Which English test should I choose?
Choosing the right English test can feel confusing, especially when you see different providers, levels, and formats. This page walks you through which providers you can use, what level you need, and how the main tests compare so you can make a practical decision.
Use the sections below to scan quickly and expand detail only when you need it.
Step 1 – Check which providers you can use
You must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office–approved provider. Which providers you can use depends on where you take the test.
Approved providers if you take the test inside the UK
You must use one of these providers:
- IELTS SELT Consortium – Official IELTS Life Skills (UKVI) page
- LanguageCert – Official LANGUAGECERT SELT page
- Pearson – Official PTE Home A1 (SELT) page
- Trinity College London – Official Trinity SELT page
Approved providers if you take the test outside the UK
You must use one of these providers:
- IELTS SELT Consortium – Official IELTS Life Skills (UKVI) page
- LanguageCert – Official LANGUAGECERT SELT page
- Pearson – Official PTE Home A1 (SELT) page
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd (Skills for English) – Official Skills for English SELT page
Always double‑check on GOV.UK that your chosen provider and test centre are still approved before booking by using the official guidance: Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT).
Step 2 – Check what level you need
For spouse/partner visas, the level you need depends on the type of application.
Required CEFR level by application type
| Application stage | Minimum CEFR level | Skills usually tested* |
|---|---|---|
| First spouse/partner visa (entry clearance or first in‑country grant) | A1 | Speaking & listening |
| Extension after 2.5 years (further leave to remain) | A2 | Speaking & listening |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | B1 | Speaking & listening (plus separate Life in the UK test) |
* Important: Check the exact test type for your chosen provider (e.g. “IELTS Life Skills A1”, “PTE Home A1”, etc.) and make sure it is specifically approved for spouse/partner visas.
Step 3 – Compare format, questions and cost
Below is a high‑level comparison of the main SELT options often used for spouse/partner visas. Details (especially prices and available levels) change frequently, so always confirm on the provider’s own site before booking.
For UKVI family route purposes (spouse/partner visas and extensions), the SELT you take will almost always assess only speaking and listening, not reading and writing.
Overview: test name, price and result times
Test format, experience & typical cost
| Provider | Typical SELT test name for spouse visas (examples) | Typical SELT price band (GBP equivalent)** | Result delivery (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS Life Skills A1/A2/B1 | £150–£210+ | Usually 3–7 days |
| LanguageCert | LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (A1/A2/B1) | £150–£220+ | Often within 1–3 days |
| Pearson (PTE UKVI) | PTE Home A1/A2/B1; PTE Academic UKVI | £150–£220+ | Often within 2–5 days |
| Trinity College London (UK only) | GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) SELT for UKVI (A1/A2/B1) | £150–£210+ | Same day or within a few days |
| PSI / Skills for English (outside UK) | Skills for English UKVI (A1/A2/B1) | £130–£210+ | Often within 3–10 days |
**All prices are approximate and will depend on country, test centre, visa type, test level and current exchange rates. Always check the exact fee for your chosen SELT and level (A1, A2 or B1) on the provider’s site when booking.
Detail: how speaking and listening are tested
Test format & question types (speaking and listening)
| Provider | Test format (computer/paper) | Listening format (no. & type of questions – indicative)* | Speaking format (indicative)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | Mostly computer‑based; some paper options (varies by centre) | Life Skills listening typically involves one short test of around 20 minutes with audio and interactive tasks assessing how well you understand everyday spoken English | You take the test with an examiner and one other test taker in the same room, in a short discussion-style exam focused on everyday topics. For more detail, see the official IELTS Life Skills format guide. |
| LanguageCert | Computer‑based at approved centres | Listening section made up of short dialogues and monologues (everyday and simple transactional situations) with multiple‑choice and gap‑fill/short answer style questions | Live online or in‑person examiner; structured interview with scripted prompts, questions and brief role‑plays |
| Pearson (PTE UKVI) | Fully computer‑based | Listening tasks are delivered by computer with recorded prompts; candidates answer a series of multiple‑choice and select correct answer style questions linked to short clips | Candidate speaks into a headset/microphone; prompts include repeating sentences, answering short questions and giving brief spoken responses |
| Trinity College London (UK only) | In‑person at Trinity SELT centres | Listening is integrated into a live conversation with the examiner – candidates respond to questions, follow simple instructions and show they understand short prompts | Face‑to‑face conversation with an examiner, including discussion of familiar topics, picture prompts and simple tasks |
| PSI / Skills for English (outside UK) | Computer‑based at approved centres | Listening paper typically includes short recordings followed by multiple‑choice and matching/select‑the‑correct‑option tasks focused on practical, everyday situations | Speaking is either recorded via computer or with an examiner (depending on centre) and usually involves responding to prompts, answering questions and short role‑plays |
*The exact number and type of listening/speaking tasks can change over time and may differ slightly by test level (A1, A2, B1). Always check the most up‑to‑date format details on the provider’s own website.
How to compare test options
To choose between providers, think about:
-
Your preferred format
- If you like talking to a person, you may prefer IELTS Life Skills or Trinity GESE.
- If you are comfortable speaking into a computer, Pearson PTE Home or Skills for English might feel more natural.
-
Availability and waiting times
- Check how soon you can get an appointment, and how quickly you get results. If your visa deadline is close, availability and fast results may matter more than small price differences.
-
Cost in your country
- Compare fees in your local currency and factor in any travel costs to get to the test centre.
Tip: Once you know your required CEFR level (A1, A2, or B1), go to the provider’s website, select the UKVI/SELT test for family/spouse routes, and make sure both the test name and centre appear on the Home Office approved list before you pay.
For an overview of the English language requirement, exemptions, and academic qualification routes, see the English Language Requirement guide. You can also use the Document Checklist to make sure your test certificate is included with your other evidence.