B1 English Test for ILR & Citizenship: Pick the Right Exam

Need a fast, reliable way to choose the right B1 English test for ILR or British citizenship? This guide shows exactly which tests are approved, how to pick the best one for you, and how to avoid costly refusals.

We’ll cover the KoLL rule, the 5 approved SELT options, a simple decision path, booking steps, common mistakes, and how to plan alongside your Life in the UK Test.

Start here: What the B1 English test for ILR and citizenship actually requires

For settlement (ILR) and naturalisation, most applicants must meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement. This has two parts: a B1-level English speaking and listening test (a Secure English Language Test, or SELT), and the Life in the UK Test.

Key points:

• Level: CEFR B1 speaking and listening. You do not need reading or writing for ILR/citizenship SELT.

• Approved providers only: You must take a SELT at a Home Office–approved centre.

• ILR vs. citizenship: The English requirement is the same level (B1). If you used a B1 SELT for ILR, you can normally reuse it for citizenship later without retesting.

Official sources: the Home Office caseworker guidance confirms only tests on the approved SELT list are accepted, and you’ll provide the test’s unique reference number (URN) in your application rather than a paper certificate.

Quick answer: Approved English tests you can take in 2025

The following SELT providers are approved for ILR and British citizenship. Choose the B1-level speaking and listening option with UKVI/SELT in the name and book at an approved centre:

• IELTS Life Skills B1 (IELTS SELT Consortium)

• Trinity College London GESE Grade 5 (B1)

• Pearson PTE Home B1

• LanguageCert SELT ESOL B1 Speaking & Listening

• PSI Skills for English (SELT) B1 — Speaking & Listening

These are the real exams the Home Office accepts for english test citizenship and ILR. Always ensure you are booking the SELT version, not a general English test, and that your centre appears on the approved list.

IELTS Life Skills B1 (IELTS SELT Consortium)

Format: a short, face-to-face speaking and listening test with an examiner, often with another candidate. Result: Pass/Fail. Turnaround: typically within a week. Best for: candidates comfortable with an interactive interview and wide centre coverage.

Trinity College London GESE Grade 5 (B1)

Format: interview-style test covering a prepared topic and conversation. Result: Pass/Fail; certificates follow validation. Best for: candidates who prefer a structured, one-to-one conversation with clear topic preparation.

Pearson PTE Home B1

Format: computer-delivered speaking and listening tasks with secure voice capture and automated scoring. Result: Pass/Fail. Turnaround: typically fast (often within 48–72 hours). Best for: candidates who prefer tech-enabled testing and fast results.

LanguageCert SELT ESOL B1 Speaking & Listening

Format: interactive B1 speaking and listening tasks at approved SELT centres. Availability: UK and international network. Result: typically a few days after assessment. Best for: flexible booking and international candidates.

PSI Skills for English (SELT) B1 — Speaking & Listening

Format: B1 speaking and listening assessments delivered at PSI SELT centres. Availability: widespread dates with online booking. Best for: candidates who need rapid appointment availability.

How to choose: A simple decision path to the right test

Follow this quick path to select the best exam for your situation.

Step 1 — Confirm you need B1 (not A2 or B2/C1)

For ILR and citizenship you generally need B1 speaking and listening. Do not book A2 (used for some visa extensions) or higher levels unless required. If you already passed B1 for ILR, you can usually reuse it for citizenship.

Step 2 — Pick your preferred test format

• Interview-only (face-to-face): IELTS Life Skills B1, Trinity GESE Grade 5. Great if you communicate better in live conversation.

• Computer-based: PTE Home B1, Skills for English (SELT) B1, LanguageCert SELT B1. Ideal if you prefer tech-driven tasks and quick turnarounds.

Step 3 — Check nearest centres and earliest dates

Filter by travel time and the earliest available test date. If your timeline is tight, search multiple providers for the first open slot within safe distance.

Step 4 — Consider results times, fees, and resit policies

• Results: aim for providers advertising 1–7 day turnaround if your application is urgent.

• Fees: similar across providers; check for reschedule and resit policies before booking.

• Refunds: note deadlines and documentation needed to change dates.

Step 5 — Accessibility and ID requirements

• Request special arrangements well before test day.

• Check acceptable ID (typically the same passport you’ll use in your application).

• Ensure your name and date of birth match exactly your ID, booking, and application.

Test-by-test details: format, scoring, and results

Use this side-by-side view to compare the five approved options at a glance.

IELTS Life Skills B1: What to expect

• Tasks: short interview, listening to recordings, discussing everyday topics at B1 level.

• Scoring: examiner awards Pass/Fail based on B1 descriptors.

• Results: typically within a week; you provide the URN on your ILR/citizenship form.

Trinity GESE Grade 5: What to expect

• Tasks: a prepared Topic discussion plus Conversation on everyday subjects.

• Scoring: examiners assess descriptors aligned to CEFR B1.

• Results: confirmation shortly after the test; certificate once validated.

PTE Home B1: What to expect

• Tasks: headset-based speaking and listening prompts recorded on computer with secure monitoring.

• Scoring: automated plus human quality checks; outcome is Pass/Fail.

• Results: frequently available in 1–3 days.

LanguageCert SELT B1: What to expect

• Tasks: interactive speaking and listening at B1; short, practical everyday topics.

