The UK Home Office has revised its list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) for visa and citizenship applications, introducing new formats and clearer global standards aimed at simplifying the process for applicants.
As part of the changes, the current LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test will be phased out and replaced by two newly approved versions.
Test results from the outgoing format will remain valid for two years, while any unused test vouchers will still be honoured for up to 12 months.
Test Requirements
Depending on the visa type, applicants must either take a full 4-skills test (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) or a speaking and listening only test.
Applicants needing a full 4-skills test include:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Start-up / Innovator Founder Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- High-Potential Individual Visa
- Minister of Religion Visa
- Temporary Work (International Agreement route)
Applicants needing speaking and listening only include:
- UK Citizenship
- Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Partner / Parent Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Representative of an Overseas Business
Approved SELT test providers:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)
- LANGUAGECERT
UK test centres:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
Overseas test centres:
- Pearson
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (UKVI)
- LANGUAGECERT
Tests can be booked via provider websites, with availability usually within 28 days. Booking details must match the applicant’s ID exactly.
Accepted ID documents:
- Passport
- UK BRP or BRC
- EEA National ID (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID (outside UK only)
Photocopies or emergency documents are not accepted. After testing, candidates receive a SELT reference number linking their results to their application.
