The CEFR course is designed to develop English language skills of a global standard that will enable you to pass all Grades (Grade 5, Grade 4, Grade 3, Grade Pre 2, Grade 2, Grade Pre 1, and Grade 1).

Test content by grade and difficulty level

Contents of Eiken examinations by grade

Grade	Level	Contents	Question format
Grade 5	Beginner middle school level	It's a first goal for those who have just started learning English. The questions cover familiar topics such as family, hobbies, and sports. It is ideal for building a solid foundation in English. A speaking test is also available.	Reading, listening and recorded speaking test
Grade 4	Intermediate middle school level	The format and content of the questions become more practical. Reading comprehension questions on familiar topics are added. A speaking test is also available.	Reading, listening and recorded speaking test
Grade 3	Middle school graduation level	A speaking test is given in the second test. The ability to convey ideas in English is necessary. The subject matter of the written test broadens a little, e.g. foreign cultures.	Reading, listening, and speaking (communicating ideas)
Grade Pre 2	Intermediate high school level	There will be longer fill-in-the-blank questions on subjects such as education and science. The format has much in common with that of the university entrance exam, making it ideal preparation for it. A simple writing section is added.	Reading, writing, listening, and speaking (answering questions)
Grade 2	High school graduation level	Questions requiring comprehension of English texts related to social topics such as healthcare and technology will be included. Strong communication skills are highly valued, especially for overseas study, preferential treatment in domestic entrance exams, and credit recognition. Demonstrating proficiency in English can also be advantageous in business settings, such as on resumes for employment exams. Additionally, writing skills will be assessed.	Reading, writing, listening, and speaking (basic communication)
Grade Pre 1	Intermediate university level	There will be practical English writing questions in the form of essays.	Reading, writing, listening, speaking (useful conversation)
Grade 1	Advanced university level	The second test consists of a two-minute speech and questions on the content of the speech. You will need not only knowledge of English but also the ability to communicate and respond to others.	Reading, writing listening, and speaking (a 2-minute speech and Q&A session) *Responsiveness and expressive skills are required.

　

CEFR conversion of Eiken and comparison of English levels in international schools.

Grade	Levels based on Japanese schooling	CEFR level	Levels based on international schooling
5級	Beginner middle school level	A1	1st grade of international primary school
4級	Intermediate middle school level	A1	2nd grade of international primary school
3級	Middle school graduation level	A1	3rd ~ 4th grade of international primary school
準2級	Intermediate high school level	A2	5th ~ 6th grade of international primary school
2級	High school graduation level	B1	Middle school
準1級	Intermediate university level	B2	High school
1級	Advanced university level	C1	Universities abroad
		C2	Translation and interpretation

　

At Nisai, we consistently provide CEFR programs to students worldwide. Since the CEFR program follows global standards, students naturally develop the English proficiency required for international schools, enabling them to aim for higher scores in exams like the Eiken. For example, a third-grade elementary school boy at Nisai (starting English studies from scratch) combined the CEFR program with the Units of Sound program and achieved a perfect score on the Eiken Grade 3 exam after ten months of study.

While Nisai does not offer specific exam preparation for the Eiken, our fully online international school structure ensures that students develop English proficiency to achieve top scores in exams like the Eiken.

Benefits of the Eiken Preparation CEFR Course!
Comparison with other Eiken preparation institutions

Instructors at international schools

Nisai is a fully online Cambridge International School. Teachers teach subjects in English every day and are also responsible for the CEFR program. Teachers are experienced, hold UK teaching qualifications, and have been training for a long time. Nisai has also been awarded an Ofsted 'Good with Outstanding Features' rating by the UK Department for Education.

A curriculum based on global standards

The CEFR program implemented at Nisai follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This course emphasizes the improvement of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English. The content of learning is based on actual situations related to public, personal, educational, and occupational topics.

