Skills for English (SELT)
Secure English Language Test — developed by SQA and PSI
Skills for English (SELT)
Skills for English tests have been developed by the SQA and PSI to demonstrate English language proficiency for people whose first language is not English. All Skills for English tests have been developed and quality-assured by SQA and are aligned to robust and internationally recognized qualification systems. This ensures that Skills for English tests are of the highest standard for both candidates and institutions.
What’s changed?
The UK Home Office has changed the arrangements for people to evidence their English language skills when seeking a visa to study, settle or work in the UK. The Secure English Language Test (SELT) will no longer be delivered exclusively by IELTS outside the UK. From 2020, you will have a choice of four tests, one of which is the Skills for English language test.
Assured by SQA, powered by PSI
Skills for English is the creation of two of the leading names in qualification and certification. The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is an international leader in education and qualifications development. PSI Services is a global workforce solutions provider with over 70 years of experience providing worldwide high-stakes testing.
Skills for English tests have been developed by the SQA and PSI to demonstrate English language proficiency for people whose first language is not English. All Skills for English tests have been developed and quality-assured by SQA and are aligned to robust and internationally recognized qualification systems. This ensures that Skills for English tests are of the highest standard for both candidates and institutions.
The tests cover six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) which map to the Common European Framework of Reference.
Who are they for?
The tests do not require any previous work experience, specialist knowledge or vocabulary beyond what candidates may need in their everyday social, academic or professional lives. They are designed to be equally relevant to people wishing to enter the UK to work, access further or higher education, or settle within an English-speaking community as a spouse or partner.
User-centric testing experience
Everything about the Skills for English journey is designed with the student experience in mind. The student has access to focussed and effective preparation materials and guidance. Students can book online and sit the test within a matter of days, or even hours, at a local test centre giving them the quickest and simplest route to achieving their English qualification.
Tests themselves are centered on the student as a language user, and access their personal, social and transactional English in a variety of authentic contexts.
CEFR alignments
Skills for English tests are benchmarked against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) – a standard with wide recognition across the word – with test levels covering all six CEFR levels.
At levels A1 and A2, test components cover speaking and listening skills only. At B1, candidates have the choice of taking only the speaking and listening skills components, or of opting for all four skills components of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Tests at B2, C1 and C2 cover all four skills.
| Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | ||||
| A2 | ||||
| B1 | ||||
| B2 | ||||
| C1 | ||||
| C2 |
