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).
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Eiken Foundation of Japan. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Eiken Foundation of Japan. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| 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.
Interactive Eiken Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
| 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 |
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.