Eiken English Proficiency Test Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)
Prepare for the Eiken English Proficiency certification. Practice questions with answer explanations covering all exam domains. 📗
Eiken Practice Test PDF – Free Download for Exam Preparation
The Eiken (Test in Practical English Proficiency) is Japan's most widely used English proficiency certification, administered by the Society for Testing English Proficiency (STEP). With seven grade levels from Grade 5 through Grade 1, Eiken serves elementary school students through university graduates and working professionals. The certification is recognized for high school and university admissions in Japan, job applications, study abroad programs, and MEXT scholarship requirements. This free printable PDF covers the format, content structure, and language skills tested across key Eiken grade levels so you can study offline and prepare with confidence. Practice with the free Eiken practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
Eiken Test: upcoming dates and official changes
- Oct 30, 2026: Applications for the Winter 2027 (third) Eiken Test session open on October 30, 2026. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- Dec 4, 2026: Bookstore applications for the Winter 2027 Eiken Test session close on December 4, 2026 and must reach the Eiken Foundation by December 8. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- Feb 28, 2027 – Mar 7, 2027: The Winter 2027 Eiken Test second-stage speaking test is held on February 28, 2027 (schedule A, which includes overseas sites) and March 7, 2027 (schedule B). (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- Updated Oct 18, 2026: Eligibility is now No age, occupational or educational restrictions (previously No age, occupation or education restrictions).
- Updated Oct 18, 2026: Delivery is now Paper test at ~400 public sites in 230 Japanese cities plus Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York and London; Grades 4–5 speaking online (previously Public venues in Japan; overseas in Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York and London).
- Updated Oct 18, 2026: Time limit (Grade 2 stage 2 (speaking)) is now About 7 minutes (previously About 7 minutes).
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Eiken Foundation of Japan. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
- The Eiken Test Grade 2 second stage is an English interview lasting about 7 minutes. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- For FY2026, the Eiken Test Grade 1 costs ¥12,400 (tax included) for individual applicants at public test sites. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- For FY2026, the Eiken Test Grade 2 costs ¥9,000 (tax included) at public test sites, or ¥6,800 at group test sites. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- Eiken Test candidates who use a first-stage waiver to retake only the speaking stage still pay the full fee for that grade. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- An Eiken Test candidate who passes the first stage but fails or misses the second stage can retake the second stage three more times without retaking the first stage. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- An Eiken Test first-stage pass stays valid for the speaking-stage waiver for one year, which is three test sessions. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- The Eiken Test is given at about 400 public test sites in 230 Japanese cities and in Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York and London, while the Grade 4 and 5 speaking tests are taken online. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- The Eiken Test has no age, occupational or educational restrictions or prerequisites, and candidates may attempt any grade. (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
- The Winter 2027 Eiken Test second-stage speaking test is held on February 28, 2027 (schedule A, which includes overseas sites) and March 7, 2027 (schedule B). (Eiken Foundation of Japan)
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Eiken Foundation of Japan. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Eiken Test Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit (Grade 2 stage 2 (speaking)) | About 7 minutes | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Grade 1 (individual, public test site)) | ¥12,400 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Grade 2 (individual, public test site)) | ¥9,000 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Grade 3 (individual, public test site)) | ¥6,800 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Grade 4 (individual, public test site)) | ¥4,600 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Grade 5 (individual, public test site)) | ¥4,000 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Pre-1 (individual, public test site)) | ¥10,400 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Pre-2 (individual, public test site)) | ¥8,400 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Exam fee (Pre-2 Plus (individual, public test site)) | ¥8,600 (tax incl.) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Retake fee (Second stage only (first-stage waiver)) | Full grade fee (same as a regular entry) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Retake policy | Three more second-stage attempts within one year after passing the first stage | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Validity (First-stage pass (waiver)) | 1 year (three test sessions) | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Delivery | Paper test at ~400 public sites in 230 Japanese cities plus Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York and London; Grades 4–5 speaking online | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Eligibility | No age, occupational or educational restrictions | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Next exam date (Winter 2027 second stage) | Feb 28 (A) and Mar 7 (B), 2027 | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Late registration deadline (Winter 2027 (Third session) bookstore) | Bookstore applications by Dec 4, 2026 | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
| Registration opens (Winter 2027 (Third session)) | Opens Oct 30, 2026 | Eiken Foundation of Japan |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Eiken Foundation of Japan. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free Eiken Test Study Tools
Interactive Eiken Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Eiken Test flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- Eiken Test study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- Eiken Test cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
Eiken Exam Structure: First Stage and Second Stage
For Grade 3 and above, Eiken uses a two-stage testing format. Candidates must pass the First Stage to be invited to the Second Stage (oral interview). Understanding both stages is essential for complete exam preparation.
