Eiken S-CBT Explained: A Complete Guide to the PC-Based Test vs. the Traditional Exam

"What if a school sports competition clashes with the Eiken test date?"

"I need another chance to pass before my final year of high school for university applications."

For students facing these common scheduling challenges, the Eiken S-CBT (Computer-Based Test) offers a flexible solution.

Unlike the traditional paper-based Eiken, which is held only three times a year, the S-CBT is a new format offered nearly every weekend. It allows students to complete all four skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—on a computer in a single day.

However, many families have questions and concerns: "Is the computer-based format difficult?" "How does the speaking test work without an interviewer?" "Is it true that the test fee is non-refundable if we cancel?"

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the S-CBT, covering everything from how the test works to its strict cancellation policy and real feedback from students who have taken it.

1. What is the Eiken S-CBT? Key Differences from the Traditional Test

First and foremost, the grades and CSE scores obtained through the S-CBT are officially recognized and hold the exact same value as those from the traditional paper-based test.

There is absolutely no disadvantage in using S-CBT results for university applications or on official school records.

Traditional Test vs. S-CBT: A Detailed Comparison

The biggest advantage:

The traditional test and the S-CBT are considered separate testing opportunities. This means you can register for both within the same official testing period. For example, a student could attempt Eiken Grade 2 three times—once with the traditional test and twice with the S-CBT—and then submit their best score for applications.

2. Addressing the Top 3 Concerns About the S-CBT

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the S-CBT's unique system.

Q1. How does the speaking test work without an interviewer? (Recording Format)

It is not a face-to-face interview. Students record their answers by speaking into a headset microphone while an examiner's video, avatar, or still image is displayed on the screen.

• Advantage: This format is ideal for students who feel nervous or shy in face-to-face interviews.
• Important: You must complete your response within the allotted time, which is indicated by a progress bar on the screen.

Q2. Is typing required for the writing section?

No. When registering, you can choose between handwriting and typing.

For many students who are more comfortable and faster with handwriting, we strongly recommend selecting the handwritten option.

Q3. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

This is a critical point to understand.

Once registration is complete, the Eiken S-CBT does not permit any cancellations, rescheduling, or refunds for personal reasons.

Reasons such as a scheduling conflict with a school activity or illness are not eligible for a refund. Therefore, careful schedule planning is essential.

3. Real Student Feedback: The Pros and Cons

We've gathered feedback from students who have taken the S-CBT. Their experiences offer practical insights you won't find in the official test guides.

Pros (What students liked)

• "The listening section was much clearer."
  • In the traditional test, sound quality can vary depending on where you sit in the room. With the S-CBT, the high-quality headset allowed me to set the volume perfectly and focus.
• "Finishing everything in one day is a relief."
  • There's no stress of waiting for the results of the first stage to see if you can proceed to the second. For a student with a busy extracurricular schedule, it was ideal.

Cons (Challenges and Issues)

• "It was noisy with other people speaking."

  Because everyone starts the speaking test at the same time, I could hear the person next to me speaking, which was distracting. You need to be able to concentrate and block out your surroundings.

• "My eyes got tired from the screen."

  Reading long passages on the screen was difficult. A major drawback was not being able to make notes directly on the text as you would with a paper test (there is a highlight tool, but it can be awkward to use).

• "The headset was uncomfortable."

  As a glasses-wearer, the headset became painful on my ears after wearing it for an extended period. It would have been a good idea to practice with headphones on for long durations beforehand.

4. Which Test is Right for You? A Checklist

Finally, let's determine whether the S-CBT or the traditional test is the better choice for you.

The S-CBT is a good fit if you:

• Have a busy schedule with extracurriculars that often conflict with weekend test dates.
• Feel very nervous or anxious in face-to-face interview settings.
• Want to increase your testing opportunities and get your results quickly.
• Are confident in your listening skills and want to benefit from clear, individual audio.

The Traditional Test might be better if you:

• Find it difficult to read long texts on a screen and prefer to underline and make notes on paper.
• Are not comfortable with typing or using a mouse.
• Are easily distracted by the sound of other people speaking nearby.
• Want to avoid the strict no-cancellation policy of the S-CBT (Note: While the traditional test also has restrictions, options like exemption from the first stage on a future test may be available).

5. Conclusion: Familiarity is Key to Success with the S-CBT

The Eiken S-CBT can be a powerful tool for success, as long as you understand how it works.

Issues like background noise and computer navigation are much less intimidating once you've experienced them.

Instead of going in unprepared, the best path to passing on your first attempt is to practice with S-CBT-style mock tests and get comfortable with the recording format through online speaking practice.

Prepare for the S-CBT with Our Eiken Lessons

At ELT, we offer practice lessons specifically designed for the S-CBT's unique format, including the recorded speaking section and on-screen reading.

• Speaking Practice: Learn how to use pauses effectively to stay calm and articulate in a recorded format.
• Full Mock Tests: Get accustomed to the timing and flow of the actual exam.
• Dual-Test Support: We help you create a strategic schedule for taking both the traditional and S-CBT tests.