English Language Matters: A new EIKEN increment

I was a member of an Aikido school in my first year in Japan, I was surprised to be nominated for the 六級 rokkyu, 6th level test, within the first six months. It was a big boost to be celebrated when I passed. Japan loves its tests and has many to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in a knowledge area or skill. Later, I managed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at the N2 level. My coworkers congratulated me, and I felt more confident in reading and listening comprehension. 

Survey results from my 2025 high school English club survey

For English learners, the EIKEN is a biggie. It’s widely used to demonstrate English skills, performed three times a year, with two rounds. The first is a paper test assessing grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and listening. The second round is an interview. This year, the EIKEN test regime has a new level, Grade Pre-2 Plus. It’s an intermediary level between Grade Pre-2 and Grade 2.

Why’d they make one more test? The test authority says that many English learners find the step from Pre-2 to 2 is huge. EIKEN Foundation’s data says that each increment took about a year of study, but the gap from Pre-2 to 2 took one more year. The baby-step approach is supposed to give learners a bridge between the levels.

Are your children or students taking this new test? How do they feel about this bridging step?