Which B1 English test should you take?
Four B1 speaking and listening tests are approved for UK visas, citizenship and settlement. They all lead to the same thing, a pass at B1, so the choice comes down to which format suits you and how quickly you need the result.
| Trinity GESE Grade 5 | IELTS Life Skills B1 | PTE Home B1 | LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT B1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who you talk to | one examiner, by video call | an examiner and another candidate | a computer | one examiner, online |
| Length | 10 minutes | around 20 minutes | 22 minutes | 11 to 13 minutes |
| You prepare in advance | a topic form with five points | nothing | nothing | nothing |
| Result | Pass, Merit or Distinction, or Fail | Pass or Fail | Pass or Fail | Pass or Fail (pass mark 60/100) |
| Results arrive | provisional by 9am next day; final in 4 to 7 days | within 9 days | typically 2 days | official report in 3 working days |
| UK fee | £160 | from £182 | £160 | check when booking |
From each provider's own pages, checked 20 October 2026. Prices and timings can change and turnaround times aren't guaranteed.
Trinity GESE Grade 5: a conversation about you
You bring a topic you've chosen, with five points, and talk about it with the examiner. Then you chat about two everyday subjects, such as music or transport. It suits people who like to prepare and who find it easier to talk about their own life. Try our free rehearsal.
IELTS Life Skills B1: you speak with another candidate
Much of the test is a conversation with a second test taker: you ask each other questions, talk about a subject, listen to short recordings and plan something together. It suits people who are comfortable talking with a stranger.
PTE Home B1: speak to a computer
You speak into a headset at a test centre: you repeat sentences, describe a picture and retell a short story, and a computer scores you. Some people find that less stressful; others find it hard to speak without someone reacting. Despite the name, it's taken at a test centre, not at home.
LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT B1: short and structured
A one-to-one test in four parts: questions about you, two short role plays, a discussion using pictures, then a short listening and a talk on a related topic. It suits people who like clear, separate tasks.
Things that matter whichever you choose
- Book the visa (SELT) version, at an approved centre, in exactly the name on your ID.
- A result is generally accepted for two years, so don't take it too early.
- If you're applying for settlement on or after 26 March 2027, most routes need B2, not B1. Check the deadline rules.