Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency (Eiken)

by Eiken Foundation of Japan

Does not expire

Relocation Pathways

CountryPurposeRequirementVisa / Pathway
JapanUniversityGrade 2+ for admission, Pre-1 for top universities
JapanWorkGrade 2 baseline, Pre-1/1 for English-intensive roles

Levels & Pricing (USD)

  • Grade 3~$431h 15m
  • Grade Pre-2~$531h 25m
  • Grade 2~$561h 30m
  • Grade Pre-1~$651h 40m
  • Grade 1~$792h

Dates & Locations

Three testing windows per year: June, October, and January. S-CBT available more frequently.

Dates & Locations

Why Take Eiken?

Japanese University Admission

Eiken is the most widely accepted English test for Japanese university entrance. Grade 2+ satisfies requirements at most universities. Pre-1 earns exemptions at top institutions.

Employment in Japan

Grade 2 is a common baseline for job applications. Pre-1 and Grade 1 are valued for English-intensive roles. Eiken dominates the education sector while TOEIC leads in corporate hiring.

Lifetime Credential

Eiken certificates never expire. Pass once and you have permanent proof of your English grade. Some institutions may prefer recent results.

Exam Structure

Reading

Duration: 50–80 min

Listening

Duration: 25–35 min

Writing

Duration: 20–30 min

Speaking

Duration: 5–10 min

Free Practice Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Eiken grade should I take?

Grade 3 (A2) for junior high level. Pre-2/Grade 2 (B1) for high school and basic university. Pre-1 (B2) for advanced university and professional use. Grade 1 (C1) for near-native professional English.

How does Eiken compare to TOEIC?

Eiken dominates education (school admissions, university entrance). TOEIC dominates corporate Japan (hiring, promotion). Eiken tests all four skills. TOEIC L&R only tests listening and reading.

Is Eiken recognized outside Japan?

Eiken is primarily a domestic Japanese credential. For study abroad or immigration to English-speaking countries, IELTS or TOEFL are required. Eiken Pre-1 is roughly comparable to IELTS 5.5–6.5.

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Eiken for Japanese University Admission & Employment | LottaLingo