ESOL Skills for Life (4692)

Last Updated: 14 Dec 2023

 ESOL Skills for Life qualifications support speakers of other languages based within the UK to develop their English language skills for work, further learning or everyday life.

This revised suite of ESOL Skills for Life qualifications replaces the previous suite (3692). It includes 'single-mode' Awards in Reading, Writing and Speaking & Listening, as well as a 'full-mode' Certificate that combines all three.


Accessing L1 & L2 practice Reading tests below 

We are aware that centres have not been able to access practice tests through our qualification pages following the removal of Flash at the end of last year.  It is still possible to access and complete practice tests in this way, but an application – SurpassViewer - needs to be downloaded and installed by users. 

- Instructions on how to install the SurpassViewer can be found here. 

- Information and instructions on how to download SurpassViewer can be found here

Please ensure you download and install the Windows version as e-volve is not supported on Mac Operating systems.

If you require further support, please contact us, and we will be happy to help you.


These qualifications are intended for anyone based in the UK needing to improve their understanding and use of written or spoken English. This might be to help get on at work (or get a job), prepare for further study, access public services, or just to function more effectively in an English-speaking environment.

Accessing sample/live assessment materials
Sample assessments are available for each of the units that make up these qualifications. In most cases these can be accessed by clicking on the 'Documents' tab above and then selecting the relevant level(s). Live assessments for each of the centre-assessed units can also be accessed from the same page (although these documents are password-protected).

Links for sample onscreen assessments for Reading at levels 1 and 2 can be found in the accordions below. These are designed to help learners and tutors familiarise themselves with the e-volve environment and should be used in conjunction with the PDF-based samples accessed via the 'Documents' tab.

Entry Level 3 ESOL Reading assignments have been designed to give candidates more than one opportunity to meet most of the assessment criteria (hence the criteria with an asterisk). However, the alphabetical ordering or use of the dictionary only have one opportunity in each paper so we have therefore introduced three retake tasks allowing candidates to meet these criteria at Entry 3 and these are now available from the Documents Tab under 4692 Entry 3.

Full directions on the conditions for use of the re-sit tasks are given in the Assessor Pack.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Northern Ireland

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
People’s reasons for needing to improve their English often vary, and these qualifications are designed to be flexible. There are separate small qualifications in Speaking & Listening, Reading and Writing, as well as a larger qualification that includes all three.

You’ll usually be asked to complete a short test at the start of your course that’s known as an initial assessment. This will help to decide which ESOL qualification is right for you.

If you’re intending to use your ESOL qualification to support an application for permanent Settlement or Naturalisation in the UK, you’ll also need to ensure that you have met all of the Home Office’s other requirements.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
Being able to use spoken and written English effectively is vital for almost any career. ESOL Skills for Life may enable learners to access other English qualifications such as City & Guilds' English Skills, Functional/Essential Skills or GCSE. They might also help learners to gain the confidence and language skills necessary to access other learning or progress further in their chosen career.
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
ESOL Skills for Life qualifications are based on the National Standards for Adult Literacy, and anyone involved in teaching or assessing must be familiar with the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum.

Learners should undergo a proper process of initial and diagnostic assessment, to ensure that they are working towards an appropriate ESOL qualification at the correct level.

All assessment at Entry level is internally assessed by the centre. City & Guilds provides a bank of assignments that can be taken as soon as candidates are ready. The same assessment model also operates for Writing and Speaking & Listening at levels 1 and 2.

Reading at levels 1 and 2 is assessed by an externally-marked test, available either onscreen or on paper, and able to be booked as soon as candidates are ready.

Entry 1

ESOL Skills for Life single-mode qualifications (4692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading) (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4186/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 76 - 76 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing) (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4187/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 76 - 76 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4188/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 85 - 85 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
ESOL Skills for Life full-mode qualifications (4692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4075/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 29 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 204 - 247 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 290 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £65.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry 2

ESOL Skills for Life single-mode qualifications (4692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading) (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4189/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 76 - 76 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing) (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4190/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 76 - 76 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

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

  • Accreditation No: 601/4191/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 85 - 85 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
ESOL Skills for Life full-mode qualifications (4692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4077/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 29 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 204 - 247 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 290 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £65.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry 3

ESOL Skills for Life single-mode qualifications (4692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading) (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4192/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 55 - 55 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing) (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4193/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 86 - 86 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4194/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 12 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 73 - 73 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 120 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
ESOL Skills for Life full-mode qualifications (4692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4078/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 32 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 210 - 225 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 320 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £65.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1

ESOL Skills for Life single-mode qualifications (4692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4195/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 66 - 66 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4196/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 82 - 82 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4197/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 12 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 73 - 73 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 120 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
ESOL Skills for Life full-mode qualifications (4692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life

  • Accreditation No: 601/4079/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 34 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 221 - 221 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 340 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £65.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2

ESOL Skills for Life single-mode qualifications (4692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4198/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 66 - 66 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4199/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 11 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 82 - 82 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 110 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening)

  • Accreditation No: 601/4200/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 12 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 73 - 73 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 120 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £25.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
ESOL Skills for Life full-mode qualifications (4692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027

Level 2 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life

  • Accreditation No: 601/4076/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 34 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 221 - 221 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 340 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £65.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

4692 Entry 1

Live assignments

Sample assignments

4692 Entry 2

Live assignments

Sample assignments

4692 Entry 3

Live assignments

E3 Reading re-take tasks writeable

Sample assignments

4692 Level 1

Live assignments

Sample assignments

4692 Level 2

Live assignments

Sample assignments

Additional documents

Centre documents

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> (3844) Principles of English and Mathematics

> (3658) Workplace Core Skills

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