SELT Practice
B1 English test for UK visas
A B1 English test is a speaking and listening test at level B1. GOV.UK asks for B1 for settlement (ILR) applications made before 26 March 2027, and for British citizenship, as of 9 November 2026. There are five tests to choose from.
Sample questions and answers for B1 with example answers and tips.
Who needs a B1 English test
GOV.UK says settlement (ILR) needs B1 speaking and listening for applications made before 26 March 2027 (Appendix KoLL). British citizenship needs B1, B2, C1 or C2, so B1 is the minimum (GOV.UK citizenship page).
From 26 March 2027 the settlement level changes to B2 for most routes. Read our page on the B2 English test for ILR. Citizenship has no B2 change in the Immigration Rules changes we found.
The test must be a secure English language test (SELT) taken at an approved centre. The result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded (GOV.UK SELT guidance).
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
The five B1 test options compared
These five speaking and listening tests are on the GOV.UK list files at B1, as of 9 November 2026 (UK list, outside-UK list). Fees are only shown where we could confirm them.
| Test | How it is taken | Length | Where | Results | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity GESE Grade 5 | One-to-one with an examiner by video, at a tablet | 10 minutes | UK only | Provisional by 9am the next day | £160 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 | One-to-one with an examiner, recorded | 11 to 13 minutes | UK and outside UK | Provisional in a few minutes, results in 3 working days | Not published here |
| IELTS Life Skills B1 | Face to face with one examiner and one other test taker | Up to 22 minutes | UK and outside UK | Not confirmed | Not published here |
| PTE Home B1 | On a computer, scored by computer | 22 minutes on the overview table, no longer than 30 | UK and outside UK | Usually within 48 hours, up to 5 days | Not published here |
| PSI Skills for English B1 | On a computer, speaking recorded and marked by people | Up to 50 minutes | Outside UK only | Usually 3 to 5 days | Not published here |
For prices we have not shown, check the provider's booking page. Providers show prices by location. See also SELT test fees and SELT test results times.
What each B1 test checks
- Trinity GESE Grade 5: a talk on a topic you prepare yourself (up to 5 minutes), then a conversation on two of six subjects (up to 5 minutes). See Trinity GESE Grade 5.
- LanguageCert B1: spell your family name and answer personal questions, two role plays, a picture discussion to reach a decision, a short talk you listen to and answer questions about, then a 1.5 minute long turn. See LanguageCert B1.
- IELTS Life Skills B1: questions with a partner, a 1.5 minute talk each, listening to two recordings, then planning and discussing together. See IELTS Life Skills B1.
- PTE Home B1: repeat sentences, describe images, retell a story and answer questions about stories. See PTE Home B1.
- PSI Skills for English B1: introduce yourself, answer topic questions, talk at length to five prompts, then listening questions on screen. See Skills for English B1.
How to choose a B1 test
Ask yourself these questions.
- Where are you? Trinity is UK only. PSI is outside the UK only. A test taken in the UK can be used for UK and overseas applications. A test taken overseas can be used for applications made in the UK (GOV.UK).
- Do you want a person or a computer? Trinity, LanguageCert and IELTS Life Skills use a live examiner. PTE Home is marked by computer. PSI has no examiner in the room.
- Do you mind a partner? IELTS Life Skills is taken with another candidate. The others are taken alone.
- Do you like preparing a topic? Trinity Grade 5 needs a topic you prepare before the day.
- How fast do you need the result? See the table above.
Our guide Which English test for a UK visa goes through this in more detail. Check the GOV.UK list again before you book.
What happens in the test, step by step
- You book a test at an approved centre and bring the identity document the provider asks for.
- You check in. At a Trinity centre a steward sets you up at a tablet and the examiner joins by video.
- The examiner or the screen gives you instructions. Speaking comes in parts, each with a time limit.
- You listen and answer. In most tests the listening is part of the speaking test, so you answer questions out loud.
- The test ends. You get a provisional or final result by email.
- If you pass, you get a unique reference number. You do not send papers. The Home Office checks it online (GOV.UK).
How to prepare for a B1 test
B1 means you can talk about everyday topics, give reasons and say what happened. Practise out loud, not only in your head.
- Say answers of 3 to 5 sentences. Give a reason with because.
- Practise speaking about the past, the present and plans for the future.
- Practise asking the other person a question. Some tests require it.
- Listen to short messages and announcements, and say what they mean.
- Use the free sample materials that providers publish. Do not use papers that claim to show real exam questions.
You can practise with an AI examiner on this site. It asks questions out loud and you answer out loud.
Not sure of your level? Take the free level check. It takes a few minutes.
Related guides
What is a B1 English test?
It is an English test at level B1 on the CEFR scale. For UK visas the B1 tests are speaking and listening tests. You talk to an examiner or to a computer and answer listening questions.
Who needs a B1 English test for the UK?
GOV.UK says settlement (ILR) applications made before 26 March 2027 need B1 speaking and listening. British citizenship needs B1 or higher. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Which B1 English test is best?
None is best for everyone. Choose by where you are, whether you want a live examiner, and how fast you need the result. The table on this page compares all five.
How long is a B1 English test?
It depends on the test. Trinity GESE Grade 5 is 10 minutes. LanguageCert B1 is 11 to 13 minutes. IELTS Life Skills B1 is up to 22 minutes. PTE Home B1 is no longer than 30 minutes. PSI B1 allows up to 50 minutes.
How long is a B1 test result valid?
GOV.UK says a SELT result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded.
Can I take a B1 English test outside the UK?
Yes, with LanguageCert, IELTS Life Skills, PTE Home or PSI. Trinity is UK only. A test taken overseas can be used for applications made in the UK, says GOV.UK.