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English test for the UK partner visa: SELT, A1 or B1, and my experience

Not every English exam is accepted for the partner visa. Here's how to check which tests and centres are valid, why I took B1 when A1 was enough, and why I chose Skills for English over IELTS.

By Sara · Not legal advice

How to check which tests are valid

On the GOV.UK page about English tests for visas there's a section that tells you which exams are valid for this type of visa and where you can take them. There are two Excel files:

• Approved test centres in Spain and in other countries.
• Approved tests, because not all of them are valid.

Check both before you book: Prove your English language abilities with a SELT on GOV.UK.

A1 or B1?

For the partner visa itself, A1 is enough. But the visa expires after about two and a half years, and when you renew it, if you've already passed B1 you don't need to take the test again.

So I took B1, just in case. Besides, the exam is very easy and the level is very basic.

Why I chose Skills for English instead of IELTS

IELTS is the exam most people take for this. I chose Skills for English for two reasons:

• It was the cheapest. It cost me €165.
• The centre had the best reviews in Madrid. I'd read several bad experiences at other centres, where people had problems with the equipment and didn't get their money back.

My experience in Madrid

• Exam: Skills for English: SELT (UKVI), level B1.
• Centre: CAPMAM Testing Solutions.
• Address: Calle de Bravo Murillo, 377, Madrid.
• Price: €165.

The experience was very good. The team was really nice and I had no problems with the computer or the headphones.

We're not solicitors and this guide isn't legal advice. Approved tests and centres change, so always check the current lists on GOV.UK before you book.