Oxford International Digital Institute has launched its new Oxford ELLT Skill Retake option for Oxford ELLT, its English language level test. While still uncommon in the English language testing market, this approach offers international students a more flexible way to demonstrate English language proficiency, while maintaining the academic integrity trusted by universities worldwide.
The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake allows learners to retake one skill section — Reading, Listening, or Writing & Speaking — instead of resitting the full test when only one component narrowly falls short. Leading the way in English language testing, this approach reflects growing global demand from learners for fairer, more targeted assessment options that better reflect real-world language development.
Michael Shaw, Head of Digital Assessment and Product Strategy at Oxford International Digital Institute, said:
“Language learning is not linear, and uneven performance across skills is common. Many students demonstrate strong overall ability but underperform in a single area due to test conditions, timing, or confidence — particularly in productive skills. The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake is designed to address this reality, giving students the opportunity to focus on what matters most to their progression.”
Oxford International Digital Institute has built the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake around a core principle: greater flexibility should not come at the expense of academic standards. All retakes continue to be assessed by trained human examiners, and all results remain fully verified through Oxford ELLT’s secure systems. Updated certificates clearly show which skill section has been retaken, alongside the revised score and completion date, ensuring transparency for admissions teams and agents.
Now accepted by over 250 universities globally (including over 100 in the UK), Oxford ELLT supports institutions in accessing a broader pool of qualified applicants without compromising entry criteria or admissions policies. The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake provides universities and agents with additional flexibility in managing borderline cases, while preserving confidence in the reliability and comparability of results.
For students, the benefit is clear: reduced need for unnecessary repeat testing, clearer feedback, and a more focused route to meeting language requirements. For institutions, it supports fairer admissions decisions while maintaining control, consistency, and confidence in outcomes.
Available from late January 2026, the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake strengthens Oxford ELLT’s position as a student-centred, academically grounded English language test designed for modern international recruitment.