What is EIKEN, and who can take it?
EIKEN is the common name for the Jitsuyo Eigo Gino Kentei, the Test in Practical English Proficiency. It is administered by the Eiken Foundation of Japan with support from Japan’s education ministry. These names refer to the same examination, not separate qualifications.
The official examination rules do not require a particular age, occupation or educational background. Candidates can choose a grade without first passing the grades below it. For children under 11, a parent or guardian should review the rules and instructions before deciding whether to apply.
EIKEN gives learners a sequence of English qualifications: Grade 5, Grade 4, Grade 3, Pre-2, Pre-2 Plus, Grade 2, Pre-1 and Grade 1. Pre-2 Plus sits between Pre-2 and Grade 2. The practical starting point is to choose a grade for a reason: an admission requirement, a school goal, or a useful next challenge.
A learner’s age or previous certificate is only part of that decision. Look at current reading, listening, writing and speaking work before setting the next deadline. Two learners with the same certificate may need quite different preparation.
The planned introduction of Grades 6 and 7 has been postponed. EIKEN’s July 31, 2026 notice says a new introduction date will be announced when decided. Do not treat the earlier announced schedule as a current booking option.
What changes between grades
| Grades | What to check when preparing |
|---|---|
| 5 and 4 | Reading and listening determine grade certification. The speaking test has its own separate result. |
| 3 and Pre-2 | Prepare email replies and opinion writing as well as reading, listening and speaking. |
| Pre-2 Plus and 2 | Distinguish the summary task from opinion writing; practise the relevant interview tasks. |
| Pre-1 and 1 | Develop accurate summaries, reasoned positions and spoken responses on broader topics. |
The Grade 4/5 speaking result does not determine the overall grade award. Current writing tasks are shown on the official Grade 3, Pre-2 and Pre-2 Plus pages. Check your own grade’s current official materials before relying on an older textbook.
Grades and test formats are different choices
The grade identifies the level; conventional EIKEN and S-CBT describe how you take the test. The official S-CBT guide states that its grades and scores are treated in the same way as conventional EIKEN results.
| Feature | Conventional EIKEN | S-CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Available grades | All eight grades, from 5 to 1 | 3, Pre-2, Pre-2 Plus, 2 and Pre-1 |
| Four-skill testing | Grades 3–1 have a first stage and a separate speaking interview | Normally completed in one day |
| Speaking response | Face-to-face interview for Grades 3–1 | Recorded answers using a headset |
The separate Grade 4/5 speaking test is not the second-stage interview shown here. Choose a grade, then check dates, locations and response methods. S-CBT also requires basic computer operation. Practise the format you will actually use.
Preparing for Pre-1 and Grade 1
At the upper grades, learning vocabulary is one part of the work. Learners also need to follow an argument, select relevant information and explain a position. A useful exercise is to read a short article, identify its central claim and supporting reasons, then write a separate response of your own.
Keep those two products distinct. A summary reports the source’s argument; a response gives your judgement. If your own agreement or objection slips into the summary, the problem needs more attention than a better synonym.
The speaking tasks also differ. Pre-1 includes picture narration, whereas Grade 1 includes a speech on a selected topic. Use the official Pre-1 and Grade 1 formats to choose the practice, rather than treating both as a generic discussion test.
Grades, CSE scores and admission requirements
EIKEN reports results using CSE scores. A requirement to hold a particular grade and a requirement to reach a specified score are different instructions. Read the receiving institution’s current rules for the test route, grade, skill conditions, eligible test dates and submission deadline.
For a family planning applications, a short requirements sheet is more useful than a general claim that a certificate is valuable. Record what the result is used for: eligibility, additional points, a score conversion or another stated purpose. Ask the institution to clarify any ambiguity.
Keep a use for English beyond the next grade
A qualification can be worth pursuing because a learner needs it. Alongside that goal, choose one thing the learner wants to do in English: explain a hobby, discuss a news story, ask questions during a visit or write a clear message.
Reuse preparation material for that purpose. After reading a passage, explain it to someone who has not seen it and answer a question about it. This makes it easier to notice whether understanding survives outside the original multiple-choice task.
When applying outside Japan, check whether the destination accepts EIKEN and which results it requires. A comparison chart cannot grant acceptance on an institution’s behalf.
Build the first week around actual work
- Write down the purpose, target grade and any submission conditions.
- Try current official tasks for that grade.
- Keep the answers and a practice speaking recording.
- Choose one specific difficulty to address.
- Try a different task and check whether the improvement transfers.
Useful feedback identifies the next decision the learner should make independently. “Add a reason” becomes more helpful when the learner can explain which claim needs support and why the added example belongs there. The next attempt should show that understanding.
Plan the next stage of EIKEN preparation
Bring the target grade, timing and recent work so that lesson priorities can be discussed concretely.
Explore EIKEN and TEAP preparationOfficial information checked on October 1, 2026; the official name, eligibility, formats and grade structure were rechecked on October 8, 2026. The learning activities are Beyond’s suggestions.