EIKEN

EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency

Eiken Foundation of Japan · EN tests English

UpcomingOfficial site ↗

Dec142026
Registration closes for session 3
Official schedule.
Registration
Jan242027
Session 3, first stage (main venues)
School venues test between 15 and 24 January.
Test date
Feb152027
Session 3 first-stage results online
Official schedule.
Results
Feb282027
Session 3, interview (A date)
Grade 3 and above. Includes overseas venues.
Test date
Mar72027
Session 3, interview (B date)
Grade 3 and above.
Test date
Mar92027
Interview results online (A date)
Official schedule.
Results
Mar162027
Interview results online (B date)
Official schedule.
Results

Dates are from the organisation's official announcements. Always confirm on the official site before you apply.

Taking the test

Fee: ¥4,000 (Grade 5) to ¥12,400 (Grade 1) at main venues; ¥2,400–¥6,800 at school and group venues (fiscal 2026, tax included).
How often: The paper test runs three times a year (sessions start around May–July, September–November and January–March). EIKEN S-CBT is held every weekend.
Format: A first stage of reading, writing and listening, then an English interview for Grade 3 and above. Grades 4 and 5 have an optional computer-based speaking test. A computer version (EIKEN S-CBT) tests all four skills in one day.
Run by: Eiken Foundation of Japan
Apply: Official site ↗

Levels

Level	What it means	CEFR	Pass rate
Grade 1	Advanced university level.	C1	Not yet published
Grade Pre-1	Intermediate university level.	B2	Not yet published
Grade 2	High school graduation level.	B1	Not yet published
Grade Pre-2 Plus	Upper high school level. Added in fiscal 2025, between Pre-2 and Grade 2.	A2	Not yet published
Grade Pre-2	Intermediate high school level.	A2	Not yet published
Grade 3	Junior high school graduation level.	A1	Not yet published
Grade 4	Intermediate junior high school level.	None	Not yet published
Grade 5	Beginner junior high school level.	None	Not yet published

Every candidate gets a CSE score, and the CEFR level on the result comes from the four-skill CSE total (it needs all four skills). Each grade can only show a limited range: for example, Grade 2 can show A2 or B1 and Grade 1 can show B2 or C1. Passing a grade puts you at the level in the table. Grades 4 and 5 are outside the CEFR range. You pass by reaching a fixed CSE score. First stage: Grade 1 2028, Pre-1 1792, Grade 2 1520, Pre-2 Plus 1402, Pre-2 1322, Grade 3 1103, Grade 4 622, Grade 5 419. Interview: Grade 1 602, Pre-1 512, Grade 2 460, Pre-2 Plus 427, Pre-2 406, Grade 3 353. EIKEN doesn't publish pass rates by grade.

What it tests

Tested

Reading
Listening
Vocabulary
Grammar
Writing
Speaking

Writing starts at Grade 3. Since 2024, the writing section at several grades includes new tasks such as a summary or an email. Grades 4 and 5 have no interview, only an optional computer speaking test.

Languages and where to take it

Test language: Questions are in English.
Instructions: Instructions in the test booklet are partly in Japanese.
Where: At main venues across Japan and at schools and other group venues. Grade 1 and Pre-1 are only held at main venues. Interviews on the A date include venues overseas.
How long it counts: A pass doesn't expire, but universities using EIKEN for admissions often only accept recent results.

What it's recognised for

EIKEN says many high schools and universities use it for entrance exams and credits, and schools abroad accept it as proof of English for study abroad. Grade 1 holders are exempt from the English written exam for the national licensed guide interpreter test.

About the exam

Who it's for: English for learners in Japan, from primary school pupils to adults. Many high schools and universities use it for entrance exams and credits.
Levels and scores: Eight grades from Grade 5 (easiest) up to Grade 1, including Pre-2, Pre-2 Plus and Pre-1.