Utsunomiya University Students Experience Digital Certificate Issuance Using Eiken Association's 'Lifelong Learning Platform'

The Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Japan English Language Education and Testing Organization (Eiken Association) (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsukawa; hereinafter referred to as 'Eiken Association'), in collaboration with the National University Corporation Utsunomiya University (Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture; President: Osamu Ikeda; hereinafter referred to as 'Utsunomiya University'), has commenced a pilot operation for digital certificate issuance utilizing the 'Lifelong Learning Platform' (trademark pending). Students at Utsunomiya University have experienced the application and receipt of digital certificates.

Based on the agreement regarding the development of the Lifelong Learning Platform*1, Eiken Association and Utsunomiya University have conducted a demonstration to treat PDF-format certificates issued by universities and high schools as 'Verifiable Credentials (VC)' and confirmed their effectiveness for operational use*2. Following the demonstration results in November 2025, a pilot operation targeting actual users, students, has been launched.

Students who participated in the trial provided positive feedback, such as, 'There is no need to go to the counter, and applications can be made anytime, 24 hours a day, which reduces the burden of procedures.'

*1: Agreement Signed Between Eiken Association and Utsunomiya University Regarding the Development of the 'Lifelong Learning Platform' (Trademark Pending) (Dated June 2, 2025)

*2: [Follow-up Report] Successful Demonstration Treating PDF-Format Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Enrollment Issued by Universities and High Schools as 'Verifiable Credentials' (Dated November 27, 2025)

【Overview of Digital Certificate Issuance Pilot Operation】
① Registration of a Lifelong Learning Account® required for using the Lifelong Learning Platform (Student)
② Application for digital certificate issuance on the Lifelong Learning Platform (Student)
③ Issuance of the applied digital certificate on the Lifelong Learning Platform (Utsunomiya University Staff)
④ Receipt of the issued digital certificate on the Lifelong Learning Platform (Student)

*Lifelong Learning Account® is a registered trademark or trademark of the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Japan English Language Education and Testing Organization.