SELT (Secure English Language Test) is a requirement for individuals applying for British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Here's a comprehensive guide in tabular format: 

 

Test Provider	Accepted Test(s)	Test Components	Scoring	Validity	Additional Information
Trinity College London	ISE I (B1) GESE Grade 5 (B1)	ISE I (B1): Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening GESE Grade 5 (B1): Speaking & Listening	ISE I (B1): Distinction Merit Pass Fail GESE: Pass, Fail	ISE and GESE results are valid indefinitely.	Speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner. GESE focuses on Speaking & Listening skills.
IELTS (IELTS SELT Consortium)	IELTS Life Skills B1	Speaking and Listening	Pass, Fail	2 years	Designed to assess speaking and listening skills for everyday life. Results available within 6 days.
Pearson (PTE Academic)	PTE Home B1	Speaking and Listening	Pass, Fail	2 years	Test taken on a computer. Results typically available within 48 hours.
LanguageCert	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1	Listening Speaking Reading Writing	Pass, Fail	2 years	Available at different CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1). Results typically available within 5 working days.

Important Points:

• Ensure that you choose a test and level that is appropriate for your visa application.
• Results are usually available within a specified period after taking the test.
• Prepare adequately for the speaking and listening components, as they are commonly assessed in these tests.
• Always check the specific requirements of the Home Office or UK Visas and Immigration for the most up-to-date information.

This table provides a snapshot of the SELT English Tests for British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Make sure to verify the current requirements and test options from the official sources or the testing organizations themselves.

Which B1 SELT Test Is Better?

Which B1 SELT test is considered the best to take varies depending on individual preferences. Some might favor the Pearson PTE Home B1 test, especially if they feel uncomfortable speaking to a real person as this test involves interaction only with a computer.

On the other hand, Trinity GESE 5 is often regarded as having several advantages. It is notably brief, lasting only 10 minutes. Participants can prepare a topic in advance for the speaking part, providing more control over the discussion. With only two parts, the format is straightforward, and the listening component is assessed in a more natural manner, which some find less stressful.

While all B1 SELT tests assess skills at the same level, individuals may perceive certain formats as easier than others.

For the English test required for British Citizenship, emphasis is placed on speaking and listening skills, with no obligation to assess reading or writing abilities.

For specific purposes such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settlement/Permanent Residency, or British Citizenship (Naturalisation), a B1 (intermediate) speaking and listening exam is mandatory.

The Four SELT Exams Accepted For British Citizenship Purposes

1. IELTS Life Skills B1 Speaking & Listening
2. LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Speaking & Listening)
3. Pearson PTE Home B1
4. Trinity Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 5

SELT, or Secure English Language Test, is an English proficiency test approved by the Home Office for validating English levels in the context of UK visas and citizenship.

To prepare for the Trinity GESE 5 or any SELT B1 exam, enrol on a face-to-face, classroom-based (in-person) SELT B1 preparation course offered by Sterling College London. These courses cover the exam format, and necessary language skills, and allow participants to practice topics. You also get to practice tests with your tutor. Further details can be found on the B1 SELT Preparation Course page.