Theodolite Training Centre English language test A1

I really don't know so much about this English test. I did some research for a friend of mine. His Fiancee arrived in UK last September, they got married in November and really did not know about this test until I mentioned it. Eventually they managed to get a test organised with EDI in coventry, and she passed. So they were able to get the FLR application submitted with just a couple of weeks to spare. I suspect that many couples will have gotten caught out just recently when applying for FLR here in UK.

It seems that their is no such test called A1. It's just a specific level of achievement within the European framework.
As you said Keith, only speaking and listening is required, but many testing centres are only offering a 'full' test or full 'review' and test of all elements (including the reading and writing)
I've also learnt that grammar and pronunciation are not part of the requirement for speaking either, but nothing confirmed.
It's all very confused at the moment. Very poor planning.

Al, here's my take on this, although I admit to only knowing about the test itself based on what I've learned by helping a friend here in UK.
His wife took the test with an organisation called EDI who have a test centre here in UK at Coventry.(well they do have others but this was the nearest for her)

Anyway, and more importantly, from what I understand EDI are a recognised and an accredited 'Awarding Body'. This means that EDI can approve test centres acting on their behalf.
EDI also appear on UKBA listings for the English Test in Philippines.
So, if you wished, you could approach EDI and through them become an approved test centre. They would in principle just assess yourselves and inform UKBA that you are now one of their approved test centres. (I think)

Just hope this will help somehow

Micawber...

That is how I thought things worked too.

Actually, what happens is that the UKBA approve 'Test Providers'. Test Providers are essentially the awarding bodies (such as EDI). The 'Test Centres' are not approved directly by the UKBA but a Test Centre would need to be approved by the awarding body (such as EDI) whose tests it provides.

That is my understanding after spending around 20 minutes on the phone with a senior official from EDI.

That is my understanding too.

I think that is because that many (possibly all?) of the tests approved by the UKBA as meeting the A1 standard include reading/writing elements as well. If you pay for the full test you may as well take the full test but the UKBA are only interested in the speaking/listening elements.

I am not to sure on that point - I guess it depends on the individual test that you take and what the awarding body's requirements are for that particular test. Remember there is no such entity as a UKBA A1 test, it is just a standard.

I reckon the new government rushed the legislation just to reduce the number of immigrants.

Howerd good to see you here posting could you tell us a little of your story

Micawber, thank you for that very useful information!

Al.:england:

Hi, KeithAngel...

Like many on here, I am still sorting through the minefield of steps to get my loved one into the UK. The A1 test was the latest obstacle until I found out about CFO (on this forum) last week!


TheTeach...

I learned that EDI administer the LCCI International Examinations. In fact, LCCI International Examination is just a trading name of EDI. For any enquiries about EDI-approved language schools in the Philippines, I think you will be referred to their office in Malaysia...

Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei, Thailand, Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Philippines
Ms Ng Boon Teen
LCCI International Qualifications (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Suite 11.01, 11th Floor
Menara Yayasan Selangor
18A Persiaran Barat
46000 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Malaysia
T: + (603) 7620 6366
F: + (603) 7620 6338
E: infomy@lcciasia.com
W: www.lcciasia.com

I think a number of language schools in Cebu provide training for the A1 test but I could only find two establishments that currently offer the test in Cebu - The British Council and Theodolite Training Group UK. I think most language schools would recommend going to the British Council to take the test.

If you do get EDI accreditation, I would be pleased to know if you decide to offer the A1 test (without any tuition) as my fiancee will be taking the test within the next few months (hopefully).

Your Missus is in Cebu then We were going to the CFO seminar with the Nazi nuns tomorrow but have had to postpone probably till next friday

It is lucky there is CFO seminar in Cebu, I think only Manila and Cebu have such seminars.

Yes, my gf is in Cebu, but I cannot meet with her again until she gets her annulment. It has been over a year since I have seen her.

My gf had already applied for a new passport before I knew about the CFO requirement. I just hope she does not need to get another passport before she comes here as seems to be suggested on the CFO website.

I think the A1 test is valid for 1 year, and I certainly hope we don't have to wait that long anyway. I think I will get her to take the A1 test once she gets her new passport, await the results and then do the CFO seminar.

I think the best way forward is to review the UKBA approved listing and find an approved test centre near to where Joy lives.
There are a number of tests and test centres.

Alternatively, if she wants to find a place in Manila I know plenty of folks who have reported great experiences with Hopkins International Partners (part of the ETS Preferred Network for TOEIC tests)

IELTS is another highly popular test. This can be taken at test centres under the British Council Philippines

Kuya, something to consider is that the English Test required pass level will be increased from the current A1 level to B1 level.
This will be effective from October 2013 and will apply to both entry visa and FLR applications.

