SELT Exam for UK Visa in 2024: Eligibility, Syllabus & Registration

Let’s discuss the most critical criterion for your UK visa or citizenship application. The UK government will mandatorily ask you to prove your English language abilities through the SELT exam, considering it wants you to be able to culturally integrate into the country. 

The SELT exam, or the Secure English Language Test, must be cleared to obtain a visa and live in the United Kingdom. 

If you are taking the SELT from outside the UK, consider writing it through Pearson, PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI), IELTS SELT Consortium, and LanguageCert. 

What is Secure English Language Test (SELT)

The SELT exam is recognized by both UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application routes, so you can be sure that your results will be accepted. The SELT English Test is the ideal solution for anyone applying for a visa of any type in the United Kingdom. The examination is designed to test four major skills, including English listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Why Take SELT Exam

Here are some reasons why taking the examination matters: 

• Demonstrates English Language Abilities: The SELT exam is a crucial examination that demonstrates proficiency in the English language for people who want to immigrate, study, or work in the UK. 
• Compulsory for UKVI Visa Application: While applying for a UK visa, the SELT exam is compulsorily required to ensure that you have the appropriate communication skills to integrate with the society of the destination country.

Different Types of SELT

When it comes to SELT, the first thing that you need to know is that there are two types of tests depending on your visa application purpose.

You need to take a test that assesses your speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills for the following application routes:

• Healthcare worker
• High potential individual
• Minister of religion
• Skilled worker
• Innovator founder
• Scale-up worker
• Student
• Startup

You need to take a test that assesses your listening and speaking skills for the following application routes:

• Parent
• International sportsperson
• Partner
• Citizenship
• Representative of overseas business
• Settlement (also called indefinite leave to remain)

The Secure English Language Test (SELT) is divided into two categories depending on whether you are in the UK or outside the UK.

Providers for those in UK

If you are in the UK, you can take SELT with one of the following providers:

• Trinity College London
• Pearson
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert

Providers for those Outside UK

If you are outside the UK, you can take SELT with one of the following providers:

• Pearson
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• PSI Services (UK) Ltd. - Skills for English (UKVI)

SELT Exam Eligibility

The SELT exam is designed for individuals who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency as a part of official procedures such as residence visa applications, academic admissions, or acquiring a work visa. While no specific eligibility criteria are set for SELT test-takers, here are some of the important criteria you should know about.

• Identification: Test takers must have a government-issued form of identification. This can be a passport or any other similar ID. It is important to have an updated ID with the right information corresponding with any information filled in a visa application form or any other official document.
• Purpose of the Exam: The SELT exam is intended for immigration and visa purposes. SELT is mandatory for immigration routes such as citizenship, spouse, permanent residency, parent, student, and working.

SELT Exam Pattern

The syllabus for the SELT examination, as laid down by LanguageCert, includes the four sections that have multiple tasks.

Listening Syllabus and Pattern

The listening test syllabus for the SELT examination includes 4 parts.

• Part 1: Includes 7 MCQs to be answered based on the recording.
• Part 2: Includes 6 MCQs to be answered based on the recording.
• Part 3: Includes 7 MCQs for the candidate to write answers for them in 1 to 3 words.
• Part 4: Includes 6 MCQs for the candidate to answer questions based on them.

Reading Syllabus and Pattern

The reading section syllabus is almost similar to the listening section.

• Part 1: Includes 5 MCQs for the candidate to choose the most appropriate options. These are related to testing layout, cohesive devices, and coherence.
• Part 2: Includes 6 questions for the candidate to complete a given text.
• Part 3: Includes 7 questions for the candidate to choose the correct text for each question.
• Part 4: Includes 8 questions requiring only short answers.

Writing Syllabus and Pattern

The writing syllabus consists of only 2 parts.

• Part 1: Requires the candidate to write 70-100 words in response to a given letter, poster, etc.
• Part 2: Requires the candidate to write a 100-120 words informal letter to a friend.

