FAQ
Skills For English: SELT
Category
Skills For English: Global
Category
Skills For English: SELT
The test
SELT stands for Secure English Language Test and is the term used for all tests that are delivered under secure conditions such as the Skills for English language tests used for UK visa applications
UKVI stands for the UK Visa and Immigration Service. This is the department that deals with all UK visa applications
Different visa applications will need different levels of English. You must check what is the required level of English, e.g. A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2. You can then apply to take the relevant test to support your visa application
You can register a booking account on our booking portal at the following web address
https://www.bookmyskillsforenglish.com/
Please click on “register” and follow the steps to create an account.
When the registration is complete, you will be sent an e-mail with a link to validate your details. When you have clicked the link, your account will be active for bookings.
You can make bookings only on-line in your booking account.
When you have logged in, click on “Book an assessment” and follow the steps. You will be asked to
- Confirm if you have any test requirements
- Select a test type
- Select your country and enter the city you live in or your zip/postal code and search – You will then be presented with the 5 closest test centres to you
- Select your preferred location
- Select your preferred date – Pay attention to the colour coding on the test slot selection
- Chose a test slot – the cost of the test is presented in the “Book Test” button
- Confirm and pay for your booking
- You will receive an e-mail with the booking details when it has been confirmed and paid for
The cost of you test depends on the test type you need and where you intend to take it – If you know what that is, please call our Candidate Services Team for further guidance.
Otherwise you will see the cost of the test when you have gone through the steps described on how to make a booking.
Our free preparation resources will help you become test ready.
Yes, a Skills for English: SELT pass at the appropriate level is valid for visa applications made from within the UK. Visit the Home Office website for more information – www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt
Booking my test
Passport, Identity card of EEA nationals, UK issued Biometric Resident Permit (card), Travel Document issued by the United Nations or the Red Cross, Convention Travel Document, Stateless Person’s Travel Document. You MUST bring the ID you register with on the day of your test.
Yes, you can. The ID you present must be a Passport
Please note: Other National IDs will only be accepted in the country that they are issued
You can cancel your booking more than 5 days in advance of an existing booking. Your test fee will be automatically refunded. You can then re-book to a new date and time.
You can see a list of test centres in our global network on the Skills for English website here.
All the Skills for English tests are computer-based and are taken at an authorised test centre.
You can cancel your booking more than 5 days in advance of an existing booking. Your test fee will be automatically refunded. No refund is given for cancellations less that 5 days in advance.
- To cancel you test, log into your account via our Candidate Account Portal. Your booking will be visible under the green ‘Confirmed Bookings’ tab
- Click ‘view test’ to see all full test details
- Click ‘Cancel Test’ button to cancel
- You will receive an e-mail confirming your cancellation. If you are eligible for a refund, you will also receive a ‘credit note’ confirming the amount to be returned.
When you have logged in, click on “Book an assessment” and follow the steps. You will be asked to confirm if you have any test requirements
- Click ‘yes’ then ‘continue’ – A webform for requesting special arrangements is presented.
- Select one or more reasons for requesting a special arrangement.
- Describe your condition, how it affects you and the assistance that you require in the text box.
- Click ‘Continue’ This submits your request to a dedicated mailbox that is monitored by PSI.
- We will be in touch with next steps.
- Where special arrangements are agreed we will instruct you on how to then make your booking.
PSI will administer tests to minors for whom consent has been provided, at PSI authorised test centres. Before making a booking, please download and complete the Release Form for Testing Minors and The Emergency contact Form included in the Minors Testing Policy.
Please then send the documents to [email protected]. We will acknowledge receipt after which you can book your test. Please let us know where and when you will be testing so that we may be able to notify the test centre of your attendance.
Test day
You must arrive at the Test centre at least 15 mins before the test time
The ID you registered with
You will not be allowed to have your personal belonging with you at your desk while you take the Skills for English tests
How long you’re at a test centre will depend in the test type you are taking plus the time to allow for validation (at least 15 minutes) please refer to our table of test here for test durations.
You cannot leave the test room during Speaking and Listening tests. You can during your Reading and Writing test, but you will not be given extra time if you are away from your screen. Put your hand up to alert the test centre staff and they will hide your screen whilst you are away from your test workstation.
