EIKEN speaking tests

 

EIKEN is given in two stages. The second stage is a speaking test designed to directly
evaluate an examinee’s ability to speak and interact in English. An examinee must pass the
first stage (reading, listening, and writing) in order to advance to the second stage (speaking).

 

The second stage is:

  •     Given approximately one month after the first stage
  •     Required for all examinees who pass the first stage
  •     Administered for Grades 1, Pre-1, 2, Pre-2, and 3
  •     A face-to-face interview conducted on-site by qualified examiners
  •     Conducted entirely in English.

 

EIKEN Grade

Length of test

Number of examiners*

*For Grade 1, one examiner is a native speaker of English and the other a native speaker of Japanese who is proficient in English. For all other grades, the examiner may be either of the above. 

1

8 minutes

2

Pre-1

7 minutes

1

2

6 minutes

1

Pre-2

5 minutes

1

3

5 minutes

1

4

Not administered

5

 

> Learn more about the EIKEN grades

 

> Apply to become an EIKEN interview examiner

 

> Take a virtual tour of the EIKEN speaking tests (requires Japanese)