UK English Language Test (SELT) Guidance Updates: Approved Test Centres and ID Document Validity
Current rules
For identity verification for SELT tests taken in the UK, an eVisa can be used by signing into a UKVI account and getting a share code. If unable to access an eVisa, an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or an expired biometric residence card (BRC) may be used, provided the test is taken no later than 24 months after the card's expiry date, or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner. The original card must be brought to the test. If identity can be checked using an eVisa, a physical document is not required. The LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by the LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT tests from 6 July 2025. Results from the old LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test remain valid for 2 years.
Overview
The UK's guidance for Secure English Language Tests (SELT) has been updated, primarily affecting approved test centres and acceptable identification for test-takers. Expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) are now explicitly accepted as identification for tests taken in the UK under specific conditions. Additionally, the lists of approved test centres have been frequently updated, and a past change to LANGUAGECERT test types was noted.
Who is affected by the latest change
- People taking Secure English Language Tests (SELT) in the UK for immigration reasons
- People using an eVisa to prove who they are
- People with expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) or Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) who use them to prove who they are
- People who took the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test before 6 July 2025
- New people planning to take a LANGUAGECERT SELT test
What changed in the latest version
Before
To prove who you are for Secure English Language Tests (SELT) taken in the UK, you could use an eVisa. You could also use an expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC). This was allowed if you took the test within 24 months after the card expired, or by 31 December 2026. You would use whichever date came first. Also, the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT from 6 July 2025.
After
To prove who you are for Secure English Language Tests (SELT) taken in the UK, you can use an eVisa. You must sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and get a share code. If you cannot get to your eVisa, you can use an expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or an expired Biometric Residence Card (BRC). You can use it if you take the test within 24 months after the card's expiry date, or by 31 December 2026. You must use whichever date comes first. You must bring the original card to the test. If you can prove who you are with an eVisa, you do not need a physical document. The LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by the LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT tests. This change started on 6 July 2025. Results from the old LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test are still good for 2 years.
These changes make it clear which identity documents are accepted for English language tests done in the UK. They offer a new choice for people with an eVisa. They also confirm that expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Biometric Residence Card (BRC) cards are still good for a limited time. The update about LANGUAGECERT tests means people who took the ESOL SELT 4-skills test before 6 July 2025 are not harmed. Their results are still good for two years. These updates aim to make the process easier for people to prove their identity and English skills for visa or citizenship requests.
Explained simply
If you live in the UK and need to prove your English for a visa, you can now use your old plastic residency card (BRP or BRC) as ID for the English test, even if it's expired. But there's a time limit: the card can't be too old, and you must use it before the end of 2026. Also, one of the test companies, LANGUAGECERT, changed the name of one of their tests, so make sure you pick the right new name if you're taking their test after July 2025.
Frequently asked
Version history
- v1Effective 6 Jul 2025EffectiveMedium impactUK English Language Test (SELT) Guidance Updates: Approved Test Centres and ID Document Validity
UK Visas and Immigration updated its rules for showing English language skills. For Secure English Language Tests (SELT) done in the UK, people can now use an eVisa to prove who they are. They must get a share code to do this. If someone cannot get to their eVisa, they can still use an expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC). This is allowed for up to 24 months after it expires, or until 31 December 2026, whichever happens first. They must bring the original card. Also, the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT starting 6 July 2025. But old results from the ESOL SELT 4-skills test are still good for 2 years.
Timeline
Action deadline
31 Dec 2026
Applicants needing to prove English language abilities should check the GOV.UK guidance to determine the required test type and CEFR level for their specific immigration route.
Announced
12 Aug 2026
The UK's guidance for Secure English Language Tests (SELT) has been updated, primarily affecting approved test centres and acceptable identification for test-takers. Expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) are now explicitly accepted as identification for tests taken in the UK under specific conditions. Additionally, the lists of approved test centres have be
Takes effect
12 Aug 2026
LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT tests from 6 July 2025. Expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) can be used as identity for SELT tests taken in the UK for 24 months after expiry or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner. Updates were made to approved test centres and the order
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