Skills for English preparation and practice resources
Get ready for success in Skills for English
NEW - Test Taker Guides
Download our new Skills for English test taker guides, available for levels B1 and B2.
- Tips and advice
- Information about the test structure
- Links to free language learning courses
- Links to free practice tests for Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing
Prepare for success
Skills for English test takers will always see better outcomes when they are well prepared. Follow these steps and take advantage of the materials available to prepare for your test.
Watch videos of what the test actually looks like and access a whole range of free preparation materials from PSI and SQA and premium preparation materials from our partners.
CEFR level finder
Once you know which Skills for English test you need to take for your required visa, or for entry to your chosen institution, use these tools to find out your current ability level.
Our CEFR level finder will give you a chance to compare your English language abilities with the Skills for English and CEFR levels, helping you to plan your study ahead of your test. We recommend you also use the free preparation and practice resources.
These short tests have questions on vocabulary, grammar and the way English is used. They are NOT designed to test your listening, speaking or writing skills.
The results of these tests give you an indication of your CEFR level. These tests should NOT be used as the only tool to help you decide your CEFR level. Your teacher, if you have one, can help you with further guidance on which CEFR level you are prepared to meet.
There is a CEFR level finder for each of the levels, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Each test has 10 questions.
Prepare for your test
What is the test like
These videos provide a preview of what to expect from the different sections of the Skills for English Test.
Skills for English two skills test
(speaking and listening)
Skills for English four skills test
(speaking, listening, reading and writing)
Test specification
Download the Skills for English Test Specifications for in-depth explanations about how the tests are structured, delivered and assessed.
Skills for English Test Specification V7.1
Exploring Skills for English
Test Information Sheets for Test Takers
Mark Schemes
Our mark schemes provide you with an overview of how Skills for English tests are marked.
Speaking Mark Schemes
Writing Mark Schemes
Annotated Responses
See some sample answers with feedback. These will help you understand how to structure your responses to help you with your Skills for English test.
A1 Annotated Responses
A2 Annotated Responses
B1 Annotated Responses
B2 Annotated Responses
C1 Annotated Responses
C2 Annotated Responses
The Skills for English: SELT Grammar and Vocabulary
The Skills for English: SELT Grammar and Vocabulary lists are a new addition to the resources available for teachers and test takers preparing for the Skills for English: SELT tests. They cover the levels A1 to B2. Each document provides a list of likely grammatical points or vocabulary that may be used in the Skills for English tests at each level. They provide an indication of the kind of language that test takers should be comfortable with in order to be successful at their chosen level.
These documents can be used in a variety of ways:
- For teachers: as a learning tool, they provide you with an indication of the kind of language that needs to be taught or that test takers need to have mastered at each level
- For learners: as a checklist to ensure you are ready to take the test at your chosen level
These documents do NOT provide a definitive list and should be used to support learning and preparation activities. The Skills for English: SELT tests may contain other language suitable at each of the CEFR levels. For further information, you should refer to the CEFR for descriptions of language skills test takers at each level should be able to engage with.
Grammar Lists
Vocabulary Lists
Improve your English
SQA Academy
Visit our partner site to access learning content and formative tests specifically designed for Skills for English tests, that will support you with your preparation (please note you will have to create an SQA Academy account).
Skills for English A1 Learning Materials
This section contains 30 tasks aimed at improving your English language skills at a A1 level. You will have the chance to practise your grammar and spelling as well as your listening and speaking skills. The topics covered in these tasks are similar to those found in Skills for English tests. There is no time limit to complete these exercises and the section can be re-taken as often as you like.
Skills for English A2 Learning Materials
This section contains 30 tasks aimed at improving your English language skills at a A2 level. You will have the chance to practise your grammar and spelling as well as your listening and speaking skills. The topics covered in these tasks are similar to those found in Skills for English exams tests. There is no time limit to complete these exercises and the section can be re-taken as often as you like.
