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Success Stories / Soka University Rolls Out CBT Nationwide in Japan

Soka University Rolls Out CBT Nationwide in Japan

Soka University launched nationwide CBT for late-term admissions, improving access, efficiency, and satisfaction—marking a first for Japan’s private universities.

Soka University Japan

Background

In 2025, Soka University celebrates its 55th anniversary. As part of its ten-year mid-to-long-term strategic plan titled the “Soka University Grand Design 2021–2030,” the university is committed to fostering “global citizens who create value,” with initiatives centered around education, research, the SDGs, and diversity.

A defining feature of Soka University is its global orientation. As of April 2025, the university maintains academic partnerships with 271 universities across 69 countries and regions. International students account for 17.5% of the student body, and 20.5% of Japanese undergraduate students have studied abroad3. Since 2010, the university has also implemented the Global Citizenship Program (GCP), aimed at preparing students for graduate study abroad and global careers, producing many distinguished alumni.

As a result of these initiatives, Soka University was ranked 8th in Japan in the “International Environment” category of the Times Higher Education (THE) Japan University Rankings 2025, published annually by The Times (UK).

The Challenge

Currently, the university is undertaking curriculum reforms targeting the 2026 academic year. This includes merging the Faculties of Economics and Business Administration, as well as establishing new departments within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. By 2026, Soka University will comprise 7 faculties and 10 departments. The admissions framework will also be updated, with two new entrance examination formats scheduled to begin that same year. (For details, please visit: https://www.soka.ac.jp/en/admissions/)

For the 2025 academic year, Soka University adopted Prometric’s computer-based testing (CBT) format for the first time in its Late-Term General Entrance Examination (Two-Subject Format). Given its national applicant base, the university had long conducted regional test sessions and saw Prometric’s extensive network of local test centers and cost-effectiveness as key advantages for further expanding access.

Sako2

Implementation Process

The university spent approximately five years evaluating the transition from paper-based testing (PBT) to CBT. Despite the prevalence of PBT across Japanese universities, Soka University proactively discussed how to maintain fairness for applicants and manage the increased preparation involved in adopting a new testing modality. 

From the decision to proceed through to the actual implementation, Soka University worked closely with Prometric via regular meetings and site visits to test centers. Prometric provided detailed support to align CBT delivery with the operational expectations of the university, ultimately enabling an exam experience closely aligned with traditional PBT in terms of structure and timing.

Security was a key concern. The university confirmed in advance how the test centers would manage candidate flow and respond to unexpected incidents. Confident in Prometric’s robust security framework, Soka University successfully conducted the examinations without any incident. The survey feedback from test takers highlighted high satisfaction with the facilities and overall testing experience.

Benefits and Outcomes

The implementation of CBT delivered tangible operational and strategic benefits:

  • Increased Accessibility: Applicants could now take the test at secure local centers nationwide, reducing travel burdens and increasing participation.
  • Improved Efficiency: Staff needed for exam administration was reduced by 50%, from 10 to 5, alleviating the workload on university faculty and staff.
  • Cost Effectiveness: Although initial implementation involved investment, overall exam delivery costs were lower than traditional PBT-based administration.
  • Positive Feedback: Examinees reported high satisfaction with the comfort and functionality of Prometric’s test centers. 

Additionally, conducting CBT for the Late Term General Entrance Examination created a valuable pathway for students who were undecided about their next steps to apply and be considered even late in the admissions cycle. 

Future Outlook

While the initial implementation was successful, the university identified digital literacy as a key challenge. Even though the CBT required only basic skills—clicking and number pad entry—some applicants found the format difficult due to limited experience using computers. To maximize the benefits of CBT, the university recognizes the importance of lowering barriers to technology use and would welcome support initiatives from Prometric to help familiarize students with digital testing platforms. 

In an increasingly digital society, Soka University sees the integration of admissions and digital technology as a critical issue. The university’s first step toward digitizing its admissions process came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when its group-discussion-based PASCAL entrance exam was transitioned to an online format. 

The 2025 implementation of CBT marked a bold step in the university’s efforts to modernize admissions. It also prompted internal reflection on the core question: “What value can we offer applicants as a university?” This initiative, made possible in collaboration with Prometric, represents a significant milestone in expanding access to quality education and will serve as a foundation for future innovation.

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