- Your identity will be checked and verified against the ID you will have registered with.
- A security check will be conducted visually and electronically using a handheld metal detector.
- You must consent to us taking a photograph of you as part of the validation process.
Yes, you will be taking the Skills for English tests under exam conditions.
Test results
Your test result will be available to you in your booking portal. You can access them using the login details created when first registered. An alert will be sent you via e-mail with your Unique Reference Number (URN). You will be able to see your results under the ‘Results’ tab.
We aim to have your test results within 14 days of you taking your test. This will be within 28 days maximum.
No certificate is issued upon successful completion of the Skills for English Test. Result verification is paperless. Copy your Unique Reference Number (URN) into your application form. The Home Office will use this to locate your test details and verify your result.
Unique Reference Number (URN) is generated for each candidate for each test attempt. It will be the only evidence required by Home Office officials to identify candidate test details and verify results.
From the date your results are issued to you, this is valid for up to two (2) years
If you fail the Test and wish to retake the Test, you may book for another Test after receiving your previous Test result. However, we recommend you wait a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days to give you time to prepare for the new Test. Please be advised that no refund is applicable if you fail your Test.
Results can only be issued in a Pass or Fail format
- You may appeal your overall result within 21 days of receiving the it.
- The decision to remark your responses will depend on the type of skill which has a “Fail” result and the outcome of an independent investigation by senior members of the Assessment Team.
- To appeal, we ask that you write to [email protected] indicating the test you are appealing, the reason you are appealing and include any supporting information you can provide. This information will form the basis of any review.
- Upon receipt, we will be in touch directly so that we can arrange for payment before submitting the appeal for review.
- A service charge of $130 is payable for a review. This charge is refundable only if the outcome of the review is a change in result.
My data / Privacy Policy
Our Skills for English are SELT – Secure English Language Test delivered in a high-stakes environment
Others
To make a complaint, you can write to [email protected]. Before you do, please refer to the Skills for English Terms & Conditions and describe how your circumstances are an exception for us to consider.
Skills For English: Global
The test
No, you would need to take Skills for English: SELT .
Our free preparation resources will help you become test ready.
Booking the test
Go to our website: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/sfeglobal and click “sign in / create account” on the top right of the screen.
If you are a test taker located in mainland China or Hong Kong, go to our website https://test-takers.psiexams.com/sfeglobalchina and click “sign in / create account” on the top right of the screen.
You can make an online booking using the links above.
You can also call our Candidate Service Centre.
You will first select your test, depending on which level you would like to test. There are 7 tests to choose from.
If you require accommodations, you can request them.
You will then be able to select if you want to take an online proctored test from home, or a test centre-based test.
If you are taking your test at a test centre, you can search for the closest test centre by entering your zip/postal code.
You will be presented with the closest test centres to you.
When you book your test on our website or speak to our Candidate Service Center, you can give your preferred test date. You can then pick the first available time slot on that date.
If the date/time you want for your test is not available, you will see other available dates and times. Our Candidate Service Centre will help you book the date and time that is best for you.
You will then confirm and pay for your booking. You can pay via credit card, debit card, or voucher code.
You will receive an email with the booking details when it has been confirmed and paid for.
You can usually cancel or change the time/date of your test by logging in to your PSI online account. Usually we allow you to change the time/date of your test 1 day before, if space is available. PSI requires 2 business days to reschedule your test without paying a fee.
On the day of your test, for online proctored and test centre exams, you MUST bring the same valid, unexpired ID that you registered your test with.
These include: Passport, Government ID, Identity card of EEA nationals, Biometric Card (Biometric Resident Permit and Biometric Resident Card), Travel Documents (these include those issued by the United Nations or the Red Cross, Convention Travel Document, or Stateless Person’s Travel Document.)
Yes, you can – but the accepted form of identification to take your test needs to be a valid passport
You can usually cancel or change the time/date of your test by logging in to your PSI online account. PSI allows you to change the time/date of your test 1 day before if space is available.
PSI requires 2 business days to reschedule your test without paying a fee.
You can see a list of test centres in our global network on the Skills for English website: https://skillsforenglish.com
If you are based in China, you can only take the test at a test centre.