First Stage: Written Test
The First Stage assesses Reading, Listening, and Writing. Reading items test vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension across informational and opinion texts. At Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1, passages are academic and professional in nature — news articles, essays, and reports. Listening items at lower grades cover short conversations, while higher grades include news broadcasts and academic lectures with multiple-choice questions. Writing at Grade 2 requires an 80–100 word opinion essay with supporting reasons; Grade Pre-1 requires a 120–150 word argumentative essay with evidence; Grade 1 requires a fully structured argumentative essay of 200 or more words.
Second Stage: Oral Interview
Candidates who pass the First Stage proceed to a face-to-face oral interview with an examiner. The examiner presents a picture card and asks the candidate to describe the scene, then asks follow-up questions related to the topic. The interview evaluates spontaneous spoken English, pronunciation, attitude, and communication skills. The Second Stage is conducted at designated interview centers on a separate date from the First Stage.
Eiken Grade Levels and CEFR Equivalences
Eiken grades map roughly to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as follows: Grade 5 and Grade 4 correspond to A1–A2 (basic user); Grade 3 and Grade Pre-2 correspond to A2–B1 (elementary to intermediate); Grade 2 corresponds to B2 (upper intermediate); Grade Pre-1 corresponds to C1 (advanced); Grade 1 corresponds to C1+ (proficient). Many Japanese universities grant admission points or waive English requirements for Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 holders.
- ✓Download and print the free Eiken practice test PDF above
- ✓Confirm your target Eiken grade level and review its CEFR equivalent
- ✓Study vocabulary and grammar items typical for your target grade level
- ✓Practice Reading comprehension with informational and opinion texts at grade-level difficulty
- ✓Complete Listening practice using conversations, news clips, and academic lecture audio
- ✓Write timed opinion essays within the word count limits for your grade (80-100 for Grade 2; 120-150 for Pre-1)
- ✓Practice structuring written essays with a clear opinion, supporting reasons, and a conclusion
- ✓Prepare for the oral interview by describing picture prompts aloud and answering follow-up questions
- ✓Review vocabulary from academic, professional, and content-area texts for Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1
- ✓Use our free online Eiken practice tests to simulate exam conditions and review answer explanations
Free Eiken Practice Tests Online
The printable PDF is a convenient way to study away from a screen, but interactive online practice takes your preparation further. Our Eiken practice test covers vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening tasks with instant scoring and detailed explanations — giving you the feedback you need to move up a grade level with confidence.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample Eiken Test Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Eiken Test practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What is the test format for advanced levels like Grade 1 in the Eiken Test?
- A. Only reading and listening sections
- B. All sections: reading, listening, writing, speaking
- C. Writing and grammar correction only
- D. Speaking and vocabulary recognition only
Answer: B. All sections: reading, listening, writing, speaking
For advanced levels like Grade 1 in the Eiken Test, the format includes all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. This comprehensive assessment ensures that candidates demonstrate a high level of proficiency across every aspect of English communication. Passing all sections is required for certification at this level.
What is tested in the reading section of the Eiken Test?
- A. Spelling and grammar
- B. Comprehension and key details in texts
- C. Creative writing skills
- D. Public speaking proficiency
Answer: B. Comprehension and key details in texts
The reading section of the Eiken Test is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to understand written English passages. It assesses comprehension of main ideas, specific details, and the overall meaning of various texts. This includes identifying key information and drawing conclusions from the provided material.
In an Eiken letter writing task, how many questions from the prompt letter must the test-taker typically answer?
- A. One question only
- B. All questions in the prompt
- C. Any two of the questions at the test-taker's choice
- D. Questions are optional and may be skipped
Answer: B. All questions in the prompt
Eiken letter tasks require test-takers to address all questions posed in the friend's letter in order to receive full marks for content.
How is the reading section structured in the Eiken Test?
- A. Short conversations followed by questions
- B. Passages with comprehension questions
- C. Multiple-choice vocabulary questions only
- D. Translating text into English
Answer: B. Passages with comprehension questions
The reading section in the Eiken Test is structured around various passages, which can include articles, letters, or advertisements. Candidates read these texts and then answer comprehension questions, usually in a multiple-choice format. This assesses their ability to extract information, understand main ideas, and interpret the content.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- eiken.or.jp — Test delivery, eligibility, late registration, registration deadline, registration, retake fee, retake policy, test dates, score validity, passing score · verified Oct 2026