Archive for 'B1 exam centres'

UK Home Office Approved English Test

News from Trinity College London:

A number of adjustments to the UK Immigration Rules have recently been announced by Immigration Minister James Brokenshire.

This announcement does not affect Trinity’s GESE and ISE exams, which remain on the UK Home Office list of approved English Language Tests. Please be aware that these exams can only be taken in a Registered Trinity SELT centre if being used for UK visa purposes.

The changes in the Immigration Rules, as described in sections 2.1 and 7.15 from the Statement of Changes, relate to Trinity’s ESOL Skills for Life exams only, and are effective from 1 August 2014.

For full details, please consult the Statement of Changes document on www.gov.uk website.

We are pleased to inform you that if you are applying for citizenship and settlement you can still, at the time of writing, prove this by having: an English qualification at B1 level e.g. GESE Grade 5. Book preparation for your GESE Grade 5 B1 test today in the North of England using this website.

B1 Test Preparation Centre

B1 Test Preparation Centre

Our ESOL/English Language  B1 / A1 English / Life in the UK Preparation course centre in the North of England welcomes people from all over the world who wish to become British citizens.  For UK citizenship you must pass the “Life in the UK Test” and the “English Speaking and Listening B1 Test” .

We have an English Laguage, B1 test prepartation centre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. This is convenient for people from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire including Leeds and Bradford, East Yorkshire including Hull, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

We teach people English as a matter of course at our centre so we are very experienced in looking after people from overseas. We can provide you with help and preparation. You can relax and know you will have the best chance of passing your exam in our exam preparation centre.

The test itself consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview with an official Trinity College Examiner. For the speaking part of the B1 test, you should prepare your own topic and be prepared to discuss it with the examiner for five minutes in English.

In addition to the candidate’s chosen discussion, the examiner also has another five minutes to talk about two chosen topics with you. The examiner can choose topics including events, festivals, means of transportation, entertainment, music or personal experiences.

At our A1, A2 and B1 test preparation centre we will go through with you how the examiner will want to make sure you can respond appropriately to questions, can clarify your statements and perform the required language functions. This means you must be able to talk in future tenses, provide opinions, discusses UK events and also state the reasons for your preferences. You must also show that you can use correct grammar and express yourself well through use of vocabulary.

You will find the examiner friendly and helpful however you still need to prepare for your test. We can give you assistance in this before your exam so please ask for details. In addition you can have your own practice with friends or family. there are also some useful publications and guides to assist you.

You will find more information about the B1 test here.Also watch this video of a B1 test.

You will find details of our B1 test preparation centre here to book your test and  preparation if you require it.

Official B1 Test Preparation Centre

Official B1 Test Preparation Centre

We are an official B1 test preparation centre near you if you wish to take your Trinity College GESE grade 5 exam for UK Citizenship. Contact us if you are in East Yorkshire/Humberside, Leeds / Bradford and West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, York and North Yorkshire to prepare and then book for your B1 test at the centre in the midlands/north of England.

We can provide you with material to help you pass your B1 test and practice prior to the B1 test on the day of your exam.

This B1 test is an official Trinity College GESE grade 5 exam. It is approved by the Home Office/UK Border Agency for Settlement or ILR or Naturalisation applications in the UK. This is now mandatory for most applications for British Citizenship and those seeking permanent residence in the UK and Naturalisation.This exam has to be passed in addition to the Life in the UK test.

The GESE grade 5 exam from Trinity College is a B1 level Speaking and Listening test for Speakers of Other Languages. The B1 test consists of a 10 minute one-to-one interview with an official Trinity College examiner at a B1 test centre. You get the result of your exam on the same day as the test.

Taking your exam at an official B1 test centre ensures you fulfill the statutory Home Office requirement for Citizenship, Settlement or Naturalisation. If you need any help or clarification please email or phone us. You will find our contact  details here.

We offer ptrpsration for the B1 test many times each month from our test preparation centre near you in the midlands/north of England, convenient for Hull, East Yorkshire/Humberside, Leeds / Bradford and West Yorkshire, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, Derbyshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire. ask for exam details here today

Applying for UK Citizenship and ILR

Applying for UK Citizenship

Applying for UK citizenship can be a time-consuming process that requires determination, commitment and perseverance. At times, fulfilling the UK citizenship requirements can be difficult and feel overwhelming. Non-English speaking individuals may need to complete the B1 ESOL exam to move forward in obtaining UK citizenship. ESOL stands for “English for Speakers of Other Languages.” Individuals must make satisfactory progress in an ESOL course in order to be considered for UK citizenship.

