EIKEN Test Format: Two stages, four skills
EIKEN is administered in two stages. The First Stage is paper-based and consists of four main testing areas:
- Vocabulary
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Writing
The Second Stage is a direct speaking component, designed to discriminate between examinees with interactive speaking skills and those who merely perform well on multiple-choice tests.
The EIKEN speaking test is
- Required for all examinees who pass the First Stage
- A personal interview conducted on-site by qualified examiners
- Administered for Grades 1, Pre-1, 2, Pre-2, and 3.
An examinee must pass both stages of a grade in order to receive qualification.
The EIKEN grades are administered three times each year:
Did you know: EIKEN Grades 1 and Pre-1 include a handwritten essay task. More than 90,000 examinees take these tests each year, and each of their compositions is personally evaluated by STEP examiners.
