Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life

... if you're taking these qualifications

• What sorts of things do they cover?

  Depending on the level you choose, the English that you'll learn will help you to:

  • find a job or get on at work
  • deal with public services  such as housing offices or doctors
  • help your child get on at school
  • get more involved in the local community.
• How will I learn and be assessed?

  For an ESOL Skills for Life Certificate you'll normally attend classes at either a college - or somewhere else like a community centre - or your workplace. You'll learn in a group but you may also have to do some work on your own. 

  At Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3, you'll complete an assignment which is assessed by your centre. The assignment covers reading, writing, speaking and listening. It can either be completed in three sections or all in one go. 

  At Levels 1 and 2, your reading is assessed by the adult literacy national test. You can get information and practice tests from our National Tests Resource Centre. You will also produce a portfolio of writing and take part in three discussions.

  If you intend to use this qualification to support an application for British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the UK Border Agency will also need evidence that:

  • you studied at an 'Accredited College'
  • your course included citizenship teaching
  • your English improved by at least one level whilst you were on the course.
• Which level is right for me?

  Entry 1
  You have only limited English and want to be able to understand simple instructions, statements and questions, as well as speak and write about familiar topics.

  Entry 2
  You have some English and want to improve your understanding of straightforward instructions, statements and questions, as well as having the confidence to speak or write to more than one person.

  Entry 3
  You have enough English to feel comfortable talking to people and reading simple texts, but want to be able to use English over the phone as well as speaking and writing more accurately.

  Level 1
  You can read, write, speak and listen quite confidently but want to be able to understand and communicate less familiar and more varied information.

  Level 2
  You can hold conversations as well as write clearly and accurately but want to be able to be more fluent when dealing with unfamiliar or complex situations.

  Your centre will normally want to carry out a short test (known as an initial assessment) to find out which level is right for you.

• How long do they take?

  The amount of time needed to learn a language can vary considerably and there is no minimum course length for the ESOL Skills for Life qualification.

  The assessments are designed to be taken as soon as you are ready. If you intend to use the qualification to apply for British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you will first need to undertake a course of study.

• What jobs could they lead to?

  ESOL Skills for Life can get you speaking, reading and writing English well enough to start or develop your career or go on to further levels of study.

  After completing ESOL Skills for Life at Entry 1, 2 and 3, you can go on to Levels 1 and 2, or take the Certificate in Adult Literacy at Levels 1 and 2 (aimed at native English speakers) or alternatively Functional Skills English.

  If you want a shorter option developing the English you need in the workplace, you might want to do:

  • ESOL for Work - a short course focused on the world of work