In 2019, nearly half (49%) of non-EU-born migrants in the UK said they came to the UK for family reasons (according to the Migration Observatory Guide). The majority of people who come for family (partner, fiancé) are usually looking to settle permanently in the UK.

To be able to stay in the UK permanently, migrants must pass a series of speaking and listening English tests that get increasingly challenging as they progress on the five-year partner or parent journey to achieve settled status.

The basic A1 gives partners, usually wives, parents, and fiancés, the right to stay in the UK temporarily. The next stage, the A2 test, has to be taken within two and half years of taking the A1 test to get to the next stage of completing the five-year partner or parent route to achieve settled status.

More comprehensive than the first exam, the A2 takes speaking and listening to a higher level. It can be a daunting prospect, especially for women who have arrived on a spouse or fiancé visa and are now parents. However, the government is keen for women (many of whom are applying for settled status) to have a good comprehension of English so that they can communicate with their children (and their teachers, etc) and be able to work and deal with simple, straightforward information and express themselves in English.

LanguageCert, the awarding organisation that offers Home Office-approved, Ofqual regulated English language exams for UK visas and immigration, understands that this can be a stressful process for some. With that in mind, it has made the experience of taking the A2 test as smooth as possible, whatever your native tongue.

From choosing a test centre (there are 14 of them in the UK), booking is easy, and you get preliminary results as soon as you’ve finished the test. There are practice papers on the LanguageCert website and some great videos that walk you through the examination process.

The team at LanguageCert have put together some top tips to take the worry out of studying, preparation, and taking these vital exams. You can feel confident that with these tools and preparation, you will successfully pass the 9-minute long A2 exam.

• Practice, practice, practice – The more revision you do, the easier the test will become. That means talking in English to as many people as possible, checking your pronunciations, learning some phrases, and finding out what the examiner is looking for. Check out the LanguageCert website for help with all of these skills.
• The Examiner is your friend - They are there to provide you with the opportunity to display your language skills, not to catch you out. Ask them to repeat themselves if you are unclear about the question.
• Don’t speak too fast - Speak calmly and clearly. The examiner will clarify a question if you don’t understand it.

Andrew Harrison, Business Development Manager of LanguageCert, says: “ We know how important SELT tests are, and the great sense of achievement people feel when they are successful. Regardless of your language level, preparation is key, whether to work on your skills or familiarise yourself with what to expect on the day. This is why LanguageCert is committed to providing free, accessible tips and materials to all candidates and partners.”