If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship, you need to prove your English is at B1 level or above. This page gives you 60 free B1 English practice questions across four tests — plus everything you need to know about the requirement itself.
Free B1 English Practice Tests
We have built four free B1 practice tests, 15 questions each. Every test covers vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension — the same skills tested in approved B1 exams.
| Test | Focus | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Test 1 | Core vocabulary · Present perfect · Modals | 15 |
| Practice Test 2 | Immigration vocabulary · Passive voice · Conditionals | 15 |
| Practice Test 3 | Naturalisation terms · Reported speech · 2026 rule changes | 15 |
| Practice Test 4 | Advanced vocabulary · Third conditional · Indirect questions | 15 |
Reading passages include a listen button so you can hear the text read aloud in British English.
Not sure if you are already at B1? Start with our free B1 level check — 15 questions, instant result, no sign-up.
What Is the B1 English Requirement?
B1 is the third level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At B1, you can:
- Understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar topics
- Deal with most situations likely to arise when travelling in an English-speaking area
- Produce simple, connected text on familiar topics
- Describe experiences, events, and briefly give reasons for opinions
For immigration purposes, the Home Office requires B1 specifically in speaking and listening — not writing.
Who Needs a B1 English Test?
You need to prove B1 English if you are applying for:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — most visa routes require B1 at the ILR stage
- British citizenship by naturalisation — B1 is the requirement and is not changing
- Some family visas — partners and spouses on the five-year route require B1 at settlement
Important 2027 update: From 26 March 2027, most ILR applications will require B2 English — one full level above B1. This is confirmed law under HC 1691. See what the B2 requirement means and who it affects and how much harder B2 is than B1.
British citizenship remains B1 and this is not currently changing.
Who Is Exempt?
You do not need to take a B1 test if you:
- Are a national of a majority English-speaking country (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and others on the approved list)
- Have a degree that was taught and assessed in English — from a UK degree or a qualification from an approved country
- Are aged 65 or over
- Have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement
If you have already passed a B1 test for a previous visa application (e.g., your initial Skilled Worker visa), you may be able to use that result again for ILR — check the current GOV.UK guidance for your route.
Which B1 Tests Are Approved?
The Home Office only accepts results from Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). The main approved tests are:
| Test | Provider | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Life Skills B1 | British Council / IDP | Face-to-face | ~£150–175 |
| Trinity GESE Grade 5 | Trinity College London | Face-to-face | ~£120–150 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 | LanguageCert | Online or in-person | ~£100–140 |
| PSI SELT B1 | PSI Services | Online | ~£130–160 |
| Pearson PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson | Online | ~£150–175 |
Prices vary by test centre and location. Always book through the official provider website and check that your test centre is UKVI-approved.
Note: General IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training (non-UKVI), and other mainstream English certificates are not accepted for immigration purposes.
What the B1 Speaking and Listening Test Involves
Most approved B1 tests (especially IELTS Life Skills and Trinity GESE Grade 5) focus on:
Speaking:
- A short conversation with an examiner or fellow candidate
- Giving and responding to information on everyday topics
- Expressing opinions and preferences
Listening:
- Understanding announcements, instructions and conversations
- Identifying key information in short audio clips
The tests are typically 20–30 minutes long. You do not need to write an essay — the focus is on communication.
How to Prepare
Our four practice tests target the vocabulary and grammar structures you are most likely to encounter. Here is how to use them:
- Start with the level check at /b1-check to gauge where you are
- Work through all four practice tests in order — each covers different grammar points
- Read every explanation even for questions you got right — the reasoning reinforces learning
- Use the listen button on reading passages to practise following British English speech
For the actual test, practice speaking out loud on familiar topics: your job, your neighbourhood, your daily routine, your plans. The examiner is assessing whether you can communicate clearly — not whether your English is perfect.
Useful Resources
- B2 English requirement 2027 — confirmed rule change from 26 March 2027
- B2 vs B1 English test — how much harder? — skills, cost, study time compared
- Which B2 test to take — all four approved providers explained
- Life in the UK test cheat sheet — key facts, dates and people to know
- Life in the UK test FAQ — common questions about the test and citizenship process
- How to pass the Life in the UK test — full study strategy
Last reviewed: September 2026. B1 English requirement information sourced from GOV.UK guidance on English language requirements for settlement and citizenship.