EIKEN is short for Jitsuyō Eigo Ginō Kentei (実用英語技能検定 – Test in Practical English Proficiency), one of the most widely used English-language testing programs in Japan. Since its establishment in 1963, over 100 million people have taken the test.
The EIKEN is developed by the Eiken Foundation of Japan and is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It is also recognized internationally by over 400 universities and institutions in North America, Australia, and beyond.
The EIKEN assesses four core language skills across eight difficulty levels, and is widely used for academic advancement, employment, and overseas study. All levels are pass/fail and include written and spoken components (with some exceptions in lower grades).
Format
The EIKEN consists of two stages:
- Stage 1 – Written Test: Reading, listening, and writing
- Stage 2 – Interview: Speaking (for Grades 3 and above only)
Only those who pass Stage 1 can proceed to Stage 2, which is usually held several weeks later.
Schedule
The EIKEN is conducted three times a year:
- Summer Session – June/July
- Fall Session – October/November
- Winter Session – January/February (of the following calendar year)
The testing year follows Japan’s academic calendar (April 1 – March 31), not the calendar year. For example, the 2025 academic year includes the following EIKEN tests: Summer (June/July 2025), Fall (October/November 2025), and Winter (January/February 2026).
Grades
| EIKEN Grade | EIKEN CSE Score | CEFR Level | Example of recognition/use |
| Grade 1 | 2630 – 3400 | C1 | International admissions to graduate and undergraduate programs. MEXT(*1) benchmark for English instructors (Pre-1) |
| Grade Pre-1 | 2304 – 3000 | B2 | |
| Grade 2 | 1980 – 2600 | B1 | MEXT benchmarks for high school graduates |
| Grade Pre-2 Plus | 1829 – 2500 | A2 | |
| Grade Pre-2 | 1728 – 2400 | A2 | |
| Grade 3 | 685 – 1700 | A1 | MEXT benchmark for junior high school graduates |
| Grade 4 | ‐ | ||
| Grade 5 |
Uses
- Academic Advantage: Many Japanese schools grant exam waivers or bonus consideration to students with EIKEN certification.
- National Benchmarks:
- Grade 3: Junior high school graduates
- Grades Pre-2 and 2: High school graduates
- Pre-1: Recommended for English educators
These benchmarks were set by MEXT as part of its national strategy to improve English proficiency.
Global Recognition
- Over 100 million examinees since 1963
- More than 2.3 million test-takers in fiscal year 2010
- EIKEN is accepted by:
- ~400 universities and colleges in Canada and the U.S.
- All TAFE institutes and state high schools in New South Wales, Australia
- Additional institutions in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia
📄 View the official list of EIKEN-recognizing institutions (2021, PDF)