Different Types of English Tests in the UK — Which Test Should You Take?
If you plan to study, work, join the NHS, or apply for a UK visa, you must prove your English ability with the right test. Choosing the correct exam prevents delays, meets regulator or university requirements, and boosts your chances of success. This guide breaks down the main English tests used in the UK — IELTS, PTE, OET, and Life Skills (A1 & B1) — explains when to pick each one, and gives practical preparation tips.
Quick comparison: which test for which purpose
- IELTS (Academic / General / IELTS for UKVI): Widely used for university admission, many jobs, and immigration when the UKVI (SELT) version is required.
- PTE Academic (and PTE for UKVI): Fast, fully computer-based test often accepted for study and visas — UKVI-approved options exist.
- OET (Occupational English Test): Tailored for healthcare professionals; preferred by many UK regulators and NHS employers.
- Life Skills (A1 & B1): Short SELT tests for specific family and visa routes — tests speaking & listening only.
- Cambridge Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced): Useful when a clear CEFR level is required for work or study; accepted by many institutions.
How CEFR levels map to UK requirements
- A1 — Basic conversational ability; used for some partner/family entry routes (Life Skills A1).
- B1 — Independent everyday communication; used for certain family/settlement and visa routes (Life Skills B1).
- B2 — Upper-intermediate: typically required for independent academic study or professional roles — proven via mainstream tests (IELTS, PTE, Cambridge). Note: there is no Life Skills B2 test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Purpose: Study (Academic), training/work (General Training), immigration (IELTS for UKVI SELT).
Format: Four modules — Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
Scoring: Band scores 0–9; many UK universities request 6.0–7.5 overall or specific sub-scores.
Result time: Usually 3–13 days depending on mode.
Tip: If applying for a visa, confirm whether you must take an IELTS for UKVI (a SELT-approved version).
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
Purpose: Study, work and visa applications (PTE for UKVI when required).
Format: Computer-delivered tasks covering Speaking & Writing (combined), Reading, Listening.
Scoring: 10–90; institutions map PTE scores to IELTS/CEFR.
Result time: Often 2–5 days.
Tip: Choose PTE if you prefer typing responses and want a fast turnaround.
OET (Occupational English Test)
Purpose: Designed specifically for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, gynaecology, allied health).
Format: Profession-focused tasks across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking using clinical scenarios.
Scoring: Letter grades A–E per sub-test; many UK regulators accept OET grades for registration.
Result time: Typically about 7 days.
Tip: If you’re seeking registration with the GMC, NMC, GDC or a NHS role, OET is often the most relevant choice.
Life Skills (A1 & B1) — SELT for family/entry visas
Purpose: Secure English Language Test (SELT) that assesses Speaking & Listening for specific visa routes (mainly family and partner visas).
Levels: A1 and B1 only — there is no Life Skills B2 test.
Format: One-to-one speaking/interview tasks focused on everyday communication.
Tip: Only take Life Skills when a visa route specifically requires it; otherwise choose a full SELT at the level requested.
Which test should you choose? — by purpose
- Study at a UK university: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Check course-specific minimums.
- Work (non-healthcare): IELTS or PTE — employer preferences vary.
- Healthcare registration / NHS jobs: OET is usually preferred; some regulators accept IELTS at specific scores — verify with the regulator.
- Visa / immigration / family routes: Use a SELT-approved test. For family visas, Life Skills A1 or B1 may be required. Always check GOV.UK guidance: English language requirements – GOV.UK.
Practical preparation tips
- Confirm requirements: Always check the exact test version (SELT/UKVI) and the minimum scores your university, employer or regulator requires.
- Match test format to your strengths: If you perform better typing, consider PTE; if you need clinical context, choose OET.
- Use official practice materials: Practice with real test papers and timed mocks.
- Book early: UKVI test slots and popular OET/IELTS dates can fill up quickly.
- Track score conversions: Keep PTE ↔ IELTS ↔ CEFR conversion charts handy if an institution accepts multiple tests.
- Focus on weak skills: Use targeted practice (speaking partners, writing feedback, mock listening tests) to improve specific sub-scores.
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