notice

~To reduce the burden on examinees and create an entrance examination environment that is easily accessible from all over the country~

Prometric Japan Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: James Hagenbuscher) announced on June 1, 2026, that, in collaboration with Gakken Inc. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara), it will introduce CBT（Computer Based Testing）) method that can be taken at test centers nationwide for the B schedule of the school recommendation-based selection (publicly offered recommendation-based entrance examination) for the 2027 academic year entrance examination at Nara Gakuen University (Nara City, Nara Prefecture).
This aims to simultaneously improve convenience for Candidate, streamline exam administration, and ensure fairness and security.

■ Background

In recent years, expanding examination opportunities and improving the efficiency and security of exam administration have become challenges in university entrance examinations. CBT（Computer Based Testing）, which allows exams to be conducted on computers and utilize test centers nationwide, is attracting increasing attention. Against this backdrop, Nara Gakuen University has decided to introduce the CBT system with the aim of improving convenience for Candidate. By creating an environment where prospective students who wish to attend the university can take the exam regardless of their place of residence or travel distance, the university aims to secure examination opportunities from a wider range of regions.

■ Overview of the CBT entrance examination at Nara Gakuen University

Nara Gakuen University will introduce the CBT (Computer-Based Testing) method for its School Recommendation-Based Selection (Publicly Offered Recommendation Entrance Examination) Schedule B in the 2027 academic year entrance examinations.

• Application period: November 1st (Sun) - November 11th (Wed), 2026
• Exam date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
• Results announcement date: December 1, 2026 (Tuesday)

For the entrance examination, Candidate can choose to take the exam using one of the following methods:

• Examination at Nara Gakuen University campus (PBT* format)
• Exams can be taken at test centers nationwide (computer-based testing).

*PBT (Paper Based Testing) refers to traditional paper-based testing.

This examination consists of two subjects, chosen from English, Japanese, mathematics, science, etc. The examination time is 100 minutes.

Furthermore, by allowing applicants to take the exam at university Test Center using the traditional method within the same entrance examination, we will provide a flexible examination method that suits the circumstances of Candidate. In either method, the examination will be designed and operated with fairness in mind, as it will be for the same selection category.

■ Overview of the initiative

• Nara Gakuen University: Recruitment, public relations, and examination administration (university Test Center)
• Gakken Co., Ltd.: Operational support leveraging expertise in services for educational institutions.
• Prometric Japan Co., Ltd..: Provides a nationwide network of test centers, operates CBTs, and manages the testing process On the test day

■ Purpose of implementation

Through this initiative, Nara Gakuen University aims to achieve the following:

• Expanding examination opportunities by creating an environment where examinations can be taken nationwide.
• Improving convenience for Candidate
• Ensuring fairness in examination administration

Test centers nationwide are standardized based on unified regulations, ensuring a fair and stable testing environment. Furthermore, conducting exams at permanent test centers will reduce the workload on universities while expanding testing opportunities. In addition, testers will be able to choose their testing Test Center from test centers in major cities across the country.

Kenji Kanayama, President of Nara Gakuen University

"At Nara Gakuen University, we consider it a crucial task to create an environment where prospective students can easily take our entrance examination, regardless of their place of residence or travel distance."

With the introduction of the CBT (Computer-Based Testing) system, applicants can now choose to take the exam at test centers nationwide, in addition to the traditional university Test Center. We expect this will reduce the travel burden on applicants from distant locations and expand their opportunities to take the exam. Our university will continue to work towards creating an entrance examination environment that is more accessible and safer for applicants, while prioritizing fairness and safety.

Gakken Inc.

Gakken Corporation endorses this initiative at Nara Gakuen University. We will provide our "Admission Compass" solution, which offers comprehensive support from the computer-based testing (CBT) of entrance examinations to their implementation at test centers in all 47 prefectures of Japan. This service will enable universities to streamline their entrance examination operations and optimize their operational structure, while ensuring stable operation and improved quality. For applicants, it will expand their options for Test Center, reducing the time and financial burden associated with traveling long distances and supporting the creation and expansion of examination opportunities.

James Hagenbuscher, CEO of Prometric Japan Co., Ltd.

"We are honored to participate in this initiative at Nara Gakuen University. As a collaborative project with Gakken Inc., we will provide "Admission Compass," a comprehensive support service for the computer-based testing (CBT) transformation of university entrance examinations, offering more testing opportunities to Candidate through standardized test centers nationwide. Based on our operational experience cultivated through high-stakes examinations and our expertise as a pioneer in the CBT field, we will continue to contribute to the development of university entrance examinations through fair and reliable testing services."

■ Future developments

Through this initiative, we aim to promote diversification of examination opportunities and create an environment where applicants can choose the most suitable examination method regardless of their place of residence or circumstances. We will continue to pursue flexible entrance examinations that are open to a wider range of applicants.