ESOL Skills for Life (5692)

Last Updated: 26 May 2026
Coming soon: December 2026
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.

Working with our customers and ESOL specialists we have created this revised suite of ESOL Skills for Life qualifications which replaces the previous suite (4692). 

It includes 'single-mode' Awards in Reading, Writing and Speaking & Listening, as well as a 'full-mode' Certificate that combines all three.
Suitable for learners aged 16 upwards, our ESOL qualifications can be delivered as part of 16-18 study programmes or as standalone courses for adults looking to develop their English language skills to improve employment opportunities. These qualifications are fully funded from the Adult Skills Fund for learners who are unemployed or earn below the Low Wage threshold.

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.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England

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?
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 to get a job or progress in your work, 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. Many of these documents are password-protected as they are used to prepare learners for their live exams.

Links for an example of an onscreen assessments for Reading at levels 1 and 2 can be found in the accordions below.  In addition, a selection of onscreen sample assessments are available from our Onscreen Practice Test tool, Open Assess. These are designed to help learners and tutors familiarise themselves with the e-volve environment.
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 qualifications may enable you to access other English qualifications such as City & Guilds' English Skills (3847), Functional/Essential Skills or GCSE. 

They might also help you to gain the confidence and language skills necessary to access other learning or progress further in your 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, which can be booked as soon as candidates are ready.

To find all the resource requirements; download the qualification handbook from the additional documents section.

Centres who are approved for delivery of the legacy ESOL qualification (4692) can apply for Fast-Track Approval for this new suite of qualifications using the form available from the documents tab above.

Entry 1

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7322/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: NVQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7323/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7324/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-03)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

Level 3 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 610/7317/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Entry 2

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7325/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7326/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7327/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Entry 3

Entry Level Award in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7328/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7329/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-03)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7319/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Level 1

Award in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading)

  • Accreditation No: 610/7331/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing)

  • Accreditation No: 610/7332/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7333/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-04)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life

  • Accreditation No: 610/7320/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Level 2

Award in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Reading)

  • Accreditation No: 610/7334/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Writing)

  • Accreditation No: 610/7335/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

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

  • Accreditation No: 610/7336/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life (5692-04)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2027

Level 2 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life

  • Accreditation No: 610/7321/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information 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. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

There are no documents available.

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. 

Explore our wider maths & English offer

Our maths & English qualifications underpin our apprenticeships and technical qualifications. They build learners’ confidence with the core skills required for employment, including the capacity to problem solve and use technology effectively. They are also key to triggering conditions of funding.

Find out more

For Learners

Related Qualifications

Browse some of our related qualifications:

> (3716) Augmentative and Alternative Communication

> (3847) English Skills and Mathematics Skills

> (3846) Essential Skills for Work and Life (Wales)

> (3868) Essential Skills Wales

> (3850) Mathematics and English Skills

> (3844) Principles of English and Mathematics

> (3658) Workplace Core Skills

See more related qualifications >