Most Recent UK Citizenship Requirements

The UK government recently released an announcement that it will be utilizing stricter citizenship requirements for those who wish to become UK citizens. Individuals must demonstrate a mastery of conversational English at the B1 intermediate level and pass the “Living in the UK” test to satisfy the “Knowledge of Language and Life” requirement.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper has publicly stated that British citizenship is a privilege. As such, individuals must demonstrate a commitment to becoming a citizen by understanding the UK’s culture, tradition, customs and English language.

In the past, citizenship candidates had to pass the LITUK test or show a progression in the ESOL course. Now, citizenship candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of British culture as well as succeed in ESOL for citizenship and ILR.

The Language Component

The UK government will accept several forms of evidence that an individual speaks English. If the individual is applying for citizenship and is from an English-speaking country, this may suffice as evidence that he or she speaks English. Also, those who have physical or mental disabilities will be excused from fulfilling the ESOL requirements. Individuals under the age of 18 and over 65 are also exempt from the language requirement.

Indefinite Leave to Remain in UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain refers to a special immigration status that is given to individuals in the UK. This special immigration status does not have any time limit, and an individual may gain employment while he or she has ILR status.

An individual can obtain ILR status in numerous ways. He or she may be a spouse and live in the UK for a minimum of two years. An individual who has lived in the UK for four years and is part of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) may also apply for ILR. Individuals who have lived in the UK in excess of four years can visit the www.gov.uk website to learn more about the ILR requirements.

The UK Border Agency may also grant ILR status within its discretion. If an individual has compelling reasons to obtain ILR status, the UK Border Agency may grant it.

Fulfilling the B1 Speaking and Listening Qualifications

Whether one is applying for ILR or permanent citizenship, he or she must take time to prepare for the B1 test English language requirements. Whether one needs to review online study guides or work with a tutor, an individual needs to make sure that he or she is prepared for the citizenship tests. Failing the LITUK or English language citizenship test may prolong the processing time for one’s citizenship application. Our testing centres are available to assist individuals in preparing for ESOL for citizenship and ILR applications. We may also provide specialized help for the LITUK multiple-choice test, written component and verbal component. You can prepare for your B1 ESOL test at our English exam centre.

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam Tips and Advice

B1 Speaking & Listening Test Exam – Tips and Advice

The Trinity College London B1 Speaking & Listening exam which consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview. This English Language Test – Speaking & Listening test at B1 entry 3 level is required  for applicants for UK Citizenship. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test.

B1 Speaking Test Tips

First of all always try to relax and be yourself – be natural – this makes speaking easier.  Your Examiner will  want you to do your best. They will not try to make your test difficult for you.

Do not learn passages and speeches off by heart to try to say them word-for-word in the interview. It is difficult to do this and also sound natural. Your examiner  will spot it easily if you learn something word-for-word..

When you describe something, do not worry about telling every single visible detail. this is a speaking test not an observation test.  Just speak in general terms about whatever it is and how say it affects you personally.

It is good to practice and prepare your answers to common questions and make them personal to you. This gives examiners a good idea of your level of language, and your ability to talk about your past, present and future experiences. So practice but don’t expect to repeat something off by heart as it will rarely fit the exact question.

 B1 Listening Test Tips

Examiners may give information that sounds correct, but is not quite right. Remember that being nearly correct is not the same thing as being correct.  Modal verbs and adverbs are often used to give inaccurate information. It must be one hundred per cent correct to be right.

Listening exams often have inaccurate information that sounds quite similar to the correct answer. Sometimes the information given might match one of the answers, however it does not quite fit the question. For example: the examiner is talking about last year, but the question asks about next year. The correct information usually, but not always, follows afterwards.

There are B1 Speaking and Listening Test exam dates and preparation courses throughout the year

We hold regular B1 exam preparation classes for the speaking and listening test throughout the year. You can let us know the city or town and the date when you wish to take your B1 exam by clicking here.

We can give you  B1 test preparation and practice if you wish.