• Scoring: examiner-assessed against B1 criteria.

• Results: notification in a few days; certificate issued electronically and/or by post.

Skills for English (SELT) B1: What to expect

• Tasks: speaking and listening modules completed in one sitting at a PSI SELT centre.

• Scoring: Pass/Fail based on B1 descriptors.

• Results: usually within a week.

Can I use IELTS Academic/General or a degree instead?

Only SELTs are guaranteed to meet the ILR/citizenship speaking and listening requirement. However, there are two important alternatives:

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training): In some routes, a valid IELTS for UKVI at B1+ can satisfy the English requirement. Non-UKVI IELTS (standard IELTS) is not accepted for immigration.

• Degrees taught or researched in English: A recognised degree can meet the English requirement. Where needed, you may have to obtain ECCTIS/ENIC confirmation that your qualification is equivalent and taught in English.

When in doubt, the safest choice for ILR/citizenship is a B1 SELT speaking and listening test from the approved list above.

Validity, re-use, exemptions, and special cases

Understanding validity and re-use prevents unnecessary retesting.

When your certificate might be too old

SELT results are generally valid for 2 years from the test date. That said, if you successfully used a B1 SELT for ILR, you can usually reuse it for citizenship later even if the 2-year period has passed. Always check the latest Home Office guidance when you apply.

Who does not need to take the test

• Age exemptions: normally over 65.

• Medical or long-term condition: where documented and accepted.

• Nationality exemptions: nationals of majority English-speaking countries or holders of qualifying degrees.

See our dedicated guides for broader context: How to Get British Citizenship and Indefinite Leave to Remain: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap.

How to book your test (step-by-step)

Follow these steps and you won’t miss anything essential.

1. Choose your provider from the approved list and confirm B1 speaking & listening at a SELT centre.

2. Find a date and venue near you; compare earliest availability across providers.

3. Check acceptable ID and ensure your booking name matches your passport exactly.

4. Review fees, reschedule windows, and resit rules.

5. Request accommodations (if needed) before paying.

6. Pay and confirm; keep your confirmation email safe.

7. Prepare with sample tasks and practice speaking aloud.

What to bring on test day

• Valid ID (usually passport) — the same one used to book.

• Booking confirmation (printed or accessible on your phone).

• Any approved accommodation letter from the test provider.

• Arrive early; late arrivals are often refused.

Common mistakes that cause refusals (and how to avoid them)

1. Wrong test level: Booking A2 or a higher non-SELT exam instead of B1 SELT.

2. Non-UKVI test: Choosing general IELTS/PTE rather than the SELT version.

3. Unapproved centre: Sitting the test at a venue that isn’t on the Home Office SELT list.

4. Name mismatch: Differences between passport, booking, and application.

5. Expired result (and not reusable): Letting 2 years elapse without understanding reuse rules.

Fix these early and you’ll save weeks of delay and extra fees.

Plan alongside your Life in the UK Test

KoLL includes both the B1 English SELT and the Life in the UK Test. Most applicants schedule the Life in the UK Test near their SELT date to keep momentum and submit sooner. See: Life in the UK Test and B1: Do You Need Both in 2025?

Save prep time with the Life in the UK Test App

If you’re worried about time or re-test costs, the Life in the UK Test App streamlines prep so you pass the first time. It includes:

• Smart study assistant (Brit-Bear) that adapts to your weak areas.

• Readiness score so you know when you’re truly exam-ready.

• 650+ official-style Q&A with detailed explanations.

• Mock tests including a challenging Hard Mode to simulate pressure.

• Offline access — study anywhere, any time.

Try it now: Download on App Store or Google Play. Also read: How to Prepare for Life in the UK Test: The Ultimate Guide and ILR application fee vs UK citizenship cost 2025.

FAQs about the B1 English test for ILR and citizenship

Which test is the fastest to get results?
PTE Home B1 and some other computer-based tests often release results in 1–3 days; availability varies by centre and date.

Can I take the SELT outside the UK?
Yes — several providers run approved SELT centres internationally. Always confirm the venue is on the Home Office list.

Do SELT results expire?
Generally valid for 2 years. If you used B1 for ILR successfully, you can usually reuse it for citizenship later.

Do I need both the SELT and Life in the UK Test?
Most ILR/citizenship applicants need both, unless exempt by age, medical reasons, nationality, or qualifying degree.

Can I use standard IELTS Academic/General?
Not unless it’s the IELTS for UKVI version that meets route rules. Non-UKVI IELTS is not accepted for immigration.

Next steps: Your 7-point checklist

1. Confirm you need B1 speaking & listening for ILR/citizenship.

2. Pick a format you prefer (interview vs computer-based).

3. Compare centres and the earliest dates.

4. Check results times, fees, reschedule/resit policies.

5. Verify ID requirements and name matching.

6. Book, prepare, and sit the SELT.

7. Schedule and prepare for the Life in the UK Test — boost your odds with the Life in the UK Test App (Android).

Useful references

• Home Office guidance on proving English with a SELT.

• Caseworker guidance confirming accepted SELT list.

• Naturalisation application guide (Guide AN) on English and Life in the UK proof.

• KoLL policy on reusing B1 from ILR for citizenship: Knowledge of language and life in the UK.

• General English language requirement overview: GOV.UK – English language.