The test pass certificate has a 2 year validity.

Kuya it's not a matter of being fluent! As long as she can understand the exam and knows the answers that's all it matters! I am here in UK and most of the ESOL schools who issued ESOL with citizenship you can find them on you tube what they do and how they pass the test. They are not all fluent but I know they did passed the test. When they are tested by immigration staff all they do is make the 2 student have a conversation and they will be given a scenario like for example; you are going to the shop and you have to buy a sandwich, a map and ask for direction to town centre on their conversation ensure this are all mentioned. And they will tell them stories and they will be ask what's the story all about? And ask them to remember 3 things and another 3 things then voila! Your test interview on ESOL is over! During the course they will teach them life in UK but they are not going to ask this on the actual test and the teacher will tell them what level should be given as there are different levels! And the immigration staff are very helpful they do he action to help you remember the story! So be confident on your Mahal! I am sorry! I won't be a help to you as I am here in UK and I've done mine here.

Please help! I wonder if anyone here knows what is the complete address of the theodolite center in Cebu where i could have an A1 English test.,if you have contact # of theodolite that would be much better., because all the contact # i got from research doesn't work.
Any reply would be appreciated.

i know you not only helping me but it also helpful for those who are about to take an A1 test.

Hi KeithAngel,
I wonder if i could just pop-up in Cebu, and took an A1 English test and then go back to my hometown(Koronadal City South Cotabato),or do i have to stay in Cebu for couple of days for the training. Is it compulsory or just when it really needed?
I just a bit worried to stay for couple of days in Cebu as i don't have any relatives there., i don't want to spend another expenses for the accommodation if it's not that really necessary.

Hello bluegreen, welcome to the forum.

I believe the best strategy is to review the UKBA List of New Approved English Tests

If you follow the Contact Links on the Right-Hand side of the UKBA listing you'll be able to find the nearest convenient test centre for the specific test you feel would be most appropriate.

Be aware that A1 is not a specific test. That is the current test-level required for a spouse visa.

Consider also that UKBA has issued it's intention to uplift the required test-level from the current A1 level to and uplifted B1 level with effect from October 2013
Also, be aware that some test pass-certificates are only valid for 2 years whereas other have no expiry.
A granted spouse visa is current issued with a validity of 33 months which means that some test certificates will become time expired and will result in another test being needed for subsequent Visa Applications.

Am I correct in saying that an English Language Test pass isn't asked for, for ILR application?

I have looked through both the UK version of the ILR Set M application form and the IoM version of the ILR Set M form and neither seem to ask for an English Language Test certificate.

Or is the concern on language test expiry for those admitted under the new rules (5 years for ILR with FLR in between)?

Yes.
Currently the ILR requirement calls only for:-

- Life in the UK test pass certificate
or
- A relevant and approved ESOL with citizenship qualification (plus a supporting letter from the college)

The presumption by UKBA is that either of these would require an English language competence to A1 level so there is no need for separate test.

UKBA have planned to introduce a new Life in UK test in October 2013. This new test is planned to require an English language competence to B1 level in order to pass
They have also planned to uplift the requirement for English Language from A1 level to B1 level.

This means that regardless of whether you're under old rules or new rules, effective from October 2013, when applying for ILR it will be a requirement to pass an English language test to the level of B1, and to also to pass the new Life in the UK test.

There's no information so far about any likely transition period. Personally, I'd find it odd if there were none but..................

Well, anyone who entered/enters UK with an A1 level pass certificate will need to re-take an English Language Test at B1 level when applying for settlement.
Of course there may be some folks who hold a B1 pass on a certificate with no expiry, so they'll be OK.
I know lots of folks who took IELTS which has a default B1 pass level, but has a validity of 2 years. If that certificate has expired it will need replacing.
Lots of people under the old rules will still find their certificate has expired since the date of issue.


Anyone seeking entry to UK as a 'Partner' may feel it's wise to consider both the specific test level they take and also the certificate validity

OK Thanks.

I see. My wifes visa expires at the end of December this year so she will be applying for ILR in early December i.e. after October 2013. She has a B1 pass (actually I think it might be higher) with TOEIC, so it looks like we need to find out if her test result has an expiry date as it will be over 2 years old by then.

John, I fear that TOEIC is 2 years validity.
Given that she already has B1 level she should be OK other than just organising the logistics.
Good Luck.