Tests that show B1
| Test | B1 needs | Where |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI IELTS SELT Consortium | 4 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| PTE Academic UKVI Pearson | 43 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT LanguageCert | 40 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert General SELT LanguageCert | 40 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English) Trinity College London | ISE I, pass | In the UK |
| Skills for English UKVI (4 component) PSI Services | B1, pass | Outside the UK |
| IELTS Life Skills IELTS SELT Consortium | B1, pass | In and outside the UK |
| PTE Home Pearson | B1, pass | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (speaking and listening) LanguageCert | B1, pass | In and outside the UK |
| Trinity GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) Trinity College London | Grade 5, pass | In the UK |
| Skills for English UKVI (2 component) PSI Services | B1, pass | Outside the UK |
When your settlement test still counts
If you settled using a B1, B2, C1 or C2 qualification, it meets the citizenship requirement, even if it has run out and even if the test is no longer on the current list.
If you were exempt when you settled, you need to send an exemption form again with your citizenship application.
Who does not need a test
- People aged 65 or over.
- People with a long-term physical or mental condition, with a doctor's exemption form.
- Nationals of the majority English-speaking countries on GOV.UK's list, and Irish citizens.
- People with an academic degree taught or researched in English: a UK degree, or one Ecctis confirms.
Questions
Do I need B2 English for British citizenship?
No. Citizenship asks for B1 in speaking and listening (Form AN guidance, July 2026). The B2 change on 26 March 2027 is to the settlement rules.
Can I use the English test from my ILR application?
Yes, if it was a B1 or higher qualification accepted when you settled. It still counts if it has expired.
Which B1 test is quickest?
The speaking and listening tests are the shortest: IELTS Life Skills B1, PTE Home B1, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (speaking and listening), Trinity GESE Grade 5 in the UK, or PSI Skills for English B1 outside the UK.