Apply for Citizenship

[215HAN]

Hi

Need some help as I am somewhat confused.

I am applying for my wife to become a British Citizenship and is in the process of sitting the Life in the UK Test but would like to know whether the ESOL Entry Level 2 in Speaking and Listening completed in 2011 is valid for the British Citizenship application.

I know it won't be in November due to changes but is this valid now and ok to submit with application as soon as.

Your advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

[CR001]

Is the test provider where you did your test on the Transitional English Test Providers (Click)

[215HAN]

Yes, it is on the ofqual register.

I have checked this but wanted to make sure before submitting application.

Thanks

[215HAN]

Also just to add, the gov website states the following:

3. Approved English language qualifications
You can prove your knowledge of English by having an English level B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that’s one of the following:

an ESOL qualification at Entry 3 or higher (eg Level 1 or 2) on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
an ESOL qualification at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland
on one of the Home Office’s lists of recognised English tests and qualifications - look at the newer list if you’re applying on or after 6 April 2015

This to me indicates it is valid but still have a slight doubt!

[215HAN]

I have just checked the certificate and this reads as follows:

Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) (Entry 2)

Is this valid?

[fwd079]

I have just checked the certificate and this reads as follows:

Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) (Entry 2)

Is this valid?

Yes. Please search for ESOL Skills for Life Entry 2 in this link.

[215HAN]

Yes, I have checked this and it does show ESOL Entry 2.

However, it does not mention the awarding body although the test done is on the ofqual register.

should i need to worry or not and go ahead with citizenship application?

[fwd079]

Yes, I have checked this and it does show ESOL Entry 2.

However, it does not mention the awarding body although the test done is on the ofqual register.

should i need to worry or not and go ahead with citizenship application?

Interesting. Although Ascentis is registered on ofqual. But this report tells it didnt comply with Cambridge English standards in 2011 (see page 4).
So personally I'd play it safe and go get new English certification from a cheaper alternative (e.g. Trinity etc) which are now mentioned on Home Office's new link for English requirements. Good luck.

[noajthan]

Also just to add, the gov website states the following:

3. Approved English language qualifications
You can prove your knowledge of English by having an English level B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that’s one of the following:

an ESOL qualification at Entry 3 or higher (eg Level 1 or 2) on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
an ESOL qualification at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland
on one of the Home Office’s lists of recognised English tests and qualifications - look at the newer list if you’re applying on or after 6 April 2015

This to me indicates it is valid but still have a slight doubt!

Sorry to say Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) (Entry 2) is at level A2 in the CEFR grading system. (This is below level B1).

The Gov UK website specifies the requirement for UK citizenship as a language qualification at least at English level B1 (CEFR).

As per the first option on the list above that can be met by an ESOL Speaking & Listening certificate at Entry 3 (or higher).

Ascentis is not on the Home Office's recognised qualifications transitional list.

So it seems a new test will be required (one from the latest list of approved secure English test providers).
Good luck.