Each course is designed to strengthen learners' English proficiency according to their needs. Furthermore, Nisai's curriculum is implemented globally in Europe and Asia. Exams such as the Eiken, Cambridge English Exams, IELTS, and TOEIC are all structured according to the CEFR standard.

The reason why taking Nisai's CEFR program improves scores in exams like Eiken is because the curriculum is implemented according to this CEFR standard.

Comparison of CEFR levels with Eiken

Comparison of CEFR levels with Eiken

Classroom system that fosters four skills

Nisai adopts a classroom system where faces are not visible. It's been observed that learning effectiveness decreases when faces are visible in online education. Moreover, not seeing faces naturally focuses on listening and reading. Writing skills improve as students express themselves in chat.

Speaking skills improve as the three skills of listening, reading, and writing are closely intertwined. Expressing thoughts in chat (text) leads to the development of advanced speaking skills, such as expressing logically in written language. Moreover, the expression becomes more detailed.

Recording and weekly assignments for repeated practice

All live lessons at Nisai are recorded. These recordings can be utilized for learning purposes on days when students cannot attend class or for review. By deepening learning through repetition, English proficiency improves significantly.

Fees of Online Eiken Preparation Course

     

An entrance fee of 33,000 yen (including tax) is required upon enrollment. (One-time only)

CEFR A1 7-month Intensive Program

(You can choose between Japanese support class and All English class)

The CEFR program at Nisai enables students to acquire "actual English proficiency" as it follows the global standard for English proficiency. Unlike mere memorization-based Eiken preparation offered by English conversation schools or English cram schools, Nisai's Eiken preparation classes focus on developing genuine English proficiency to pass the Eiken exam through competency. Therefore, the program lasts for 7 months.

Program Content

CEFR: Four lessons per week for 30 minutes each
+
Units of Sound: Personal training once a week

Fees

Items	Fees (tax included)
■Initial fees
Entrance fee (one-time only)	33,000 yen
Units of Sound account fee (annual)	19,800 yen (You can learn for one year even after the 7-month program ends.)
Total initial fee	52,800 yen
■Monthly cost
Units of Sound Personal Training: Once a week	5,720 yen per month (with a discount for concurrent use of international course)
CEFR A1 7 months	20,350 yen per month
Total monthly fee	26,070 yen

※CEFR and personal training costs are incurred monthly. Payment can also be made in a lump sum or through monthly payments.

CEFR A2~CEFRC1 7-month Intensive Program (All English)

The CEFR program at Nisai enables students to acquire "actual English proficiency" as it follows the global standard for English proficiency. Unlike mere memorization-based Eiken preparation offered by English conversation schools or English cram schools, Nisai's Eiken preparation classes focus on developing genuine English proficiency to pass the Eiken exam through competency. Therefore, the program lasts for 7 months.

Fees

Items	Fees (tax included)
■Initial fees
Entrance fee (one-time only)	33,000 yen
Units of Sound account fee (annual)	19,800 yen (You can learn for one year even after the 7-month program ends.)
Total initial fee	52,800 yen
■Monthly cost
Units of Sound Personal Training: Once a week	5,720 yen per month (with a discount for concurrent use of international course)
CEFR A2～C1 7 months	18,150 yen per month
Total monthly fee	23,870 yen

※CEFR and personal training costs are incurred monthly. Payment can also be made in a lump sum or through monthly payments.

Program Options

7-Month program starting from January (For Eiken May and September Exams)

※Application for the January program is open until the end of March.

If you wish to continue from September onwards for the next Eiken exam, you can apply for the September program. The course you will study is the next grade level.

※Generally, you will progress to the next grade level, but if there are frequent absences or if the teacher determines that your English proficiency has not improved due to not completing assignments, you may not be able to progress.

7-Month Program Starting from September (For Eiken January and May Exams)

※Application for the September program is open until the end of November.

If you miss the application deadline, you will start with the personal training from Units of Sound.

※Optional speaking practice fee (Designated schedule for Eiken exam: 4 times a month × 60 minutes)
18,500 yen (tax included)