SELT Practice
Skills for English
Skills for English is a computer-based English test from PSI, taken outside the UK only. At A1, A2 and B1 it has two components: speaking and listening. At B2 it has four components only.
What Skills for English is
Skills for English UKVI is PSI's test on the GOV.UK list of secure English language tests. GOV.UK shows PSI as available outside the UK, and not in the UK (GOV.UK). PSI says its test is taken at centres in 130 or more countries, and the result can be used for applications made inside the UK (PSI).
The test is on the outside-UK list at A1, A2 and B1 with 2 components, effective 1 October 2020, with a minimum grade of Pass (GOV.UK list). B1, B2, C1 and C2 also exist with 4 components. We are not connected to PSI. Information is as of 9 November 2026. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
The levels compared
Choose the level that GOV.UK lists for your route. Read which English test for UK visa if you are not sure.
| Level | Page | Maximum time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Skills for English A1 | 30 minutes | Pass or Fail |
| A2 | Skills for English A2 | 35 minutes | Pass or Fail |
| B1 (2 component) | Skills for English B1 | 50 minutes | Pass with merit, Pass or Fail |
| B2 | Four components only | Not covered here | Not covered here |
See Skills for English A1, Skills for English A2 and Skills for English B1 for the full format of each level. Maximum times are from PSI's booking table (PSI).
What happens in the test, step by step
- Book outside the UK. PSI sells the test in local prices through its booking site. The pound fee is not confirmed.
- Sit one computer session. No examiner or assessor is present (PSI).
- Speaking. Part 1 is five introduction questions, not assessed. Part 2 is topic exploration with 5 personal and 5 everyday-life questions. Part 3 is a role play at A1 and A2, or a long talk at B1, with 5 prompts on screen (specification). A trained person marks the recording.
- Listening. Each recording is played twice. A computer marks the answers. The questions are multiple choice and drag-and-drop sentence completion.
- Wait for results. PSI says usually 3 to 5 days.
Skills for English and B2
For B2, the GOV.UK lists show Skills for English as a four-component test only (reading, writing, speaking and listening). PSI does not publish a B2 two-component product. B2 speaking is about 15 minutes (PSI). The settlement rule for B2 speaking and listening applies from 26 March 2027. Read B2 English test and check GOV.UK before you book.
How to practise
PSI shares free practice tests, test-taker guides and annotated responses for A2, B1 and B2 on its prepare page and practice tests page. Five free B1 Listening tests are also available through the publisher GlobalELT.
You can practise the speaking parts with an AI examiner on this site, in the same order as the PSI test. Our feedback is always an estimate. If you do not know your level, take the free level check, no sign-up, at our level check.
Is Skills for English taken in the UK?
No. GOV.UK shows PSI as available outside the UK only. PSI says the result can be used for applications made inside the UK.
Which levels does Skills for English have?
A1, A2 and B1 with two components (speaking and listening), plus B1 to C2 with four components.
Does Skills for English have a B2 speaking and listening test?
No two-component B2 product is published. B2 is a four-component test.
How long do Skills for English results take?
PSI says usually 3 to 5 days.
How much does Skills for English cost?
The pound fee is not confirmed. PSI sells it in local prices outside the UK. Check the booking page.
Is there an examiner at the test?
No examiner is present. Speaking is recorded and marked by trained people. Listening is marked by computer.