Which B2 English Tests Are Accepted?

Trinity College London ISE

Trinity College London offers the Integrated Skills in English (ISE) test. For B2, you need ISE II.

B2 Score Requirements

You must pass ISE II with a pass in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The test uses a combination of portfolio-based assessment and face-to-face examination.

Practical Details

• Cost: Approximately £160-£200
• Test format: Reading and writing module (2 hours) plus a speaking and listening exam (25 minutes, face-to-face)
• Duration: Total of approximately 2.5 hours across modules
• Results: Typically within 4-6 weeks
• Validity: 2 years from the test date

Trinity ISE has a different format from the other tests. The speaking component is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, which some people find more natural than speaking into a microphone. However, results take longer. See our English test booking guide for tips on scheduling.

Using a Degree Instead of a Test

If you hold a degree that was taught or researched in English, you may not need to take a test. This applies to:

• UK degrees:Any bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a UK university is automatically accepted.
• Degrees from majority English-speaking countries: Degrees from countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland are generally accepted.
• Other foreign degrees taught in English: You need a statement from UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) confirming the degree is equivalent to a UK qualification and was taught in English. This costs approximately £50-£200 depending on the service level.

Using a degree is often the easiest and cheapest option if you have one. If you studied in the UK on a student visa, your degree likely qualifies. Check whether yours qualifies before paying for a test.

How to Choose the Right Test

All four approved tests are equally valid for citizenship purposes. Your choice should be based on:

• Test format preference: Do you prefer paper, computer, or online? Do you prefer speaking to a person or into a microphone?
• Availability: Check which tests are available near you and when. Some tests have more frequent sessions than others.
• Results speed: If you are in a hurry, PTE and IELTS (computer-based) offer faster results than Trinity.
• Cost: Prices vary. See our visa fees guide for the overall cost picture. LanguageCert and Trinity are often slightly cheaper than IELTS and PTE.
• Practice materials: IELTS has the most practice materials available (free and paid). This can be an advantage if you want extensive preparation resources.

Important Reminders

• Book the UKVI version. Standard IELTS, PTE, or other test versions are not accepted. Always book the SELT/UKVI-specific version.
• Check result validity before applying. Results expire after 2 years. Check our citizenship application guide for timeline. If your result will expire before your citizenship application is decided, you may need to retake the test.
• All four skills must be at B2. You cannot mix and match scores from different tests. All components must come from the same test sitting.
• Keep your test report safe. See our citizenship documents checklist for what else you need. You will need to include the unique reference number or Test Report Form (TRF) number in your citizenship application.
• Check the approved test list on GOV.UK. The list can change. Verify your chosen test is still approved before booking.

For more on the B2 requirement itself, see our B2 English requirement guide. For the difference between B1 and B2, see our B1 vs B2 comparison.