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Is there a difference between PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI?

There is no difference between the content and scoring of the two tests. However, if you are applying for a UK visa you must sit PTE Academic UKVI, as it has slight differences in the test registration process to support your visa application. Only the UKVI version will provide you with a SELT Unique Reference Number (URN) which you will need for your visa application.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT are Home Office approved SELT exams, mapped to the CEFR, for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) worldwide, covering all visa type requirements. 2-skills (Speaking & Listening) and 4-skills (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) SELT exams are offered, depending on visa type. Candidates taking a 4-skills SELT exam can sit the Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking) components separately as long as they are taken within 14 days of each other.

LanguageCert International ESOL exams are intended for non-native English speakers worldwide who need to provide documented evidence of their English language level for study, employment, or leisure purposes. Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking) exams can be taken independently of each other.

IELTS Academic is for students wishing to study at universities.

IELTS General Training is suitable for those applying to study below degree level (e.g., an English-speaking school or college). It can also be taken for work experience or other
employment training. IELTS General Training is also required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test features everyday English language skills needed
in social and workplace environments.

IELTS Life Skills and IELTS for UKVI are IELTS tests for UK visa purposes. They are designed to meet certain administrative requirements specific to UK Visas and Immigration. There are no differences in the test format or questions: the actual test taken is the same—same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.

Test Report Forms, however, will be slightly different in order to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.

 

 

IELTS Academic is for students wishing to study at universities.

IELTS General Training is suitable for those applying to study below degree level (e.g., an English-speaking school or college). It can also be taken for work experience or other
employment training. IELTS General Training is also required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test features everyday English language skills needed
in social and workplace environments.

IELTS Life Skills and IELTS for UKVI are IELTS tests for UK visa purposes. They are designed to meet certain administrative requirements specific to UK Visas and Immigration. There are no differences in the test format or questions: the actual test taken is the same—same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.

Test Report Forms, however, will be slightly different in order to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.

 

 

The LanguageCert International ESOL SELT is recognised as evidence of English language ability for visa applications in the United Kingdom.

The LanguageCert International ESOL certificate is recognised for educational and employment purposes in over 80 countries worldwide.

IELTS is accepted by the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Australia: Accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for many visa categories and for permanent residency; also required by some professional organisations and accrediting
bodies. The minimum IELTS score for Australian immigration is 6.

Canada: Evidence of English language proficiency is often required for work visas, professional recognition or permanent residency. Minimum scores vary—check with the relevant organisation.

New Zealand: Required for many visas, including skilled migrant, investor and entrepreneur, residence from work and parent categories. The minimum IELTS score for
New Zealand immigration is 6.5.

United Kingdom: Evidence of English ability is required for those applying to settle permanently in the UK. Minimum IELTS score requirements vary from 4 to 7.

USA: Accepted by the US Government and US Visa and Immigration. Designed to reflect everyday English used in English-speaking countries.

 

PTE

All PTE tests are 100% computer-based. You will use a computer and headset to listen to, read, and answer questions.

  • PTE Home A1: Answer from 32 questions for up to 22 minutes (3 question types).
  • PTE Home A2: 30–33 items, up to 25 minutes (3 question types).
  • PTE Home B1: 32 questions, up to 22 minutes (4 question types).

LanguageCert (SELT)

LanguageCert SELT exams are only available at SELT Test Centres and are taken on a computer.

  • Speaking & Listening: Online interview with a live interlocutor.
  • Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking: The Listening/Reading/Writing exam is computer-based; the Speaking exam is online with a live interlocutor.

PSI — Skills for English (SELT)

All Skills for English tests are computer-based and are taken at an authorised test centre.

IELTS / IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills

IELTS can be taken in paper form or on computer in some countries.

  • IELTS on paper:Reading, Listening and Writing on paper at an official test centre; Speaking is face-to-face with an examiner.
  • IELTS on computer: Reading, Listening and Writing on a computer at an official test centre; Speaking remains face-to-face with an examiner.

