The Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association has reached a basic agreement with KEI Advance and ODK Solutions, which operate university entrance exam application services, to digitalize university entrance exam applications using the Eiken test. This will shorten the time it takes for paper certificates to arrive, and eliminate the need for postal costs, reducing the burden on test-takers.
According to the Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association, the university entrance examination application service "University Entrance Exam ASP" provided by KEI Advance is used by approximately 100 universities nationwide, while ODK Solutions' "UCARO Application" is used by approximately 110 universities, allowing the application process to be carried out online.
The two services will be integrated with the Eiken Digital Certificates service, allowing users to send digital certificates online. Unlike traditional paper certificates, additional digital certificates can be issued free of charge.
There is an increasing number of cases where external English proficiency tests such as the Eiken Test are used in university entrance exams, but the time, effort, and cost required to wait for a paper certificate and then send it by mail to the school of one's choice is a burden on test-takers. It also requires time and effort from university admissions officers to visually check the certificates and make corrections if any errors are found.
According to a survey by the Obunsha Educational Information Center, the Eiken test accounts for about 9% of external English proficiency tests used by university entrance exam candidates. The Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association plans to increase the number of partner companies so that digital certificates can be used at almost all universities.
Reference: [Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association]
A basic agreement is concluded with KEI Advance Co., Ltd. to digitalize university entrance examination applications using the Eiken test (PDF)
A basic agreement was signed with ODK Solutions Co., Ltd. to digitize university entrance examination applications using the Eiken test (PDF)
