TLScontact recently signed a contract with PSI Services, a leading global testing solutions provider, to offer its fully computer-based Skills for English language tests and a range of professional certifications at our Visa Application Centres. This partnership will allow PSI to benefit from TLScontact’s global reach, while enabling us to leverage our network of centres to offer new services that complement our core visa activity.
PSI has over 70 years of experience providing worldwide testing solutions to public and private sector customers and in 2020 was selected by UK Visas & Immigration to offer the Secure English Language Test (SELT) to overseas UK visa applicants. PSI runs testing centres around the world and was interested in leveraging TLScontact’s extensive network of Visa Application Centres to complement its own network and make tests more widely available.
What does the partnership entail?
The partnership between PSI and TLScontact will make it possible to offer PSI’s Skills for English (UKVI) Secure English Language Test and professional certifications at a large number of locations, in facilities set aside at our Visa Application Centres around the world. Instead of signing up for group sessions organised at a PSI testing centre, candidates will be able to select a date, time and location that best suits them, at one of our centres.
Secure English Language Tests (SELT) such as the Skills for English (UKVI) are mandatory for many long-term and student visa applications to the United Kingdom. Applicants who need to take the SELT will be able to book a test slot at one of the TLScontact Visa Application Centres via the PSI Skills for English website. Our centres will provide the necessary equipment and staff oversight during the online tests, which will take place in our secure interview rooms. CCTV recordings will also help to ensure that tests are carried out under strict exam conditions. PSI will then grade the tests and communicate the results directly to candidates.
An international rollout, starting in China
The first tests were recently launched at our centres in China, in dedicated facilities in Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan. Tests include the SELT, but also tests for AWS and ISACA professional certifications in the field of information technology. Following this launch, we are now focusing on rolling out PSI testing services in other key markets, both for the standard SELT for UK visa applications and professional certifications offered by PSI.
Our Chief Sales Officer Simon Peachey said:
‘This is a great example of how we can leverage the TLScontact brand and global footprint to offer services that are complementary to our core visa business. Testing is often an essential part of the visa application process. Working with PSI to facilitate access to these tests helps to provide a more seamless experience for visa applicants.’