PTE

  • 30 minutes for the Speaking & Listening exams, or 120 minutes for the Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking exam.

LanguageCert (SELT)

  • 8–9 minutes: A1 Listening and Speaking
  • 9–11 minutes: A2 Listening and Speaking
  • 11–13 minutes: B1 Listening and Speaking
  • 172 minutes: B1 Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
  • 173 minutes: B2 Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

PSI — Skills for English (SELT)

  • 30 minutes: A1 (2 components)
  • 35 minutes: A2 (2 components)
  • 50 minutes: B1 (2 components)
  • 170 minutes: B1 (4 components)
  • 190 minutes: B2 (4 components)

IELTS / IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills

  • 16–18 minutes: A1 IELTS Life Skills
  • 20 minutes: A2 IELTS Life Skills
  • 22 minutes: B1 IELTS Life Skills
  • 174 minutes: B1 IELTS UKVI
  • 174 minutes: B2 IELTS UKVI
  • PTE: Alone
  • LanguageCert: Alone
  • PSI — Skills for English: Alone
  • IELTS: With a partner

 

  • PTE: All recordings are played one time only.
  • LanguageCert: Recordings are played two times.
  • PSI — Skills for English: Recordings are played two times.
  • IELTS: All recordings are played one time only.
  • Not all tests can be taken from your home country. If you are applying for A1 Further Leave to Remain, A2 Further Leave to Remain (visa extension), B1 British Citizenship
    (Naturalisation) or Indefinite Leave to Remain — ILR (Settlement/Permanent Residency), you must make your application from inside the UK and currently need to take your test within a UK test centre. See the UK government website (gov.uk) for details or contact one of our recommended immigration specialists.

PTE

Fees vary by country and test type. Contact SELT Central for exact prices.

Guide: £145 for PTE Home tests to £175 for PTE Academic UKVI (excludes SELT Central discounts).

LanguageCert (SELT)

Fees vary by country and test type. Contact SELT Central for exact prices

  • £150–£170 for LanguageCert SELT exams testing Speaking & Listening.
  • £190–£210 for LanguageCert SELT exams testing Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.
  • Prices exclude SELT Central partnership discounts

PSI — Skills for English (SELT)

Costs depend on the test type and where you intend to take it. You’ll see the cost at booking. Prices shown do not include SELT Central partnership discounts.

IELTS / IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills

Fees vary by country and test type. Contact SELT Central for exact prices.

  • £170–£195 for IELTS Academic and General Training
  • £170–£195 for IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training).
  • £150–£170 for IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1).
  • Prices exclude SELT Central discounts.

 

PTE

Most test takers get results within 48 hours. There are frequent test dates and last-minute bookings are possible.

LanguageCert (SELT)

  • Speaking & Listening: Preliminary results a few minutes after your exam. Official Test Report issued 3 working days after exam day.
  • Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking: Test Report issued 5 working days after completing both components.

PSI — Skills for English (SELT)

Results are typically available within 14 days (within 28 days maximum).

IELTS / IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills

  • IELTS on paper: Test Report Form available 13 days after test
  • IELTS on computer: Results available 3–5 days after test
  • IELTS for UKVI: Results viewable 13 days after test.
  • IELTS Life Skills: Results available 7 days after test.
  • You’ll receive one TRF (two if applying to IRCC). Results viewable online for 28 days (not official confirmation).

All SELT scores are valid for 2 years; you will need to take the test again thereafter.

Are bathroom breaks allowed during my test?

PTE

If you require a break due to a medical need, you may request a ten-minute break during your test. Requests for any special accommodations must be made prior to booking. You
will need to complete an online form and submit supporting documentation.

LanguageCert (SELT)

Breaks are only allowed during the Reading and Writing parts, not during Listening, Speaking or the Listening & Speaking exam.

PSI — Skills for English (SELT)

You cannot leave the test room during Speaking and Listening tests. You can during your Reading and Writing test, but no extra time will be given. Raise your hand to alert test
centre staff; they will hide your screen while you are away.

IELTS / IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes with no breaks between sections.