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.
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.