Which B2 tests are on the Home Office approved SELT list?
When we checked on 21 October 2026, the B2 tests on the approved list were all four-skill tests: IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert Academic SELT and General SELT, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2, PTE Academic UKVI, Trinity Integrated Skills in English II, and outside the UK Skills for English UKVI B2. There was no B2 test that covers only speaking and listening.
The B2 tests and their minimum scores
- IELTS for UKVI (IELTS SELT Consortium): 5.5 in each of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- LanguageCert Academic SELT and LanguageCert General SELT: 60 in each skill.
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2: 33/50 in each skill.
- PTE Academic UKVI (Pearson): 59 in each skill.
- Trinity Integrated Skills in English II (ISE II): a pass in each skill.
- Skills for English UKVI B2, 4 component (PSI, outside the UK only): a pass in each skill.
More detail: What score is B2?.
Which providers you can use
In the UK: Trinity College London, the IELTS SELT Consortium, LANGUAGECERT and Pearson. Outside the UK: PSI Services (UK) Ltd, the IELTS SELT Consortium, LANGUAGECERT and Pearson. GOV.UK says to book the exact SELT version of a test, for example IELTS for UKVI rather than ordinary IELTS.
Do I need B2 in all four skills?
We are not sure, and we will not guess. The Rules for ILR ask for speaking and listening. GOV.UK also says that when components are examined and awarded together, you must reach the required scores in all the relevant components of the same test. It does not say, for the new rule, whether a four-skill test is judged on speaking and listening alone. Before booking, check with the provider and GOV.UK; the safe reading is the minimum score in every component.
What is not on the list
There is no IELTS Life Skills B2 (see Is there an IELTS Life Skills B2?), and Trinity GESE Grade 7 was not listed yet (see Is GESE Grade 7 approved?). A test that is not on the list does not count.
Do you need a test at all?
Maybe not: the free checker checks age, nationality, route and qualifications first.
Last checked against GOV.UK: 21 October 2026.
Sources
- Prove your English language abilities with a Secure English Language Test (SELT), last updated 12 October 2026 (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
- List of approved Secure English Language Tests taken in the UK (ODS, October 2025 version) (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
- List of approved Secure English Language Tests taken outside the UK (ODS, October 2025 version) (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your own route, or speak to a regulated immigration adviser (registered with the IAA, formerly OISC). Find a regulated adviser on GOV.UK.