SELT Practice
Which English test for a UK visa
To choose an English test for a UK visa, first find your level on GOV.UK, then pick a test on the GOV.UK list that you can book where you are. Five providers offer speaking and listening tests, as of 9 November 2026.
Step 1: find your level
Your level depends on your route. A first partner or parent visa needs A1. A family visa extension needs A2 if you used A1 first. Settlement needs B1 before 26 March 2027 and B2 on or after it. Citizenship needs B1 or higher (GOV.UK family, GOV.UK citizenship). See UK visa English test.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
Step 2: check where you can book
Trinity is UK only. PSI is outside the UK only. LanguageCert, IELTS Life Skills and PTE Home are offered in both. IELTS says its A2 Life Skills test is offered in the UK only (GOV.UK, IELTS).
Step 3: compare the tests
The five providers at A1 to B1 compared.
| Test | Examiner or computer | Partner? | Length at B1 | Result time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity GESE | Examiner by video | No | 10 minutes (Grade 5) | Provisional by 9am next day |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | Examiner, recorded | No | 11 to 13 minutes | Provisional in minutes, 3 working days |
| IELTS Life Skills | Examiner | Yes, another candidate | Up to 22 minutes | Not confirmed |
| PTE Home | Computer, AI-scored | No | 22 to 30 minutes | Usually 48 hours, up to 5 days |
| PSI Skills for English | Computer, recorded, human-marked | No | Up to 50 minutes | Usually 3 to 5 days |
See SELT test results times and SELT test fees.
Step 4: match the test to you
- You are nervous with people: a computer test (PTE Home or PSI) has no examiner in the room. PTE Home has other test takers speaking at the same time.
- You want a real conversation: Trinity, LanguageCert or IELTS Life Skills.
- You do not want a partner: avoid IELTS Life Skills, which is taken with another candidate.
- You like to prepare: Trinity Grade 5 and Grade 7 use a topic you prepare.
- You need B2 for 2027: read B2 English test. No 2-skill B2 test is on the GOV.UK list yet.
Test pages: Trinity, LanguageCert, IELTS Life Skills, PTE Home, PSI.
Step 5: what happens in the test, step by step
- Book at an approved centre.
- Check in with your identity document.
- Answer in parts, with time limits.
- Receive your result by email.
- Use your reference number in your application, within 2 years of the result being awarded.
How to practise
Whichever test you pick, practise speaking out loud at your level and listening to short recordings. Use the free sample materials from the provider.
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
Which English test is best for a UK visa?
No test is best for everyone. Choose by level, where you can book, live examiner or computer, and result time.
Which test is cheapest?
Only Trinity fees are confirmed here (£160 for Grades 2, 3 and 5). Other fees are not published here. Check each booking page.
Which test gives the fastest result?
LanguageCert gives a provisional result in a few minutes. Trinity gives a provisional result by 9am the next day. PTE Home is usually within 48 hours.
Can I use the same test for any visa?
The test must be on the GOV.UK list and at the right level for your route. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Do I take a different test outside the UK?
Trinity is UK only and PSI is outside the UK only. The other three are offered in both places.