A 4-skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing) exam in English, aligned to the B1 level of the CEFR*. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) delivered through LanguageCert’s global network of SELT Centres.

About the exam:

• Consists of a Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking) component
• Both components can be taken on the same day or within 14 days of each other

CEFR level B1 is the minimum requirement for the following visa types:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health & Care Worker Visa
• Work Permit Holder
• Tier 2 (General)
• Student visa (this route replaces Tier 4) - (below degree level)

Applicants with a higher language level can take a B2, C1 or C2 Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking exam, which also satisfies the application requirement.

After the exam, candidates receive a Test Report displaying their score and unique reference number (URN). The URN must be included in the visa application.

Visa requirement information is subject to change. Applicants should refer to UK Government guidance on English language exams for visas and are responsible for ensuring they take the correct exam.

*Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, is widely used to describe levels of language proficiency.

Key features 

Exam format

Computer-based 2 hours & 40 minutes & Speaking is a Computer-based interview with a live interlocutor at a SELT Test Centre

Speaking 12 minutes

Listening 30 minutes

Reading & Writing 2 hours & 10 minutes uninterrupted

Tasks

Speaking

Part 1

• Give and spell name
• State country of origin
• Answer 5 questions

Part 2

• 2 or 3 situations are presented by the interlocutor
• Candidates are expected to respond to questions and initiate interactions

Part 3

• Hold a short discussion to make a plan, arrange or decide something using written text as the prompt

Part 4

• Candidates are given 30 seconds preparation time
• Talk about a topic provided by the interlocutor for 2 minutes
• Answer follow-up questions

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Listening

Part 1: 7 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)

Task: • Listen twice to 7 short sentences between 2 speakers, 1 being a formal

• Choose the appropriate response for each question  

Part 2: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)

Task: • Listen twice to 3 short conversations between 2 speakers to identify: topic, purpose, context, speakers, gist, relationship between speakers, roles, functions, attitudes, feeling and opinions

• Choose the appropriate response for each question

Part 3: 7 questions (write notes on the message pad based on the information in the recording)

Task: • Listen twice to the recording to identify specific information

• Jot down answers consisting of 1 to 3 words

Part 4: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)

Task: • Listen twice to a discussion to identify gist, examples, fact, opinion, contrast, purpose, key ideas, attitude, cause and effect

• Choose the appropriate response for each question

Part 1: 5 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)

Task: • 5 short texts each with one gap testing layout, lexis, cohesive devices, coherence

• Choose the appropriate response for each question

Part 2: 6 questions multiple choice options to fill in an incomplete text (1 option is a distractor)

Task: • Choose the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text

Part 3: 7 questions (4 texts provide the answers)

Task: • Read the 4 texts, e.g. email, article, advert, etc. and choose which text answers which question

Part 4: 8 questions (requiring short answers of 1 to 3 words)

Task: • A continuous text: narrative, descriptive, expository, biographical, instructive

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Writing

Part 1: 70 - 100 words (respond appropriately to a given text in order to produce a formal response for an intended public audience)

Task: • Write a response to a letter, poster, diary, timetable, leaflet, etc. for a specified reader addressing a clearly defined number of content points.

Part 2: 100 - 120 words (produce an informal letter to a friend)

Task: • Write a letter on a given topic of personal interest

• Include 2 functions e.g. invite a friend to stay, describe what you will do

To prepare for your B1 SELT Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing  Test, you must first register and pay for your test, only then you will receive the password to access our Learning Platform.  We have some excellent learning resources consisting of role plays, audios, videos and teacher guidance and hints to maximise your learning potential.