Test takers based in any other country can take the test either at a test centre, or from home, via online proctoring.
All the Skills for English tests are computer based.
If you take the test from home via online proctoring, you can take your test on your computer.
You will need a web camera, speakers, a microphone, and a good broadband internet connection. Please do the compatibility check on our scheduling website before you take the test.
You can usually cancel your test by logging in to your PSI online account. PSI allows you to change the time/date of your test 1 day before if space is available.
PSI requires 2 business days to reschedule your test without paying a fee.
Your test fee will automatically be refunded.
When you have logged in, click on “Book an assessment” and follow the steps. You will be asked to confirm if you have any test requirements
Click ‘yes’ then ‘continue’ – A webform for requesting special arrangements is presented.
Select one or more reasons for requesting a special arrangement.
Describe your condition, how it affects you and the assistance that you require in the text box.
Click ‘Continue’ This submits your request to a dedicated mailbox that is monitored by PSI.
We will be in touch with next steps.
Where special arrangements are agreed we will instruct you on how to then make your booking.
PSI will administer tests to minors for whom consent has been provided, at PSI authorised test centres. Before making a booking, please download and complete the Release Form for Testing Minors and The Emergency contact Form included in the Minors Testing Policy.
Please then send the documents to [email protected] We will acknowledge receipt after which you can book your test. Please let us know where and when you will be testing so that we may be able to notify the test centre of your attendance.
Test day
You must arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your test time. If you do not arrive 30 minutes before your test time, you may not be allowed to take your test.
You should log on to your test taker portal on test day. You can connect with our human Remote Proctors 15 minutes before your test starts. When your test is ready, the proctor will launch your test.
You must show your valid, unexpired and acceptable ID before the test can start.
Electronic devices, such as mobile phones and cameras, are not allowed in a PSI test centre.
You should not bring any personal items with you to the testing center. PSI will not be responsible for any personal items and suggests that you leave them at home.
You will not be allowed to have your personal belongings with you as you at your desk while you take the Skills for English tests.
How long you’re at a test centre will depend in the test type you are taking plus the time to allow for validation (at least 15-30 minutes) please refer to our table of test here for test durations.
You cannot leave the test room during Speaking and Listening tests. You can during your Reading and Writing test but you will not be given extra time if you are away from your screen. Put your hand up to alert the test centre staff and they will hide your screen whilst you are away from your test work station.
You cannot leave the test room during any of the tests. For security reasons, if you leave the room during your test, your proctor will terminate your test immediately.
Your identity will be checked and verified against the ID you will have registered with.
A security check will be conducted visually and electronically using a handheld metal detector.
You must consent to us taking a photograph of you as part of the validation process.
You must show to the web camera your valid, unexpired and acceptable ID before the test can start. Military IDs cannot be used.
Your identity will be checked and verified by the proctor.
Yes, you will be taking the Skills for English tests under exam conditions both in a test centre and at home.
No, but you will be able to chat with them any time you have a question or an issue and they will reply in the chat window on your screen.
Test results
Your test result pdf will be available to download on your test taker portal. You will receive an email containing the pdf as well.
We aim to have your test results within 5 days on average. This will be within 14 days of you taking your test. This will be within 28 days maximum.
There is no expiry date for your Skills for English test results. It is up to a receiving institution to determine how long they will accept results for.
If you fail the Test and wish to retake the Test, you may book for another Test after receiving your previous Test result. However, we recommend you wait a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days to give you time to prepare for the new Test. Please be advised that no refund is applicable if you fail your Test.
Results can only be issued in a Pass or Fail format
You may appeal your overall result within 21 days of receiving the it.
The decision to remark your responses will depend on the type of skill which has a “Fail” result and the outcome of an independent investigation by senior members of the Assessment Team.
To appeal, we ask that you write to [email protected] indicating the test you are appealing, the reason you are appealing and include any supporting information you can provide. This information will form the basis of any review.
Upon receipt, we will be in touch directly so that we can arrange for payment before submitting the appeal for review.
A service charge of $130 is payable for a review. This charge is refundable only if the outcome of the review is a change in result.
To make a complaint, you can write to [email protected] Before you do, please refer to the Skills for English Terms & Conditions and describe how your circumstances are an exception for us to consider.
