English Language levels for living and working in the UK
ESOL levels and tests
When you have an ESOL advice session, we will talk to you about the best type of class for your situation and needs.
| NQF Level | CEFR | SQA (ESOL) | Cambridge | Trinity | IELTS Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Entry | National 1 | ||||
| Entry 1 | A1 | National 2 | |||
| Entry 2 | A2 | National 3 | KET | 0 | 3 |
| Entry 3 | B1 | National 4 | PET | 1 | 4 |
| Level 1 | B2 | National 5 | FCE | 11 | 5.5 |
| Level 2 | C1 | National 6 | CAE | 111 | 6. |
Levels required for UK visas
If you need to demonstrate your level of English to live, work or study in the UK, for example for your citizenship application or for settlement in the UK, you will need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The test you take will depend on your visa requirements. Read the GOV.UK or the Trinity College London website to find out which test you need to take.
For example, to live in the UK, you would need to demostrate Speaking and Listening skills in English at A1 to B1 levels depending on your visa application type.
Secure English Language Test centres
For the test results to be accepted for your visa application, the test must be taken in one of the approved test centres.
In Manchester, there are SELT test centres where you can book and take the test.
Trinity College London, Peter House (Spaces), Oxford Street, M1 5AN
Languagecert ITTS,3rd Floor, universal square, Devonshire St N, Manchester, M12 6JH
Pearson Professional Centres-UK Manchester Blue Zone, Ground Floor , Suites 3 & 4, Universal Square, Devonshire Street North, M12 6JH
Prepare for the Secure English Language Test (SELT)
Some colleges and centres in Greater Manchester provide courses to help you prepare for your SELT test.
- Wai Yin Society, 66-68 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JU. Visit their website for more information about their SELT courses.
- Britannia English Academy, 12 Charlotte Street, Manchester, M1 4FL. Visit their website to read more about Britannia English Academy SELT courses.
- Think English, 19, Waters Edge Business Park, Modwen Rd, Salford M5 3EZ. Read about Think English SELT courses on their website.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS stands for “International English Language Testing System,” which is an qualification you can take if you want to apply for university in the UK. It tests your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in an academic setting, to check that you have the necessary vocabulary and English skills to study at a higher level institution. Some employers might also ask you to take IELTS and it might also be a requirement for some types of UK visa too. Visit the British Council website for more information about the IELTS exam.
There are many centres in Manchester that offer IELTS preparation courses, which you can take to get ready for the exam.
OET (Occupational English Test)
This is an English language exam designed for healthcare professionals.
The OET Test proves you have the right level of English to work or study in healthcare in English-speaking countries such as the UK, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
You can find a test centre near you and book a test on the OET website.
Life in the UK Test
Most people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship will need to take the Life in the UK test.
The 24-question test covers British customs, laws, and traditions and it requires a 75% pass rate. The test costs £50 and it must be booked at an official centre. You can find a test centre near you and book a test on the GOV.UK website.
