Oxford ELSA.
Oxford English Language Spotlight Australia
An online English proficiency test for students aged 10–17 applying to leading Australian schools.
Measure reading, listening, writing and speaking skills with an internationally benchmarked assessment.
Oxford ELSA.
Oxford English Language Spotlight Australia
An online English proficiency test for students aged 10–17 applying to leading Australian schools.
Measure reading, listening, writing and speaking skills with an internationally benchmarked assessment.
Online Test, On-demand
CEFR aligned A2–C1
Live Speaking Test
Results within 48 hours
What is Oxford ELSA?
A trusted English language assessment for school entry in Australia
Designed with engaging, age-appropriate content, Oxford ELSA provides a supportive testing experience that helps students perform at their best. The adaptive test adjusts to each student’s ability, delivering an accurate assessment of English proficiency aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A2 to C1.
The Writing component is marked by qualified examiners, while the Speaking component is conducted live online with an experienced examiner, ensuring a reliable and authentic assessment of communication skills.
Oxford ELSA also maps directly to both CEFR and AEAS levels, making it easy for schools and education providers to understand a student’s English proficiency and support informed admission decisions.
What's included?
Reading
Adaptive online test with 20 questions
25 Minutes
Listening
Adaptive online test with 20 questions
25 Minutes
Writing
Two written tasks assessed by qualified examiners
30 Minutes
Speaking
Online interview featuring three unique tasks with a live examiner
15 Minutes
Accepted by participating schools
Oxford ELSA is accepted by the following schools for English language assessment:
If you’re applying to either school, Oxford ELSA provides an easy and convenient way to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
How to complete your Oxford ELSA
Register for your test
Complete the registration form with your details and verify your account. As part of the registration process, you will be required to upload a copy of your passport. Once your registration is complete, log in to the Oxford ELLT Portal to begin your test journey.
Purchase your test licence
Click Get Started to purchase your Oxford ELSA test licence through the secure payment portal.
Complete your online assessment
Complete the Reading, Listening and Writing components online from home through the secure Oxford ELLT Portal. You can complete these components in any order.
Book your Speaking Test
Select a convenient time for your live online Speaking assessment with a qualified examiner and attend your session via the secure Oxford ELLT Portal.
Receive your results
Once all test components have been completed and assessed, you'll receive your overall English language proficiency result and a detailed performance report within 48 hours.
Why choose Oxford ELSA?
Designed for students
Age-appropriate topics and engaging tasks for students aged 10–17.
Adaptive
Adaptive testing that adjusts in real time, delivering fast, precise, and personalised assessment for every learner.
On-demand
Our on-demand platform lets learners complete ELSA whenever it’s convenient, offering reliable assessments with complete flexibility.
Accessible
Adaptive testing that adjusts in real time, delivering fast, precise, and personalised assessment for every learner.
Secure
Adaptive testing that adjusts in real time, delivering fast, precise, and personalised assessment for every learner.
Test Security
The Oxford ELLT Portal offers state-of-the-art security features to ensure every candidate completes their test under the right conditions, following all test rules. Oxford ELLSA uses hybrid proctoring, combining advanced recording technology with expert human review for a seamless, secure testing experience.
- Video & Audio Monitoring
- 360° Room Scans
- ID Verification
- Human Examiner
- Secure & Personalised Admin Area
Test Requirements
Before taking Oxford ELSA, please ensure you meet the following requirements:
Computer
Use a desktop or laptop computer that meets the minimum specifications:
Windows PC
- Windows 10 or later
- Minimum 2.33 GHz processor
- At least 4 GB RAM
Mac
- macOS 10.7 or later
- Minimum 2.33 GHz processor
- At least 4 GB RAM
Important:
- Ensure your device is plugged into a power source or fully charged before starting the test.
- Do not use a mobile phone or tablet.
Webcam
Use either a built-in camera or an external webcam.
Internet Browser
Use the latest version of one of the following browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- 360 Secure Browser
Internet Connection
Use a stable internet connection with at least 5 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed.
Passport and ID Varification
As part of the registration process, you will be required to upload a copy of your passport.
Before the start of each test component, including the Speaking test with a live examiner, you will also be required to complete an ID verification check.
During each ID check, you must present the original passport that you uploaded during registration. Photocopies, scanned copies, or photographs of your passport will not be accepted.
AI Assistance and Web Apps
Before starting the test:
- Close all AI assistance tools.
- Close any automatic translation software.
- Close any unnecessary web browser applications or extensions.
Wired In-Ear Earphones
For the Listening and Speaking test:
- Use wired in-ear earphones with a built-in microphone.
- Do not use Bluetooth headphones.
- Do not use earphones during any other test components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading and Listening each take around 25 minutes, Writing approximately 30 minutes, and the Speaking test around 15 minutes.
Yes. Oxford ELSA is completed online through the secure Oxford ELLT Portal.
Yes. The Speaking component is conducted live via video with a qualified examiner.
Oxford ELSA measures English proficiency from CEFR A2 to C1.
Please get in touch with The Oxford ELLT Team: [email protected]. A member of the team will be able to reset your password.
In order to update details such as your email address, Passport Number, University, picture of myself, or passport copy, please contact us at [email protected]. Explain which information you want to update on the portal and inform us of your details (full name and passport number).
No, you must use a laptop or desktop computer with a camera for your speaking exam. You cannot complete the speaking assessment on a mobile phone.
No, we need to see your original passport during the speaking exam and upon registration.
Ready to take the Oxford ELSA?
Book your test today and complete your English language assessment online.