Listening
30 minutes
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking
A 4-skills (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) exam in English, aligned to the B1 level of the CEFR*. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) delivered through LanguageCert’s global network of SELT centres.
About the exam:
- Consists of a Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking) component
- Both components can be taken on the same day or within 14 days of each other
CEFR level B1 is the minimum requirement for the following visa types:
- Tier 2 (General)
- Student visa (this route replaces Tier 4) - (below degree level)
Applicants with a higher language level can take a B2, C1 or C2 Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking exam, which also satisfies the application requirement.
After the exam, candidates receive a Test Report with their score and unique reference number (URN). The URN must be included in the visa application.
Visa requirement information is subject to change. Applicants should refer to UK Government guidance on English language exams for visas and are responsible for ensuring they take the correct exam.
Candidates are advised to contact their sponsors to confirm which CEFR level is required before registering for an exam.
*Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, is widely used to describe levels of language proficiency.
- Exam
- Price in USD
LanguageCert SELT exams are only available at SELT Test Centres and are taken on a computer. LanguageCert SELT exams cannot be taken online with remote, live invigilation.
Test Centre exams
All LanguageCert SELT exams must be taken at one of our global SELT Centres.
Exam format
Computer-based 2 hours & 40 minutes
Reading & Writing
2 hours & 10 mins uninterrupted
Listening
Part 1: 7 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: • Listen twice to 7 short sentences between 2 speakers, 1 being a formal
- Choose the appropriate response for each question
Part 2: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: • Listen twice to 3 short conversations between 2 speakers to identify: topic, purpose, context, speakers, gist, relationship between speakers, roles, functions, attitudes, feeling and opinions
- Choose the appropriate response for each question
Part 3: 7 questions (write notes on the message pad based on the information in the recording)
Task: • Listen twice to the recording to identify specific information
- Jot down answers consisting of 1 to 3 words
Part 4: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: • Listen twice to a discussion to identify gist, examples, fact, opinion, contrast, purpose, key ideas, attitude, cause and effect
- Choose the appropriate response for each question
Reading
Part 1: 5 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: • 5 short texts each with one gap testing layout, lexis, cohesive devices, coherence
- Choose the appropriate response for each question
Part 2: 6 questions multiple choice options to fill in an incomplete text (1 option is a distractor)
Task: • Choose the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text
Part 3: 7 questions (4 texts provide the answers)
Task: • Read the 4 texts, e.g. email, article, advert, etc. and choose which text answers which question
Part 4: 8 questions (requiring short answers of 1 to 3 words)
Task: • A continuous text: narrative, descriptive, expository, biographical, instructive
Writing
Part 1: 70 - 100 words (respond appropriately to a given text in order to produce a formal response for an intended public audience)
Task: • Write a response to a letter, poster, diary, timetable, leaflet, etc. for a specified reader addressing a clearly defined number of content points.
Part 2: 100 - 120 words (produce an informal letter to a friend)
Task: • Write a letter on a given topic of personal interest
- Include 2 functions e.g. invite a friend to stay, describe what you will do
Exam format
Computer-based interview with a live interlocutor at a SELT Test Centre
Speaking
12 mins
Speaking
Part 1
- Give and spell name
- State country of origin
- Answer 5 questions
Part 2
- 2 or 3 situations are presented by the interlocutor
- Candidates are expected to respond to questions and initiate interactions
Part 3
- Hold a short discussion to make a plan, arrange or decide something using visual prompts
Part 4
- Candidates are given 30 seconds preparation time
- Talk about a topic provided by the interlocutor for 1 and a half minutes
- Answer follow-up questions
Re-sit your SELT exam with Take2
Take2 is an added value service, that works like a safety net to a SELT exam! Candidates have the option to purchase Take2, our straightforward and affordable solution to re-sit LanguageCert SELT 4-skills Written or Spoken exam components at levels B1 - C2.
Take2 re-sit exam option is offered at a fraction of the exam price and becomes available in the case of an unsuccessful SELT result. All re-sits are conducted at LanguageCert approved SELT Centres and must be taken within 14 days of the last scheduled SELT exam.
Take2 re-sit exam option is offered at a fraction of the exam price and becomes available in the case of an unsuccessful SELT result. All re-sits are conducted at LanguageCert approved SELT Centres and must be taken within 14 days of the last scheduled SELT exam.
Added value
Candidates who achieve an average score of 50% or more in the Written component and/or 50% or more in the Spoken component will be awarded the corresponding LanguageCert International ESOL Certificate in Listening, Reading and Writing and/or in Speaking.
LanguageCert International ESOL certificates are recognised internationally.