English Language Requirements
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Secure English language testing will be mandatory for adult students studying below degree level (excluding those on foundation degrees or English language courses) under Tier 4 of the Points Based System.
This test must be taken with a UK Border Agency-approved provider before the applicant applies for a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from the education sponsor.
22 July 2010
On 12 August 2010 the UK Border Agency will implement secure English language tests for students under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system.
If a Tier 4 (General) student will be studying a course that is below NQF Level 6 (except a Foundation Degree or an English language course), using a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) issued on or after 12 August 2010, their Tier 4 sponsor must ensure that they are competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by showing that they:
-are from a majority English-speaking country (as listed on the Can you apply to Tier 4 (General)? page; or
-have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student (or under the student rules that were in force before 31 March 2009, if they were granted permission to stay while they were under 18 years old) which lasted at least six months and ended no more than two years before the date when the CAS is assigned; or
-have passed an English language test with an approved test provider for Tier 4, and has achieved at least CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
Below is a list of English Language Tests that have been assessed as meeting the Agency’s requirements for Tier 4
| English Language Test | Awarded By | Level | Minimum Grade Required | Test Validity | Documents required with application |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet based test (TOEFL IBT) | Educational Testing Service | B1 |
Listening-13; Reading-8; Writing-17; Speaking-19; | 2 Years |
Score Report |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Pearson | B1 |
Listening-43; Reading-43; Writing- 43; Speaking- 43; | 2 Years |
On-line printout of Score Report |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS); General Training or Academic Module | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B1 |
Listening-4.0; Reading- 4.0; Writing-4.0; Speaking-4.0; | 2 years |
Test Report Form |
| International Legal English Certificate (ILEC) | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B2 |
Minimum: Listening-Weak; Reading-Weak; Writing-Weak; Speaking-Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE) | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B2 |
Minimum: Listening - Weak; Reading – Weak; Writing - Weak; Speaking - Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | C2 |
Minimum: Listening - Weak; Reading - Weak;Writing - Weak; Speaking - Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| Contact Details Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) |
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations |
C1 |
Minimum: Listening - Weak; Reading -Weak; Writing - Weak; Speaking - Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| Business English Certificate (BEC) Vantage | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B2 |
Minimum: Listening - Weak; Reading -Weak; Writing - Weak; Speaking - Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | C1 |
Minimum: Listening - Weak; Reading -Weak; Writing - Weak; Speaking - Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| Business English Certificate (BEC) Preliminary | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B1 |
Minimum: Listening - Borderline; Reading - Borderline; Writing - Borderline; Speaking - Borderline; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| First Certificate in English (FCE) | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B2 |
Minimum: Listening - Weak; Reading -Weak; Writing - Weak; Speaking - Weak; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
| Preliminary English Test | University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations | B1 |
Minimum: Listening - Borderline; Reading - Borderline; Writing - Borderline; Speaking - Borderline; |
No Expiry |
Certificate and Statement of Results |
