More students than ever need flexible English language testing options for those situations when one part of a test didn’t go as well as the others.
That’s why we’re introducing Oxford ELLT Skill Retake. From late January 2026, you can retake just one section of the Oxford ELLT instead of doing the whole test again. This saves you time, money, and stress, and helps you move forward with your university application more confidently.
Here’s what you need to know about why we’re introducing it and how it works.
Why this is good news for you
Language learning uses multiple skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Most students develop these skills at different speeds. It’s very common to find some of these skills more difficult than others.
With our new Oxford ELLT Skill Retake option, if you miss your required score in just one skill section, you can try again without needing to retake the entire test.
This is something that we’ve picked up in feedback from real test-takers and we’re excited to continue to make our test even fairer, supporting your university application even more confidently.
How the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake works
The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake allows you to retake one of the following modules: Listening, Reading, or Writing & Speaking.
Writing and Speaking are combined because we want students to be able to demonstrate how they can discuss work they have written, just like they will at university.
A human examiner still assesses these skills, just like before. You just get a second chance to improve your score if you narrowly missed the mark you wanted.
You will have 10 days after receiving your results to decide whether to retake, and then 10 days to complete the retake (this deadline cannot be extended). After completing the retake, you will receive a new certificate that clearly shows which skill you retook, your new score, and the date you completed it.
Please note you can only retake one skill section, and the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake does not apply to results that have been withheld. Read the full Frequently Asked Questions here.
Why you will like the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake
The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake helps you focus only on the skill section that needs improving, without having to retake the whole test. You can prepare more clearly for what you need to improve, reducing stress and pressure.
In the end, the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake allows you to move forward with your university application faster and with even more confidence.
Learn more
The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake is not about making things easier — it’s about being even more fair and accurate.
It helps you show your real English ability, supports your university application, and gives you more control over your next steps.
Read the full Frequently Asked Questions here or get started now.