Skills for English B1 Learning Materials
This section contains 30 tasks aimed at improving your English language skills at a B1 level. You will have the chance to practise your grammar and spelling as well as your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The topics covered in these tasks are similar to those found in Skills for English exams tests. There is no time limit to complete these exercises and the section can be re-taken as often as you like.
Skills for English B2 Learning Materials
This section contains 30 tasks aimed at improving your English language skills at a B2 level. You will have the chance to practise your grammar and spelling as well as your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The topics covered in these tasks are similar to those found in Skills for English exams tests. There is no time limit to complete these exercises and the section can be re-taken as often as you like.
Coming soon
Voxy
Choose to prepare for your Skills for English test with Voxy.
Voxy is an innovative online training solution that has been used successfully by millions of people around the world to quickly and effectively improve their English skills. Our AI-driven platform, accessible 24/7 both on desktop and any mobile device, allows each learner to follow a fully personalized and highly engaging English learning experience designed to deliver real-world outcomes, whether that be landing a new job or starting a postgraduate degree.
Direct English
Direct English is the global leader in English language training, with unrivalled global experience in delivering English language training to students from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Direct English supports a worldwide network of students, with over 75,000 active students learning via our online courses today. The Direct English online courses are designed, not only to build confidence in English speaking, but also to provide students with flexibility to learn from anywhere in the world and at a time most convenient, whether at home, at work, or on the go. Direct English courses are CEFR-aligned and suitable for students, young professionals or individuals looking to work, study or live internationally. Using a combination of live, group classes with our native-English teachers and thousands of hours of AV interactive learning materials, the Direct English courses are focused on supporting students to achieve their goals and lasting success in the English language.
Beginner Course A1
Designed for students or young professionals who are learning English for their first time or need to refresh their grammar and pronunciation skills. Covering all the criteria required to achieve an A1 level certificate, the Direct English beginner course has been created to build confidence in English speaking, which has been identified as the crucial skill to achieve lasting English knowledge.
Whether you take a 2-month or 6-month course, you will participate in weekly online, live group classes, hosted by our industry-leading English teachers to guide you through the course content. In addition, you will have access to over 2000 hours of interactive audio and visual resources to practice and continue learning (please note to achieve A1 level certificate, you must complete a 6-month course).
Group classes consist of an average of 6 – 7 students offering a unique chance to learn with like-minded individuals worldwide.
Intermediate Course A2
Designed for professionals and students who aim to become more confident when speaking English to work in multinational companies or step up in their careers. Covering all the criteria required to achieve an A2 level certificate, the Direct English intermediate course builds upon the foundation of a student’s confidence to elevate English speaking practice and build language skills to support the everyday and work environments.
Whether you take a 2-month or 6-month course, you will participate in weekly online, live group classes, hosted by our industry-leading English teachers to guide you through the course content. In addition, you will have access to over 2000 hours of interactive audio and visual resources to practice and continue learning (please note to achieve A2 level certificate, you must complete a 6-month course).
Group classes consist of an average of 6 – 7 students offering a unique chance to learn with like-minded individuals worldwide.
Klik2learn
Wherever you are in the world, and wherever you want to go, Klik2learn has online self-study courses to help you prepare for your Skills for English test.
With Klik2learn, learning English is an exciting and interactive journey. If you need a course for beginners, you can access our Journey 2 Basic Skills course. If your English is already at an intermediate level, discover our Journey 2 English course.
Through 100+ hours of interactive activities and games tailored to your language level, we focus on helping you prepare for your Skills for English test AND get you ready for living and working in your destination country.
Our courses will help you:
- develop your English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and build your confidence
- prepare for life in the English-speaking world through real-life scenarios
- enjoy learning English whenever you want, on any device
“To me [Journey 2 English] was like watching a good series on Netflix but I learn English.
This journey has developed my English language to an excellent level… and it has developed confidence in speaking.”
– Mohammed, English Student at the City of Glasgow College
“I have enjoyed a large bank of activities for writing, speaking, listening and reading. I advise anyone who likes to combine fun and learning to try it. It’s a powerful way to learn English.”
– Ibrahim, English Student at the City of Glasgow College
