noun
Eiken Foundation of Japan; Society for Testing English Proficiency (STEP)
Official name of the organization that administers the Eiken (英検) English proficiency tests. The former English name is still widely recognized.
日本英語検定協会は、毎年多くの受験者に英検を実施している。
The Eiken Foundation of Japan administers the Eiken tests to many examinees every year.
Abbreviation for the Eiken tests themselves, not the organization.
Compound of 日本 (Japan), 英語 (English), 検定 (certification/examination), and 協会 (association/foundation).