural Engineering / Earthquake Engineering / Maintenance Engineering | Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Steel Structure, Concrete Structure, Composite Structure, Earthquake-Resistant Structure / Structural Dynamics, Maintenance Engineering |
| Geotechnical Engineering | Soil Mechanics, Soil Dynamics, Foundation Engineering, Ground and Structures, Geoenvironmental Engineering |
| Water Engineering | Hydraulics, River Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Hydraulics, Coastal and Harbor Engineering |
| Infrastructure Planning and Management / Traffic Engineering | Infrastructure Planning and Management, Regional and Urban Planning, National Spatial Planning, Disaster Prevention Planning, Environmental Planning, Transportation Planning, Traffic Engineering, Railway Engineering, Surveying and Remote Sensing, Landscape and Design, History of Civil Engineering |
| Environmental Systems Engineering | Environmental Planning and Management, Environmental Systems, Environmental Conservation, Atmospheric Circulation / Environmental Ecology, Water Supply System, Sewerage System, Waste Treatment and Recycle |
Familiarize yourself with the exam format and difficulty level by reviewing the trial examination questions and answers.
Choose the correct statement among the following regarding concrete compressive strength.
Correct Answer: (3)
Explanation: The moisture content evaporates during the drying process, leading to shrinkage stress inside the concrete, which increases its compressive strength.
Choose the correct combination of terms in (A) through (D) of the well-known four-step travel demand forecasting model.
[ (A) Traffic Volume ] → [ (B) Traffic Volume ] → [ (C) Traffic Volume ] → [ (D) Traffic Volume ]
Correct Answer: (1)
Sequence: Trip generation/concentration → Distribution → Modal split → Route assignment.
Choose the most appropriate statement among the following regarding global warming and ozone layer depletion.
Correct Answer: (3)
Explanation: Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be significantly lower (approx. -18°C). Options (1), (2), and (4) contain factual errors regarding the causes and effects of ozone depletion and global warming.