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The Skills for English tests, developed by SQA and PSI, are designed to demonstrate English language proficiency for non-native speakers. These tests have been meticulously developed and quality-assured by SQA, ensuring they align with internationally recognized qualification systems. This guarantees that the Skills for English tests meet the highest standards for both candidates and institutions.
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Approved for UKVI, One of only 4 SELT tests that can be taken at our Home Office approved test centres in over 130 countries.
Test levels matched exactly to the CEFR level required by your institution.
A one-session test that is entirely computer-based with no examiner/assessor present.
CEFR level finder, preparation materials and practice tests available to help you get ready for test day.
Tests are scored quickly, with results available in as little as 3 to 5 days.
Depending upon whether you want to work, study or settle in the UK, you will need a SELT test at a different level.
Skills for English: SELT provides an accurate measure of language proficiency through practical and realistic tasks which you would expect to undertake in an English-speaking environment.
You get to choose the test level you require, from beginner to proficiency, for either two skills (speaking and listening) or four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). That way you prepare for precisely the level of test you need . No more, no less!
| Visa Type | Skills to be demonstrated | Level | Maximum test time allowed | Booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Join Family visa (Spouse, Partner, Child) - Non Points Based Routes | Speaking and listening | A1 | 30 minutes | Book Now |
| Further Leave to Remain:* - Family life as a partner of a settled person (Spouse/Partner) - Family life as a parent (Parent of a Dependant) | Speaking and listening | A1 | 30 minutes | Book Now |
| Representative of an Overseas Business visa | Speaking and listening | A1 | 30 minutes | Book Now |
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | Speaking and listening | A1 | 30 minutes | Book Now |
| Further Leave to Remain (Visa extension):* - Family life as a partner of a settled person (Spouse/Partner) - Family life as a parent (Parent of a Dependant) | Speaking and listening | A2 | 35 minutes | Book Now |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR * (Settlement/Permanent Residency) | Speaking and listening | B1 | 50 minutes | Book Now |
| British Citizenship (Naturalisation) * | Speaking and listening | B1 | 50 minutes | Book Now |
| Tier 2 (General) visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B1 | 175 minutes | Book Now |
| Tier 2 Health and Care visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B1 | 175 minutes | Book Now |
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B2 | 190 minutes | Book Now |
| Innovator visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B2 | 190 minutes | Book Now |
| Start-up visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B2 | 190 minutes | Book Now |
| Student visa - below degree level - Check with your institution | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B1 | 175 minutes | Book Now |
| Student visa - degree level and above - Check with your institution | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B2 | 190 minutes | Book Now |
| High Potential Individual visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening | B1 | 175 minutes | Book Now |
A common and costly error among visa applicants is booking standard "IELTS Academic" instead of "IELTS for UKVI". Standard IELTS tests do not provide the UKVI Unique Reference Number (URN) required by UK Visas and Immigration caseworkers. If your course requires a SELT (such as pre-sessional English or foundation programs), your visa will be refused without a genuine Home Office-approved test.
Only four testing consortia are authorized by the UK Home Office to deliver SELT examinations outside the UK:
| SELT Provider | Delivery Format | Skills Assessed | Result Time | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS for UKVI British Council & IDP | Paper-based or Computer-delivered | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (in-person examiner) | 3 – 5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper) | Universities, Russell Group degrees, Foundation & Pre-sessional |
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI Pearson VUE | 100% Computer-based AI-scored | Integrated speaking, writing, reading, and listening | Typically within 48 hours | Fast-track CAS deadlines and direct university degree entry |
LanguageCert SELT PeopleCert / LanguageCert | Computer-based at approved SELT test centre | Listening, Reading, Writing & Live Interlocutor Speaking | 3 business days | Direct university degree programs & Student Route visas |
PSI Skills for English UKVI PSI Services & SQA | Single-session computer-based | Modular test aligned precisely to required CEFR level | 3 to 5 business days | Targeted visa routes (CEFR A1, B1, B2) with level-specific focus |
The required CEFR level is determined by your visa category under UK Immigration Rules Appendix English Language:
| Visa Category | CEFR Level | IELTS UKVI Equivalent | Tested Skills | Home Office Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Below Degree / Foundation / Pre-sessional) | CEFR B1 | IELTS for UKVI 4.0 – 5.0 (min 4.0 each) | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Mandatory UKVI SELT; university cannot assess via internal Medium of Instruction (MOI) |
| Student Visa (Degree Level - RQF 6 / Bachelor & Master) | CEFR B2 | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 – 6.5 (min 5.5 each) | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Higher Education Providers with track record can assess English using standard tests |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Work Route) | CEFR B1 | IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Required by UK Home Office to validate Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
| Spouse / Family Visa (Initial Entry) | CEFR A1 | IELTS Life Skills A1 (Pass / Fail) | Speaking and Listening only (16–18 mins) | No reading or writing components required for initial entry clearance |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / Citizenship | CEFR B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 (Pass / Fail) | Speaking and Listening only (22 mins) | Mandatory qualification along with the Life in the UK test for permanent settlement |
SELT examinations in Bangladesh are held at high-security biometric test facilities approved by the UK Home Office:
British Council (Gulshan / Fuller Road), Pearson Professional Centres (Dhanmondi), and PSI authorized test suites.
Regular test sessions for IELTS for UKVI, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, and LanguageCert at approved Sylhet locations.
Weekly computer-delivered slots for IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI in Agrabad and Nasirabad commercial centers.
Need verification on which SELT is required for your university course or CAS letter?
Contact Shabuj Global UKVI AdvisorsThe Skills for English tests have gained the trust and recognition of various organizations, including governments, higher education institutions, and university pathway providers.
Skills for English is officially approved by the United Kingdom Government, specifically the UK Visas and Immigration division of the Home Office, for visa applicants, covering work, study, and spousal visas. Additionally, all Skills for English tests are recognized by the Ireland Government’s Department of Justice for study visa applications.
Numerous higher education institutions worldwide depend on Skills for English tests. Currently, over 140 institutions in the UK accept Skills for English: SELT, and hundreds more across the globe.
Prepare vourself for the English test with these helpful steps and make the most of the resources at vour. disposal. Your skills as an English test taker will shine brighter when you are thoroughly prepared.
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