Pass The HOELT

The HOELT (Home Office English Language Test) is the UK government's new single standardised English language test for visa and immigration purposes. It is set at CEFR B2 level and assesses Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

HOELT officially launches in December 2026. From that date, it will be the only accepted English language test for UK visa applications.

HOELT replaces all current Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) including: Trinity ISE II, LanguageCert B2, IELTS Life Skills, Skills for English, LanguageCert International ESOL, and Pearson PTE Academic UKVI.

Yes. From December 2026, Skilled Worker visa applicants will need to pass the HOELT instead of any currently accepted SELT test.

Yes. Trinity ISE II will no longer be accepted for new UK visa applications from December 2026. HOELT is the official replacement.

Yes. LanguageCert B2 (and LanguageCert International ESOL) will be replaced by HOELT from December 2026.

Yes. IELTS Life Skills will no longer be an accepted SELT from December 2026. HOELT is the replacement for all visa routes that currently accept IELTS Life Skills.

HOELT is set at CEFR B2 level - the same level as most current SELT requirements. It covers all four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

The Home Office intends HOELT to be a remote test, but the delivery model is not yet confirmed. IELTS withdrew from the tender citing remote-testing security concerns, so we are not stating "from home" as fact until the Home Office confirms it.

The exact HOELT fee has not yet been confirmed by the Home Office. It is expected to be lower than many current SELT tests. Join our waitlist for updates as soon as pricing is announced.

HOELT results are expected to be available faster than current SELTs, which can take up to 10 working days. The exact timeframe is not yet confirmed by the Home Office.

If your visa renewal falls after December 2026, you will need to pass HOELT rather than using an existing SELT. We recommend preparing in advance. Join our waitlist for guidance.

If your Trinity ISE II certificate was already submitted and accepted as part of a previous visa application, you do not need to retake it for that application. However, for any new applications after December 2026, you will need HOELT.

Pass The HOELT is building the UK's first dedicated HOELT preparation course, with materials, mock tests, and expert coaching tailored specifically to the new test format. Join the free waitlist to get first access when we launch.

Pass The HOELT is the UK's first dedicated preparation course for the new Home Office English Language Test. Brought to you by the team behind ClearPass English, the UK's leading B2 visa English prep platform.