United Kingdom
LANGUAGECERT for the UK
Planning to study, work or join family in the UK? Tell us your route to find the matching test and buy your voucher.
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What brings you to United Kingdom?
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Guidance for the selected route, not an assessment of visa eligibility. Requirements can change; check the linked official source before paying.
Before you buy
Does the visa route or institution require a specific test?
1. For a UK visa, settlement or citizenship route, check whether a SELT is required and which skills and CEFR level apply.
2. For degree-level study, ask the Higher Education Institution whether it accepts standard LANGUAGECERT Academic and which score it requires.
Below-degree-level study or a non-HEI sponsor may require LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT at an approved test centre.
Check current GOV.UK SELT guidanceWhat happens after purchase?
- 1. Buy your voucher
Choose your test and pay online, or request an invoice.
- 2. Receive your instructions
After payment, we send your voucher and booking instructions.
- 3. Book your session
Redeem your voucher through LanguageCert and choose an available date and location. We can guide you through the steps.
Buying a voucher does not reserve an exam session.
Further information
More guidance for United Kingdom
Find details about requirements, recognition and test day below. Confirm current rules with the organisation receiving your result.
Routes and score requirements
Student visa (Student Route)
Degree-level course at an HEI: the institution can usually assess your English itself, or accept LANGUAGECERT Academic.
Below degree level or non-HEI course: UKVI Academic SELT at the CEFR level set by your course (commonly B1 or B2, four skills).
Skilled Worker visa
First applications under the rules in force from 8 January 2026 normally require CEFR B2 across all four skills. Some extensions or updates linked to earlier Skilled Worker permission can remain at B1. Check the current route wording before booking.
Spouse, partner & family visas
Initial application / FLR(M): SELT at CEFR A1 — Speaking & Listening only.
Further leave (2.5 years in): SELT at CEFR A2 — Speaking & Listening only.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): SELT at CEFR B1 — Speaking & Listening, plus Life in the UK.
Settlement (ILR) & British citizenship
SELT at CEFR B1 in Speaking & Listening, plus the Life in the UK test. Required for most ILR and naturalisation routes.
Innovator Founder and Global Talent
Innovator Founder normally uses B2 across all four skills unless an exemption applies. Global Talent entry and settlement rules are different, so do not use the Innovator requirement for a Global Talent application. Check the exact stage and current GOV.UK route page.
Health & Care Worker
New applications under the rules in force from 8 January 2026 normally require B2 across all four skills. Certain extensions or updates linked to earlier permission can remain at B1, and professional regulators may use separate evidence.
Recognition and delivery options
Is LANGUAGECERT accepted by UKVI?
Yes. LANGUAGECERT is an approved SELT provider. The approved product depends on the route: International ESOL SELT for the two-skill A1, A2 and B1 options, or Academic SELT / General SELT for four-skill routes.
What is the difference between Academic and SELT?
Standard LANGUAGECERT Academic may be accepted for degree-level study where the institution allows it. Academic SELT, General SELT and International ESOL SELT are secure UKVI products used only where the route requires the relevant approved test.
Can I take the UK test online?
A test used as a UKVI SELT must be taken at an approved test centre. Standard LANGUAGECERT Academic can be available Online for non-SELT study purposes, but the institution must accept that delivery mode.
Results, test day and booking questions
How long is the result valid?
UKVI SELT results are normally valid for 2 years from the date awarded. Universities and other receivers set their own validity rules.
How fast are results released?
LanguageCert lists official results in about 3 working days for International ESOL SELT Speaking & Listening and 5 working days for Academic SELT and General SELT.
What ID do I need on test day?
Use the accepted identity document specified during booking, and make sure the name matches exactly. Check the provider's current ID rules before payment and again before test day.
What if I fail?
You can retake the test. There is no waiting period imposed by LANGUAGECERT, but check your visa timeline before re-booking.
Do I need to take all four skills?
It depends on the route. Family, settlement and citizenship routes can use Speaking & Listening options at the required level. Work, study and other routes that require four skills must use Academic SELT or General SELT at the confirmed level.
Where can I take the test?
Use the official LanguageCert booking search to see currently approved centres and available dates. We can help you check the nearest practical option.
How much does it cost?
See our test options and prices. The LanguageCert promo-code route is also available.
Your next step
Find your test and take the next step
Start with your purpose, see the matching test and continue to checkout. Need help with a requirement? We can guide you.