Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship: Complete Guide (2025 Edition)
Table of Contents
What Is the Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship?
Why It’s Required for Naturalisation
Who Must Take the Test?
English Level Required for Citizenship
CEFR Explained: B1 Requirement
Approved UKVI SELT Providers
Types of Speaking and Listening Tests
IELTS Life Skills B1: Overview
Trinity GESE Grade 5: Overview
Test Format and Structure
Booking the Test
Documents You Need to Register
Sample Topics and Questions
How to Prepare Effectively
Online vs In-Centre Testing
Retaking the Test: What to Know
How to Use the Certificate for Citizenship Application
Test Fees and Validity
Exemptions from the English Language Test
What Happens After You Pass
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Real Test-Taker Experiences
FAQs About Speaking and Listening Test
Timeline for Completing the Requirement
Final Checklist and Conclusion
1. What Is the Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship?
The speaking and listening test for UK citizenship is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate in English. It is a B1 level exam focusing exclusively on speaking and listening skills, and is mandatory for most individuals applying for British citizenship (naturalisation) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
2. Why It’s Required for Naturalisation
The UK Home Office requires this test to ensure that all new citizens can:
Speak and understand everyday English
Participate in British society and civic life
Understand key cultural norms and responsibilities
It demonstrates that you can integrate into UK society both linguistically and socially.
3. Who Must Take the Test?
You must take this test if you are:
Aged between 18 and 65
Applying for British citizenship (naturalisation)
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Not from a majority English-speaking country
Not holding an English-taught degree certified by UK ENIC
4. English Level Required for Citizenship
For citizenship, the required level is B1 on the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This is an intermediate level and is considered sufficient for everyday conversation.
5. CEFR Explained: B1 Requirement
B1 English level means you can:
Understand main points in familiar topics
Deal with most situations while travelling or at work
Produce simple, connected speech
Describe experiences and opinions clearly
This is the benchmark level for naturalisation in the UK.
6. Approved UKVI SELT Providers
The UK Home Office only accepts English test results from approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers. These include:
Trinity College London (GESE Grade 5)
IELTS Life Skills B1
LanguageCert SELT
Pearson PTE Home B1
You must take your test at an approved test centre listed by UKVI.
7. Types of Speaking and Listening Tests
IELTS Life Skills B1
Duration: 22 minutes
Format: Paired speaking with another candidate
Assessed on fluency, interaction, pronunciation, and comprehension
Trinity GESE Grade 5
Duration: 10 minutes
Format: One-to-one interview with examiner
Two parts: Conversation + topic discussion
Both are accepted for citizenship, so choose based on personal comfort and convenience.
8. IELTS Life Skills B1: Overview
Conducted by British Council or IDP
Test includes everyday conversation, role-plays, and opinion sharing
Scored as Pass or Fail
Certificate delivered within 7 days
Booking fee: approx £150
9. Trinity GESE Grade 5: Overview
Conducted by Trinity College London
Suitable for those who prefer 1-on-1 testing
Conversation topics include work, family, and hobbies
Results usually available within 1–5 days
Accepted for both citizenship and ILR
10. Test Format and Structure
Section 1: General Conversation
Introduction
Questions about your daily life, work, family
Section 2: Discussion or Role Play
Examiner chooses a topic
You’ll share your views, ask and answer questions
You are assessed on clarity, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar—not accent or speed.
11. Booking the Test
Visit an approved provider’s website (Trinity, IELTS, etc.)
Choose the B1 Speaking & Listening test
Pick a date and location
Submit ID documents
Pay the test fee
Receive confirmation by email or SMS
12. Documents You Need to Register
Valid passport or biometric residence permit (BRP)
Government-issued photo ID
Test booking confirmation email
UKVI reference number if applicable
13. Sample Topics and Questions
Describe your job or daily routine
Talk about your family traditions
How do you usually spend your weekends?
What is your opinion about technology?
Practice giving full, clear answers with examples.
14. How to Prepare Effectively
Use practice books or online mock tests
Record your voice and analyse pronunciation
Join an English-speaking club or conversation class
Practice with a friend or tutor
Focus on clarity and vocabulary variety
15. Online vs In-Centre Testing
For citizenship, you must take the test in-person at an approved UKVI test centre. Online SELT options are not valid for naturalisation or ILR purposes.
16. Retaking the Test: What to Know
No limit on how many times you can take the test
You must pay the test fee each time
Wait for your result before rebooking
Use feedback to improve weak areas
17. How to Use the Certificate for Citizenship Application
Once you pass:
Include the certificate in your online application
Ensure it matches your name and date of birth
Keep the original for your records
It does not expire, unless UKVI rules change
18. Test Fees and Validity
Cost: Around £150–£170
Valid for life when used for British citizenship
Must be valid at the time of application submission
19. Exemptions from the English Language Test
You don’t need to take the test if you are:
From a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada)
Over 65 years old
Under 18 years old
Holding a degree taught in English (with NARIC/UK ENIC proof)
Suffering from a physical/mental condition (medical proof required)
20. What Happens After You Pass
Receive your SELT certificate
Apply for citizenship with Life in the UK test certificate + English test certificate
Await Home Office decision
If approved, attend your citizenship ceremony
21. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Booking the wrong test (e.g., A2 instead of B1)
Not preparing for spoken English
Arriving late or without ID
Not checking test centre address and requirements
22. Real Test-Taker Experiences
Arif, from Bangladesh: “I took Trinity GESE and passed after 2 weeks of speaking practice every day. The examiner was kind and helped me feel relaxed.”
Sofia, from Colombia: “IELTS Life Skills worked for me. I was paired with a friendly candidate. Practising with YouTube videos helped me a lot.”
23. FAQs About Speaking and Listening Test
Q: Can I take the test online from home?
A: No. It must be in-person for citizenship or ILR.
Q: Is reading or writing included in this test?
A: No. Only speaking and listening are tested.
Q: Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test as well?
A: Yes. You must pass both the Life in the UK test and the English test.
24. Timeline for Completing the Requirement
| Time Before Application | Task |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks | Begin English speaking prep |
| 4 weeks | Book your test |
| 2 weeks | Take practice exams |
| 1 week | Attend test & collect result |
| Application time | Submit certificate with form |
25. Final Checklist and Conclusion
Checklist:
Booked B1 SELT speaking & listening test
Prepared with practice questions
Passed Life in the UK test
Collected both certificates
Submitted documents with citizenship form
Conclusion:
The speaking and listening test for UK citizenship is a vital step in your journey to becoming a British citizen. With proper preparation, practice, and planning, you can approach the test confidently and succeed. Choose your test provider wisely, focus on clear communication, and follow all UKVI rules. Once passed, you’re one step closer to your new life as a UK citizen.
Read More: UK Visa English Test Example: Your Complete Guide
