LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT B1: the test explained
LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT B1 (Speaking & Listening) is an 11 to 13 minute, one-to-one test with a live examiner online, taken on a computer at a LANGUAGECERT SELT test centre. It has four parts, you need 60 out of 100 to pass, a provisional result comes within minutes, and the official test report follows in 3 working days.
The four parts
Timings are from LANGUAGECERT's official B1 practice paper.
| Part | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Personal information | 1 min 30 s to 2 min 30 s | You spell your family name and say where you're from, then answer four questions about yourself, each from a different topic. At B1 you're expected to give opinions and reasons. |
| 2. Role play | 1 min 30 s to 2 min | Two everyday situations. In one the examiner starts and you respond; in the other you start. About two turns each. The examiner may play a character, but you're always yourself. |
| 3. Exchanging information | 2 min 30 s | You and the examiner look at picture prompts and talk through options to plan, arrange or decide something. At B1 you should try to reach an agreement. |
| 4a. Listening | 3 minutes | You get 10 seconds to read three questions. The examiner reads a short talk twice, you can take notes, then you answer the questions out loud. |
| 4b. Long turn | 2 min 30 s to 3 min | You get 30 seconds to make notes, then talk alone for up to one and a half minutes on a topic linked to the listening, followed by questions. |
The practice paper gives real examples. In Part 2 the examiner might say "I'm your boss. You want to take a day off work next week. You start." In Part 3 the task might be choosing a wedding present for the examiner's sister.
Pass mark and marking
You need at least 60 out of 100 to pass, and that's also the minimum on the Home Office's approved list. LANGUAGECERT's handbook says the examiner marks five areas: listening and responding, interactive communication and task fulfilment, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, intonation and fluency. The test is recorded for audit.
Results
- Provisional result: within minutes of finishing. LANGUAGECERT's prep guide says it's emailed within 15 minutes.
- Official test report: 3 working days after the test.
- E-certificate: issued when you reach the required level.
For your application you'll use the "Candidate URN" on your result. LANGUAGECERT says the result is valid for UK visa applications for 2 years from the test date. Results for all four tests.
Fee and booking
- Fee: LANGUAGECERT doesn't publish one fixed price. It says fees vary by country and local currency, so you'll see yours when you book.
- Book: from LANGUAGECERT's B1 page ("Book now"), or by phone on 020 3564 7044. Choose "SELT B1 (Speaking & Listening)".
- Resits: LANGUAGECERT advertises a resit offer called Take2 at checkout. Read the current terms before you pay.
How to prepare
- Part 1: practise short answers about yourself that add a reason ("I prefer summer because...").
- Part 2: practise starting a conversation, not only replying.
- Part 3: practise suggesting, comparing options and agreeing on one.
- Part 4: practise note-taking while listening, then speaking for 90 seconds from brief notes.
- Use the free official material: LANGUAGECERT's B1 page has three practice papers, the handbook, two sample interview recordings and webinars.
- Do a full mock with our LANGUAGECERT B1 live practice test, which runs all the parts in the real order.
Common questions
Is the pass mark 60 or 33 out of 50?
For the B1 speaking and listening test it's 60/100. The 33/50 figures on the Home Office list belong to LANGUAGECERT's older four-skill tests, not this one.
Do I get a grade, or just pass or fail?
The handbook says the result is Pass or Fail. Whether the current test report also shows a score out of 100 isn't stated on LANGUAGECERT's pages, so we don't know.
Is the examiner in the room?
No. You do the test on a computer at the centre, and the examiner joins you online.
General information. We're independent of LANGUAGECERT and the Home Office. Sources: LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT B1 Speaking & Listening; LANGUAGECERT SELT support FAQs; Qualification Handbook (Speaking & Listening); B1 Practice Paper 1; Preparing for your test; GOV.UK: Secure English Language Tests and approved list. Checked 20 October 2026.