Administration of 3 Medical National Examinations: Radiological Technologists, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Kenichiro Ueno announced the administration of three medical national examinations in the Official Gazette (Extra Edition) dated September 1, 2026. The targets are the National Examination for Radiological Technologists (79th), the National Examination for Emergency Medical Technicians (50th), and the National Examination for Clinical Laboratory Technologists (73rd). Each announcement specifies the eligibility, procedures, dates, and fees, making this a public notice directly relevant to those aspiring to enter the medical field.

All three examinations are administered by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare based on their respective laws. The examination for Radiological Technologists is based on Article 18 of the Act on Radiological Technologists (Act No. 226 of 1951); the examination for Emergency Medical Technicians is based on Article 31 of the Emergency Medical Technician Act (Act No. 36 of 1991); and the examination for Clinical Laboratory Technologists is based on Article 12 of the Act on Clinical Laboratory Technologists, etc. (Act No. 76 of 1958). The administrative tasks for the Emergency Medical Technician examination are handled by the Japan Emergency Medical Foundation, a designated examination body.

Examination Dates and Locations

The dates for the three examinations will be held sequentially from February to March: Clinical Laboratory Technologists on February 17, 2027 (Wednesday), Radiological Technologists on February 18, 2027 (Thursday), and Emergency Medical Technicians on March 14, 2027 (Sunday).

• Radiological Technologists: Hokkaido, Miyagi, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kagawa, Fukuoka
• Emergency Medical Technicians: Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka
• Clinical Laboratory Technologists: Hokkaido, Miyagi, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Okinawa

Application Procedures and Fees

The application period varies by examination. For Radiological Technologists, it is from December 14, 2026, to January 4, 2027; for Emergency Medical Technicians, it is from January 4 to January 22, 2027. For applications sent by mail, the postmark date will be valid. Required documents include the application form, a photograph taken within six months prior to application, and certificates of completion or graduation.

• Radiological Technologists: Examination fee 11,400 yen (paid via revenue stamps)
• Emergency Medical Technicians: Examination fee 30,300 yen (paid via bank transfer using the form designated by the Japan Emergency Medical Foundation)

Announcement of Results and Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

Successful candidates for the Radiological Technologist examination will be announced on March 23, 2027 (Tuesday) at 2:00 PM on the Qualifications/Examination Information page of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website, listed by examination site and examinee number. Examination vouchers for the Emergency Medical Technician examination are scheduled to be sent by mail on March 2, 2027 (Tuesday).

Applicants with visual, auditory, vocal, or linguistic impairments who wish to take the Radiological Technologist examination may receive accommodations based on their condition if they notify the National Examination for Radiological Technologists Operation Headquarters Office (Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo) by November 27, 2026.

Impact on Medical Aspirants

These three examinations serve as the entry point for professional qualifications in medical settings; successful candidates will be eligible to obtain national licenses as radiological technologists, emergency medical technicians, or clinical laboratory technicians. Those planning to take the exams must verify the application period and fee payment method for each exam and submit the required documents by the deadline.

Source: Official Gazette (Extra Edition) dated September 1, 2026 — Implementation of the National Examination for Radiological Technologists (79th), National Examination for Emergency Medical Technicians (50th), and National Examination for Clinical Laboratory Technicians (73rd). All issued in the name of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Kenichiro Ueno.