Which B2 English Tests Are Accepted?
What you need to know
- •Only SELT (Secure English Language Test) versions are accepted. Standard tests are not valid.
- •Approved providers: IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert, PTE Academic UKVI, and Trinity ISE.
- •For IELTS, you need at least 5.5 in all four components for B2.
- •Test results are generally valid for 2 years from the test date.
- •A degree taught in English from a recognised institution can replace a test.
The Home Office accepts B2 English test results from IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, and Trinity College London ISE II. You must take the UKVI-specific version at an approved test centre. Results are typically valid for 2 years. A qualifying degree taught in English can also satisfy the requirement.
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Why Only Specific Tests Are Accepted
The Home Office only accepts Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) for immigration purposes. These tests have enhanced security measures including identity verification at the test centre, CCTV recording, and secure result reporting directly to the Home Office.
This means standard versions of tests like IELTS or PTE are not accepted, even if the content is identical. You must book the UKVI-specific version of the test and take it at an approved SELT centre. The list of approved tests and centres is published on GOV.UK.
IELTS for UKVI
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for UKVI is the most widely recognised English test for UK immigration. It is offered in two versions:
- Academic: Tests language ability in an academic context. Commonly used for university admissions as well.
- General Training: Tests language ability in everyday and workplace contexts. Either version is accepted for citizenship.
B2 Score Requirements
You need at least 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All four must be at or above 5.5. If one component is below 5.5, the result does not meet B2 even if your overall band score is higher.
Practical Details
- Cost: Approximately £200-£250 (varies by location)
- Test format: Paper-based or computer-delivered (both accepted)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
- Results: Available within 13 days (paper) or 3-5 days (computer)
- Validity: 2 years from the test date
IELTS for UKVI is available at approved test centres across the UK and internationally. Book through the official IELTS website.
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
LanguageCert offers a range of SELT tests approved for UK immigration. For B2, you need the Communicator level.
B2 Score Requirements
You must pass at the Communicator (B2) level. The test assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You need a pass in all four components.
Practical Details
- Cost: Approximately £150-£200
- Test format: Online proctored (speaking test is live via video call)
- Duration: Varies by component (written: approximately 2.5 hours; speaking: 13-15 minutes)
- Results: Typically within 5-10 working days
- Validity: 2 years from the test date
One advantage of LanguageCert is that the written components can be taken online from home (with proctoring). The speaking test is conducted via a live video call with an examiner. This can be more convenient than travelling to a test centre.
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic UKVI is a computer-based test. The test is taken entirely on a computer, including the speaking section (you speak into a microphone).
B2 Score Requirements
You need a score of approximately 59 or above in each of the four communicative skills. Score requirements can be updated, so check the current thresholds on the Pearson PTE website.
Practical Details
- Cost: Approximately £180-£220
- Test format: Fully computer-based (including speaking)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Results: Typically within 2-5 working days
- Validity: 2 years from the test date
PTE is popular with people who prefer computer-based testing and want quick results. The fact that speaking is recorded rather than face-to-face suits some test-takers better.
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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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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