EIKEN Practice Tests — All Eight Grades
Full-length practice tests for every EIKEN grade, from Grade 5 to Grade 1, in the current format: Reading and Writing, Listening with spoken answer choices, and the speaking test or interview, with audio, instant scores and model answers. Choose your grade to begin: the first test of every grade is free.
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What is EIKEN?
EIKEN (the Test in Practical English Proficiency) is Japan's national English test. It is run by the Eiken Foundation of Japan, has been held since 1963, and is taken by millions of learners every year, from primary school children to working adults. Instead of one test for everyone, EIKEN has a ladder of eight grades. You choose the grade that matches your level and either pass or fail it, so a certificate says clearly what you can do in English.
The standard paper-based test is held in three sessions a year (around June, October and January), and a computer-based version (EIKEN S-CBT) is also available for several grades. Results are reported on the EIKEN CSE score, one scale for all grades and all four skills that is aligned with the CEFR.
The eight EIKEN grades
The grades run from Grade 5, the first step for beginners, to Grade 1, which is close to university-advanced English. The CEFR levels below are approximate, based on the Foundation's own CSE-to-CEFR table.
| Grade | CEFR (approx.) | First stage | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 | A1 (beginner) | Reading 25 min · Listening about 20 min | Recorded computer test, about 3 min |
| Grade 4 | A1 | Reading 35 min · Listening about 30 min | Recorded computer test, about 4 min |
| Grade 3 | A1 | Reading & Writing 65 min · Listening about 25 min | Interview, about 5 min |
| Grade Pre-2 | A2 | Reading & Writing 80 min · Listening about 25 min | Interview, about 6 min |
| Grade Pre-2 Plus | A2–B1 | Reading & Writing 85 min · Listening about 25 min | Interview, about 7 min |
| Grade 2 | B1 | Reading & Writing 85 min · Listening about 25 min | Interview, about 7 min |
| Grade Pre-1 | B2 | Reading & Writing 90 min · Listening about 30 min | Interview, about 8 min |
| Grade 1 | C1 | Reading & Writing 100 min · Listening about 35 min | Interview, about 10 min |
Grade Pre-2 Plus is the newest grade. It was added in the 2025 school year to fill the large gap between Grade Pre-2 and Grade 2.
How the test works: first stage and second stage
From Grade 3 upwards, EIKEN has two stages. The first stage is a written test: one Reading and Writing booklet with a single time limit, followed by a Listening test. Candidates who pass the first stage are invited to the second stage, a face-to-face speaking interview with an examiner, based on a card with a short passage and pictures. Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 interviews add a free conversation, a picture-story narration (Pre-1) or a two-minute speech on a social topic (Grade 1).
Grade 5 and Grade 4 have Reading and Listening only. Their speaking test is a short recorded test taken on a computer, open to everyone who applies, and its result (pass or fail) is reported separately.
In the Listening test, the lower grades are special: in Grades 5, 4, 3 and Pre-2 the answer choices for the first part are only heard, never printed, and Grades 5 and 4 (and Parts 2 and 3 of Grade 3) are played twice. Our player follows these rules exactly.
The 2024 renewal
From the first session of 2024, EIKEN changed the first stage for Grade 3 and above. Every one of these grades now has two writing tasks: Grade 3 and Grade Pre-2 added an email reply, and Grade 2, Pre-1 and Grade 1 added a summary of a short text. To keep the test time manageable, some reading questions were removed. All 7ESL EIKEN tests follow the renewed format, including the new Grade Pre-2 Plus.
Who takes EIKEN, and why?
Most EIKEN candidates are students in Japan. Many junior and senior high schools encourage it, and many Japanese high schools and universities give credit or special treatment in entrance exams to applicants with a certain grade, often Grade 2 or Grade Pre-1 for university admissions. Adults use Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 to show strong English for work, and some universities outside Japan also recognise the higher grades.
How to use these practice tests
- Every grade has five complete tests with all papers, and each test uses new topics.
- Reading and Listening are marked instantly, with an explanation for every question after you check your answers.
- Listening follows the real test: spoken answer choices are read aloud as “One… Two… Three…”, and parts are played once or twice as in the exam. Use “Play whole part” for exam conditions.
- Writing tasks come with a full-mark model answer and three sample answers scored on the official criteria. Pro members can also have their answer scored by the AI examiner.
- Speaking has the card, the examiner's questions as audio, and model answers, including Yes and No answers for opinion questions and model speeches for Grade 1.
Not sure which grade to choose? Try a test at the grade you think fits, then move up or down. As a rough guide, Grade 3 matches the end of junior high school, Grade 2 the end of senior high school, and Grade Pre-1 a strong university level.
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EIKEN — frequently asked questions
What is the EIKEN test?
EIKEN (the Test in Practical English Proficiency) is Japan's national English test, run by the Eiken Foundation of Japan. It has eight grades, from Grade 5 for beginners to Grade 1 for advanced users, and each grade is passed or failed.
What are the EIKEN grades in order?
From easiest to hardest: Grade 5, Grade 4, Grade 3, Grade Pre-2, Grade Pre-2 Plus, Grade 2, Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1. Grade Pre-2 Plus was added in 2025, between Pre-2 and Grade 2.
What changed in the 2024 EIKEN renewal?
From the first session of 2024, Grades 3 to 1 have two writing tasks: Grade 3 and Pre-2 added an email reply, and Grade 2, Pre-1 and Grade 1 added a summary. Some reading questions were removed to make room.
Does every grade have a speaking test?
Yes. From Grade 3 upwards, candidates who pass the first stage take a face-to-face interview. Grades 5 and 4 have a separate recorded speaking test on a computer, and its result is reported on its own.
Are these official EIKEN tests?
No. They are original 7ESL practice materials written in the public EIKEN format. 7ESL is not affiliated with the Eiken Foundation of Japan, and practice scores are not EIKEN CSE scores.
7ESL practice material written in the public EIKEN format (2024 renewal). 7ESL is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Eiken Foundation of Japan. EIKEN is a registered trademark of the Eiken Foundation of Japan.