The B1 Speaking and Listening Test GESE Grade 5 is accepted by the British Home Office for Settlement / ILR / Naturalisation applications.

Life in the UK Test

If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (IDR) or UK Citizenship and British Naturalisation you will normally need to pass the Life in the UK test. This test is carried out to check your knowledge of British customs and traditions. If your age is under 18 years or over 65 years then you are exempt from taking this test.

The Life in the UK test cost is currently £50 and you can sit for the test in any one of the 60 approved test centres across the UK. You can find out the nearest Life in the UK test centre when you book for your test  on the Home Office website.

The test consists of 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook. You have to score at least 18 or more to pass the test. The test can take up to 45 minutes. To prepare for the test you can buy the official book Life in the United Kingdom: a guide for new residents

You will need one of the following documents to book your test

•Passport – even if it is out of date

•UK photocard driving licence – full or provisional

•Convention Travel Document (CTD), Certificate of Identity Document (CID) or Stateless Person Document (SPD)

•EU identity card

•Immigration status document endorsed with a UK residence permit on a passport and with a photo – even if it is out of date

•Biometric residence permit

You also need to take original proof of your address to the test centre on the day of your test.

For further information phone the “Life in the UK Test” Helpline on 0800 015 4245 (Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm)

In addition to the Life in the UK test you will also need to pass Speaking & Listening B1. We can help you register today at our official exam preparation centre for The Trinity College London GESE grade 5 Speaking & Listening exam at B1. This is currently accepted by the British Home Office and UK Border Agency.

B1 Exam Preparation Centre

B1 Exam Preparation Centre

We aim to offer our B1 Exam Preparation Centre conveniently near to you. Check our list of towns and cities which are covered by our test preparation centre. If you wish you can fill in the contact form and tell us where you are located in advance of  your B1 Exam. We will then get back to you with the details and travel information for our preparation for B1 test centre. Also tell us the approximate date you wish to take your B1 exam and we can check out the best dates for you.

We can provide you with a practice run-through before you take the B1 test exam. We also provide helpful material and information when we confirm your  booking for our B1 exam preparation centre.

The B1 exam is ESOL entry level 3 it is an official Trinity College Exam GESE grade 5 which is approved by the UKBA for Settlement  or ILR or Naturalisation applications in the UK. This type of exam is now mandatory, apart from certain exemptions, for applications for British Citizenship, seeking permanent residence in the UK, or Naturalisation. This is in addition to the Life in the UK test.

The GESE grade 5 exam from Trinity College is a Speaking & Listening test at B1 level for ESOL (Speakers of Other Languages) . It consists of a 10 minute one-to-one interview with a Trinity College examiner at a B1 exam centre. You will get your result on the same day as you take your B1 exam and then your certificate is subsequently mailed out to you.

We offer B1 exam preparation regularly at a our ESOL centre which covers a number of  towns and cities – ask for details here today

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam GESE Grade 5

B1 Speaking & Listening exam at GESE Grade 5

The B1 speaking and listening exams take the form of a one-to-one, face-to-face oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. The exam replicates real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner pass on information, share ideas and opinions and debate topical issues.

The candidate introduces a topic of his or her own choice. The examiner directs the discussion using the points prepared by the candidate. Then the examiner moves on to the Conversation phase, selecting two subject areas for discussion from the list provided.

 B1 Exam format

The B1 exam consists of the following:

  • greetings and setting at ease
  • discussion of a prepared topic
  • conversation on two subject areas
  • end of conversation and leave taking.

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam procedure

The examiner begins by greeting the candidate, trying to set him or her at ease and asking to see the candidate’s identification. The examiner asks the candidate for the Topic form and the candidate tells the examiner what he or she is going to talk about.

During the Topic phase, the examiner randomly selects one of the discussion points on the Topic

form and asks the candidate questions and makes comments to facilitate a spontaneous discussion about the prepared topic. This continues until at least four points on the Topic form have been covered. During the Topic phase, the candidate asks the examiner at least one question related to the topic. This phase lasts up to five minutes.

The examiner then closes this phase of the B1 exam and moves on to the conversation.

