EIKEN Guide: Grades, CSE Scores, Fees, Overseas Testing & Japanese Admissions

EIKEN reports both a grade and CSE scores

EIKEN is a grade-based testing system from Grade 1 to Grade 5, with Grade Pre-2 Plus added from the 2025 academic year. Grades 3 through 1 use a first stage covering Reading, Listening and Writing and a second-stage Speaking interview. CSE scores are reported by skill and overall; a university may specify a CSE threshold rather than simply “pass Grade Pre-1”.

The same raw number correct does not necessarily produce the same CSE score in different sessions. Scores are scaled using item-response methods, so an exact CSE cannot be calculated from a self-marked raw result. The first- and second-stage pass standards are also different from a university’s four-skill CSE requirement.

Conventional EIKEN and S-CBT

Both routes can often provide the same grade and CSE evidence, but universities may specify delivery format, test window, whether a grade pass is required and the four-skill score. Do not rely on a generic “EIKEN accepted” label; read the exact test and score wording.

2026 fees

School or group venues in Japan have lower fees for Grade 2 and below. Overseas fees vary by city and do not use the Japanese domestic price table.

Can EIKEN be taken in Sydney?

A Japanese school, supplementary school or tutoring organisation in Sydney may run a private group sitting, but it may not accept outside candidates. Ask the organisation directly. If unavailable, consider conventional EIKEN or S-CBT while in Japan, or TOEFL/IELTS where the intended route accepts them. Before travelling for a test, confirm that the university accepts the format and date.

What level is useful for returnee admission?

As broad learning goals, Grade 2 checks a high-school-graduation benchmark, Grade Pre-1 (CEFR B2) is a practical university-admission target, and Grade 1 (CEFR C1) is strong evidence of proficiency. But Grade 1 does not guarantee admission to a selective university. A returnee with extensive English-medium schooling may still need a high CSE score, strong writing, Japanese academic communication and school results.

For comparisons with TOEFL, IELTS and SAT, and published university examples, continue to the English tests and selectivity guide.

How to prepare

• Use official past tests to establish timing across vocabulary, reading, listening and writing.
• Check the current writing tasks for the grade, including summary and opinion writing, and review content, organisation, vocabulary and grammar separately.
• For the second-stage interview, practise narration, opinions, reasons and follow-up questions aloud rather than only reading the card.
• For university use, check whether a higher CSE is needed even after passing the grade, and confirm permitted sessions and validity.