Switching to Skills for English (UKVI) - Version 1.0 - Date 2020-10-30

Sep 30, 2026

Guide explaining Skills for English (UKVI) as a UK Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK visa applications, available for booking online in 124 countries. Describes key advantages, including applicant choice of test type and SELT level, 2- or 4-facet formats, computer-based delivery, and anonymous expert scoring for speaking and writing. Outlines Pass/No Pass scoring and provides preparation guidance across coursebooks, exam preparation, and skills areas: speaking, writing, and reading.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Preparing Students for Skills for English (UKVI) tests

Coursebooks

Exam preparation

Speaking

Writing

Reading

Switching to Skills for English (UKVI) A guide for helping prepare SELT Students for a Skills for English (UKVI) test Version 1.0 Date: October 30, 2020 Author: Shakeh Manassian Principal Assessor Information Classification: Unclassified Public Project/Client: Skills for English (UKVI) Switching to Skills for English (UKVI) Skills for English (UKVI) is a new UK Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) that can be used as part of a UK Visa application. It is now available to be booked via an online portal and can be taken in 124 countries around the world. Skills for English (UKVI) has been created to include distinctive characteristics and advantages over other available SELT tests: Students choose the test types that best fit their needs. Skills for English (UKVI), Students can choose the SELT level to take based on the visa type that fits their needs. Such detailed differentiation of the test enables the applicants to study English based on personal situations, and the pass rate of the test can be significantly improved. The test is available in 2 or 4 facet versions and can be completed in a test single session. Computer Based Testing improves the security and the testing experience. The reading and listening parts of the Skills for English (UKVI) test are automatically scored, and the speaking and writing are anonymously scored by experts to avoid any risk of bias, but all sections of the test are computer based without the sometimes-intimidating presence of a live examiner. Computer Based Testing also means that Skills for English (UKVI) tests are easier to schedule and quicker to take; more flexible and convenient all round. Skills for English (UKVI) adopts a Pass/No Pass scoring method. Applicants are required to pass each part of the test to achieve the final test score. This is intended to make the scoring method as simple and clear as possible. In the past, applicants may have needed to take their SELT multiple times to achieve a high enough passing grade.By taking Skills for English (UKVI), Students only application process. The launch of Skills for English (UKVI) has provided a more simple, convenient, and affordable test option for UK visa applicants, but for applicants who have already trained to take a different SELT test but are having difficulty finding a test session, we have created this guide to help channel that learning into the successful completion of a Skills for English (UKVI) test. Preparing Students for Skills for English (UKVI) tests Coursebooks Any general well-established ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) coursebook can be used to support language development. Our topics are general in nature and applicable to all Students ~~ ~~ the focus is on everyday life, work and study without any reliance on a given industry or subject area. Exam preparation Speaking Part 1: In this part of the test, Students answer five questions which aim to get them using the system and learning how to record their responses. The question asks for their personal details, and are the same for all Students across all levels. Part 1 is removed, and markers do not hear the candidate responses or mark Part 1. Part 2: Students should be given lots of preparation to consider a given topic (e.g. hobbies) from a variety of angles and be prepared to answer questions on these. So, lots of practice on responding and recording their answers will be helpful. This kind of element would be familiar in any ESOL test including IELTS, ESOL Skills for Life-UK and other similar tests. What is different? There is no interlocutor ~~ ~~ the test is entirely computer-based, no invigilator present in the test centre which some students can find intimidating. Part 3: The Scenario. At lower levels each of the bullets that explore a given scenario are presented to the Students individually and they have to respond to each in turn ~~ ~~rather like part 2.

FAQs

What is Skills for English (UKVI) used for?

It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office and can be used as part of a UK Visa application.

How is the speaking and writing section assessed?

Speaking and writing are anonymously scored by experts, and all sections are computer based without a live examiner.

How should students prepare for the reading section?

Students should read a variety of general everyday texts, practice multiple item types (such as selection and productive tasks), and work across lengths and complexity aligned to each CEFR level.

Sep 30, 2026

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