During the Conversation phase, the examiner selects one of the subject areas listed for the grade and engages the candidate in genuine conversation. This is repeated with a second subject area chosen by the examiner. During the conversation the candidate gives information, makes statements and responds as appropriate. In addition, the candidate must ask the examiner at least one question related to the subject areas being discussed. This phase lasts up to five minutes.

The examiner brings the conversation and the B1 speaking and listening exam to an end.

The B1 Speaking/Listening Exam GESE Grade 5 is a test accepted by the UKBA and Home Office for Settlement / ILR / Naturalisation applications.

To register your interest or find out more about B1 Speaking/Listening exam GESE Grade 5 preparation in a town or city near you please contact us

Settlement and Naturalisation Exams

Settlement and Naturalisation

The British Home Office published a statement of intent on the 8th April 2013 which outlined the changes that have been planned to the requirements for people submitting an application to settle in the UK, or to become British citizens by naturalisation.

Already from 28 October 2013, applicants in both categories are required to pass the Life in the UK Test and additionally to hold a B1 (intermediate) level English language speaking and listening qualification.

This change is to Settlement and Naturalisation Exams is to strengthen the citizenship process. It replaces the previous system which required applicants to take either the Life in the UK test or alternatively to show language progression from one  ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) level to the next.

The Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for Settlement/ILR (Indefinite leave to remain)

Since 28 October 2013, there are two parts to the knowledge of language and life requirement, both of which have to be met by all applicants for settlement, unless the individual is exempt for reasons of particular country of origin where English is predominantly spoken. Applicants will be required to pass the Life in the UK test; and also to have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent. These English Language Tests are the current requirement for settlement in the UK.

Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for Naturalisation

The Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for naturalisation as a British citizen is just the same as the requirement  for settlement. It means that the same English language qualifications will be accepted for Settlement as for Naturalisation.

 Settlement and Naturalisation Exams – English language qualifications required

There are a range of English language qualifications which will be accepted as evidence that the person applying for Settlement or Naturalisation has met the B1 level Speaking and Listening requirements exams.

These Settlement and Naturalisation Exams include English language qualifications include Speaking and Listening at B1 or above from the Home Office’s approved English Language Test list.

They also include ESOL qualifications at B1 entry level 3 or level 1 or level 2, including Speaking and Listening, that have been regulated by the Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). 

It is a requirement that the English language qualification must be listed as an ESOL qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. It must have been taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.  For exams in Scotland to qualify it is required that it is a National Qualification in ESOL at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6, and is awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and taken in Scotland.

For full details of the new requirements, by the UK Border Agency and Home Office, please see the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation statement of intent.

To comply with the current requirements for settlement and naturalisation, we offer preparation for Trinity College London’s International ESOL Examinations Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR). These are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

You can register on this website for your English exam, the Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) to test your ability in listening and speaking as required for Naturalisation or Settlement (ILR) here. These are at  Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR) approved by the Home Office for use in: Settlement/ILR and Naturalisation applications for the UK made on or after the 28th of October 2013.

The exams are are one-to-one oral exams having conversation for 10 minutes with an official English-speaking Trinity examiner.

For Settlement and Naturalisation Exams please click here to register for preparation for your GESE Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 English exam.

English Exams Accepted by UK Border Agency

 English Exams For UK Settlement

If you would like to settle in the UK then to fulfill the UK Border Agency and Home Office requirements you need to have English exams: an English qualification at B1 level.

We offer you preparation for the following Trinity exams which are officially accepted by the UK Border Agency for UK settlement.

  • GESE, Speaking & Listening exam at Grade 5 (B1) or above
  • ESOL Skills for Life, Speaking & Listening exam at Entry 3 or above

Although all Trinity College certificates are valid for life it is the case that when they are going to be used for immigration purposes Trinity have recommended to the UK Border Agency that for these English exams that only exam certificates less than two years old should be accepted. You will also need to pass the Life in the UK test  which is not a Trinity test.

English Exams For Tier 1, 2 & 4 immigration (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)

  • Approved exam: ISE exam (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)
  • Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing
  • Take the test in 1 day
  • Official certificate posted to you

The above English exams from Trinity including GESE, Speaking & Listening exam at Grade 5 (B1) or above; Speaking & Listening exam at Entry 3 or above are currently at the time of writing officially recognised by the British Home Office.

We offer English Exams Preparation regularly so click the link to register for your Trinity College English exam so you can prepare for it at our exam preparation centre .

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