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Eiken Exam Overview

The Eiken Test (実用英語技能検定 or 英検) is an English proficiency test administered by the Eiken Foundation of Japan. It's widely recognized by Japanese schools, universities, and employers.

The test is divided into seven levels, from Grade 5 (beginner) to Grade 1 (advanced), with each level assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Exam Format

Each Eiken level consists of two stages: a written test (including listening) and an interview test. The interview is required only for candidates who pass the written portion.

Eiken Exam Overview

Listening

Audio passages and questions

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Reading

Vocabulary and reading comprehension

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Writing

Essay writing for higher grades

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Speaking

Face-to-face interview test

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Eiken Levels

Grade 1 (Advanced)

Equivalent to CEFR C1-C2 level. Requires proficiency comparable to advanced university students or professionals working in English environments.

  • CEFR Level: C1-C2
  • Vocabulary Size: 10,000+ words
  • Test Duration: 105 minutes (Written)
Grade 1 Resources
Eiken Grade 1

Grade Pre-1 (Upper Intermediate)

Equivalent to CEFR B2 level. Suitable for university students and business professionals using English regularly.

  • CEFR Level: B2
  • Vocabulary Size: 7,500-8,000 words
  • Test Duration: 100 minutes (Written)
Grade Pre-1 Resources
Eiken Grade Pre-1

Grade 2 (Intermediate)

Equivalent to CEFR B1-B2 level. Common target for high school graduates in Japan.

  • CEFR Level: B1-B2
  • Vocabulary Size: 5,000-5,500 words
  • Test Duration: 85 minutes (Written)
Grade 2 Resources
Eiken Grade 2

Grade Pre-2 (Pre-Intermediate)

Equivalent to CEFR A2-B1 level. Target for high school students in Japan.

  • CEFR Level: A2-B1
  • Vocabulary Size: 3,500-4,000 words
  • Test Duration: 75 minutes (Written)
Grade Pre-2 Resources
Eiken Grade Pre-2

Grade 3 (Basic)

Equivalent to CEFR A1-A2 level. Target for junior high school graduates in Japan.

  • CEFR Level: A1-A2
  • Vocabulary Size: 2,000-2,500 words
  • Test Duration: 60 minutes (Written)
Grade 3 Resources
Eiken Grade 3

Grade 4 (Elementary)

Equivalent to CEFR A1 level. Target for elementary school graduates in Japan.

  • CEFR Level: A1
  • Vocabulary Size: 1,000-1,500 words
  • Test Duration: 45 minutes (Written)
Grade 4 Resources
Eiken Grade 4

Grade 5 (Beginner)

Entry-level test for beginners with basic English knowledge.

  • CEFR Level: Pre-A1
  • Vocabulary Size: 600-700 words
  • Test Duration: 40 minutes (Written)
Grade 5 Resources
Eiken Grade 5

Study Resources

Eiken Vocabulary Resources Free

Vocabulary Builder

Master essential vocabulary for each Eiken level with word lists, flashcards, and practice exercises.

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Eiken Listening Resources Premium

Listening Practice

Improve your listening skills with level-specific audio exercises and practice questions.

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Eiken Interview Resources Free

Interview Preparation

Practice for the speaking test with interview questions, model answers, and tips for each level.

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Practice Tests

Written Test Practice

Practice with vocabulary, reading, listening, and writing questions in the Eiken format.

Take a Test

Interview Practice

Prepare for the face-to-face interview with mock questions and simulated conversations.

Take a Test

Full Practice Test

Take a timed, full-length Eiken practice test for your target level with detailed scoring and analysis.

Start Test

Eiken Level Recommender

Answer a few questions to find the right Eiken level for your current English ability.

Based on your answers, we recommend you start with this Eiken level.

View Grade Resources

Expert Tips & Strategies

Written Test Strategies

For the vocabulary section, study common prefixes, suffixes, and root words to help deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words.

In the reading section, look for keywords in the questions first, then scan the passage for those terms to quickly locate relevant information.

Practice time management by allocating specific amounts of time for each section based on the number of questions and your comfort level.

Listening Section Tips

Preview the answer choices before the audio begins to know what information to listen for.

Pay special attention to numbers, names, times, and locations as these are often key to answering questions correctly.

If you miss something, make your best guess and move on - don't let one difficult question distract you from the next item.

Interview Test Preparation

Practice speaking clearly and at a moderate pace - it's better to say less with good pronunciation than to rush through your answers.

For the picture description task, organize your thoughts using the pattern: location, people, actions, and inference about what's happening.

Prepare for common interview topics like school life, hobbies, future plans, and current events appropriate to your target grade level.

Essay Writing for Higher Grades

Use a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs (with topic sentences), and conclusion.

Support your opinions with specific examples and reasons rather than general statements.

Practice writing within the time limit to ensure you can complete your essay with time for review.

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