Speaking Syllabus and Pattern

The speaking section generally includes several situations given by the interviewer to which the candidates have to respond skillfully and talk about a topic given for 1 minute or 30 seconds.

SELT Exam Fees

The SELT examinations are conducted by various exam providers, all having a different fee structure. Here is a list of SELT exam booking fees for different examinations.

Name of Test	Examination Fees
A1 English Test	£128.00 (INR 13,524)
A2 English Test	£128.00 (INR 13,524)
B1 English Test	£128.00 (INR 13,524)
B2 English Test	£151.00 (INR 15954)

How To Register for SELT Exam

Registering for the SELT exam involves several steps to ensure you are properly prepared and your registration is complete. Follow these detailed steps to register for the SELT exam:

1. Choose the Test Type: Determine which type of SELT exam you need based on your specific requirements. Different SELT exams are available, such as IELTS SELT, Trinity College London SELT, and LanguageCert SELT, each catering to various visa, academic, or employment needs.
2. Create an Account: Visit the official website of your chosen SELT provider. Register on the website to create a personal account. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and contact details. Ensure the information matches your identification documents exactly to avoid issues on test day.
3. Select a Test Center: Find an approved test center near you. Most SELT providers have a list of approved test centers on their websites. Ensure the test center you choose is convenient and accessible. Check the availability of test dates at your chosen center to plan your schedule accordingly.
4. Pay the Fee: Complete the registration process by paying the exam fee online. Fees vary depending on the test provider and location, typically ranging around £150.
5. Confirmation and Preparation: After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your test details, including the date, time, and location. Keep this confirmation safe, as you may need to present it on test day.

SELT Exam Fees

The SELT examinations are conducted by various exam providers with different fee structures. Here is a list of SELT exam booking fees for different examinations.

Name of Test	Examination Fees
A1 English Test	£128.00 (INR 13,615.38)
A2 English Test	£128.00 (INR 13,615.38)
B1 English Test	£128.00 - £151.00 (INR 13,615.38 – INR 16,061.90)
B2 English Test	£151.00 (INR 16,061.90)

SELT Score Scale

SELT Exam Type	Scoring Criteria	Score Requirement	Exam Purpose
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1	Speaking & Listening	60/100	Application of Further leave to remain for partner/parent Representative of an Overseas Business visa Sportsperson visa
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A2	Speaking & Listening	60/100	Visa extension for partner/parent after 2.5 years in the UK
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1	Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking	33/50 or 50% and above	Health & Care Worker visa Skilled Worker visa British Permanent Residency Naturalization in the UK Student visa below degree level
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2	Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking	33/50 or 50% and above	Student visa for higher education Innovator visa Start-up visa
LanguageCert General SELT	Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking	40/100	UK Work Visa

SELT Results

The results of the preliminary examination, which includes the speaking & listening exam, are declared in a few minutes after the examination. The results are sent via email to every candidate, and the same is uploaded officially within 3 business days.

Further, the results of the four-skill examination, i.e., listening, reading, writing, and speaking, are issued in around 5 business days. Candidates who pass the examination are granted a certificate, whereas those who fail have a chance to reappear again for the examination.

SELT Exam Day Procedures and Guidelines

On the day of your SELT exam, you must make sure to follow the exam guidelines to ensure a stress-free experience. Firstly, candidates must bring valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or national ID card, which matches the information provided during registration. This identification will be checked upon arrival at the test center. It is crucial to arrive early to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.

Candidates should be aware of the items allowed and prohibited in the test center. Allowed items generally include necessary medical items, provided they have prior approval from the test center. However, electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches, as well as personal items like bags and books, are strictly prohibited. Food and beverages are also not allowed unless they are medically necessary and have been pre-approved.

After SELT Exam

After completing the SELT exam, candidates can expect their scores to be available within 3 to 5 business days, depending on the type of exam. These scores are mailed directly to you once the evaluation is complete. Once the scores are available, you can use them to proceed with your visa applications, university admissions, or job applications. 

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