Overview
Suken (数検), formally the Practical Mathematics Proficiency Test (実用数学技能検定), is run by the Mathematics Certification Institute of Japan and is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It measures practical maths skills such as calculation, drawing, expression, measurement, statistics and proof, and papers are written-answer. Grades 1 to 5 are called the Mathematics tests (数学検定). Grades 6 to 11 and the Kazu-Katachi test for young children are called the Arithmetic tests (算数検定).
Levels or stages
| Grade | Approximate level |
|---|---|
| 1 | University and general level |
| Pre-1 (準1級) | Third year of high school (Maths III and C level) |
| 2 | Second year of high school (Maths II and B level) |
| Pre-2 (準2級) | First year of high school (Maths I and A level) |
| 3 | Third year of junior high |
| 4 | Second year of junior high |
| 5 | First year of junior high |
| 6 to 11 | Sixth year of primary school down to first year |
| Kazu-Katachi (かず・かたち検定) | Young children, with Gold Star and Silver Star levels |
Who can apply
As a rule there is no eligibility requirement. Anyone can sit any grade, and a grade can be retaken. A pass is not cancelled if you retake the grade and fail.
Exam pattern
Grades 1 to 5 have two parts: a first stage (計算技能検定, calculation skills) and a second stage (数理技能検定, mathematical skills). You may use a calculator in the second stage, but not a phone, tablet, electronic dictionary or a calculator with communication or printing functions. Grades 6 to 11 and Kazu-Katachi are a single paper.
| Grade | Stage 1 questions | Stage 1 time | Stage 2 questions | Stage 2 time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 60 min | 2 compulsory plus 2 chosen from 5 | 120 min |
| Pre-1 | 7 | 60 min | 2 compulsory plus 2 chosen from 5 | 120 min |
| 2 | 15 | 50 min | 2 compulsory plus 3 chosen from 5 | 90 min |
| Pre-2 | 15 | 50 min | 10 | 90 min |
| 3 | 30 | 50 min | 20 | 60 min |
| 4 | 30 | 50 min | 20 | 60 min |
| 5 | 30 | 50 min | 20 | 60 min |
For Arithmetic grades 6 to 8 the paper has 30 questions in 50 minutes, and for grades 9 to 11 it has 20 questions in 40 minutes.
Marking and results
The pass mark is about 70% of the questions in the first stage and about 60% in the second stage. For the Arithmetic grades it is about 70%. If you have passed only one stage of a grade 1 to 5, you can apply to skip that stage next time, and you then get 1,000 yen off the fee.
Fees
As listed on the official site in 2026, in yen:
| Grade | Individual | Group (school or organisation) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8,500 | not offered |
| Pre-1 | 7,300 | 6,400 |
| 2 | 6,500 | 5,600 |
| Pre-2 | 5,600 | 4,800 |
| 3 | 4,900 | 4,300 |
| 4 | 4,300 | 3,800 |
| 5 | 4,300 | 3,800 |
| 6 to 8 | 3,200 | 3,100 |
| 9 to 11 | 2,700 | 2,500 |
| Kazu-Katachi | 2,700 | 2,700 |
How to apply
You can apply as an individual through the Institute's application site, or through a school or organisation that holds a group sitting. Individual candidates get an admit card by electronic file about two weeks before the exam and must attach a photo for grades 1 to 3 (not needed for grade 4 and below). The Institute's exam dates list gives the sitting dates; for 2026 an English-language version is offered on 25 July and 25 October.
FAQs
What level is Suken Grade 1?
University and general level, the highest grade. Grade Pre-1 is about the Maths III and C level of the third year of high school.
Is Suken only for school students?
No. The Institute states that anyone can sit any grade.
Can I retake a grade I passed?
Yes, and a failed retake does not cancel the earlier pass.