TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON
Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
An internationally recognised qualification for academic, professional and real-life English communication.
01
What is Trinity ISE?
Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English) is an internationally recognised English language qualification from Trinity College London, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to use English effectively in academic, professional and real-life contexts.
The qualification assesses the four key language skills:
– Reading
– Writing
– Speaking
– Listening
ISE focuses on integrated and practical communication skills, helping candidates demonstrate their ability to understand and communicate effectively in English.
The qualification is designed for non-native speakers of English and is suitable for young people and adults, including students preparing for further education, professional development or other academic and career goals.
02
Why Take Trinity ISE?
Four Skills in One Qualification
ISE assesses all four major English language skills:
Reading | Writing | Speaking | Listening
This provides a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s ability to communicate in English.
Reading | Writing | Speaking | Listening
This provides a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s ability to communicate in English.
Real-Life and Academic Communication
Preparing for ISE helps candidates develop practical communication skills that can be transferred to academic study, employment and everyday communication.
The exam focuses on skills such as:
Understanding and synthesising information
Communicating ideas clearly
Participating in discussions
Presenting information
Understanding spoken English
Producing effective written communication
The exam focuses on skills such as:
Understanding and synthesising information
Communicating ideas clearly
Participating in discussions
Presenting information
Understanding spoken English
Producing effective written communication
International Recognition
Trinity ISE is an internationally recognised English language qualification and is used as evidence of English language proficiency by universities, institutions, governments and organisations in a number of countries.
Candidates should always check the specific requirements of the organisation, institution or authority they intend to submit their certificate to.
Candidates should always check the specific requirements of the organisation, institution or authority they intend to submit their certificate to.
03
Trinity ISE Levels
ISE qualifications are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This allows candidates to take an examination appropriate to their level of English proficiency and their personal, academic or professional goals.
Candidates should choose the level that matches the requirements of the institution, employer or authority where they intend to use their qualification.
Candidates should choose the level that matches the requirements of the institution, employer or authority where they intend to use their qualification.
04
How Does the Trinity ISE Exam Work?
The ISE examination is divided into two modules.
Reading & Writing Module
This module assesses the candidate’s ability to understand written English and communicate effectively in writing.
It assesses:
Reading
Writing
The Reading & Writing module takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the level and examination format.
It assesses:
Reading
Writing
The Reading & Writing module takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the level and examination format.
Speaking & Listening Module
This module assesses the candidate’s ability to understand spoken English and communicate effectively in interactive situations.
It assesses:
Speaking
Listening
The Speaking & Listening module takes approximately 13 to 25 minutes, depending on the level.
It assesses:
Speaking
Listening
The Speaking & Listening module takes approximately 13 to 25 minutes, depending on the level.
05
Can I Take the Modules Separately?
Yes.
One of the advantages of Trinity ISE is that the Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening modules can be taken separately.
This provides greater flexibility for candidates when planning their examination.
Candidates do not necessarily have to complete both modules on the same day.
If a candidate passes one module but has not yet passed the other, they can receive recognition for the module they have successfully completed and take the remaining module at a later date.
One of the advantages of Trinity ISE is that the Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening modules can be taken separately.
This provides greater flexibility for candidates when planning their examination.
Candidates do not necessarily have to complete both modules on the same day.
If a candidate passes one module but has not yet passed the other, they can receive recognition for the module they have successfully completed and take the remaining module at a later date.
06
How Do I Get the Full Trinity ISE Qualification?
To receive the full Trinity ISE qualification, candidates must successfully complete both examination modules at the same level.
For example, candidates must pass both the Reading & Writing module and the Speaking & Listening module at the same ISE level.
Once both modules have been successfully completed, Trinity issues the full ISE qualification certificate.
Important Candidate ID Requirement
The same candidate ID number must be used when entering for each examination module in order for the full ISE certificate to be awarded.
Candidates should therefore make sure that their details are consistent when booking different modules.
For example, candidates must pass both the Reading & Writing module and the Speaking & Listening module at the same ISE level.
Once both modules have been successfully completed, Trinity issues the full ISE qualification certificate.
Important Candidate ID Requirement
The same candidate ID number must be used when entering for each examination module in order for the full ISE certificate to be awarded.
Candidates should therefore make sure that their details are consistent when booking different modules.
07. How Is Trinity ISE Assessed?
When a candidate passes an examination module, they receive a module certificate showing separate results for the four language skills:
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Performance is reported using:
Pass | Merit | Distinction
The results provide information about the candidate’s performance in the individual skills assessed by the examination.
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Performance is reported using:
Pass | Merit | Distinction
The results provide information about the candidate’s performance in the individual skills assessed by the examination.
08. What Happens If I Pass Only One Module?
If a candidate successfully completes one module but has not yet passed the other, they can receive a module certificate for the module they have passed.
The candidate can then take the remaining module at a later date.
The full Trinity Integrated Skills in English qualification is awarded once both modules have been successfully completed at the same level.
The candidate can then take the remaining module at a later date.
The full Trinity Integrated Skills in English qualification is awarded once both modules have been successfully completed at the same level.
09
How Long Does the Trinity ISE Exam Take?
The exact duration depends on the level and examination format.
Reading & Writing
Approximately 2 hours.
Speaking & Listening
Approximately 13–25 minutes, depending on the level.
Candidates should check the specific examination details for the level they are taking before booking.
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What Happens After the Exam?
Once a candidate has completed an examination module, Trinity provides the relevant results and certificate.
When both modules at the same level have been successfully completed, Trinity issues the full ISE qualification certificate.
For the paper edition, which is the one we use in Academic Bridge, the full ISE certificate is usually issued within 8 weeks of the exam once both modules have been successfully completed.
When both modules at the same level have been successfully completed, Trinity issues the full ISE qualification certificate.
For the paper edition, which is the one we use in Academic Bridge, the full ISE certificate is usually issued within 8 weeks of the exam once both modules have been successfully completed.
11
Do Trinity ISE Certificates Expire?
Trinity certificates have no expiry date.
The qualification remains valid as evidence of achievement at the time the candidate was assessed.
However, candidates should be aware that some:
Immigration authorities
Employers
Universities
Educational institutions
may require a recent English language qualification as evidence of the candidate’s current level of English.
Candidates should therefore always check the specific requirements of the organisation or authority where they intend to use their certificate.
The qualification remains valid as evidence of achievement at the time the candidate was assessed.
However, candidates should be aware that some:
Immigration authorities
Employers
Universities
Educational institutions
may require a recent English language qualification as evidence of the candidate’s current level of English.
Candidates should therefore always check the specific requirements of the organisation or authority where they intend to use their certificate.
12
Is Trinity ISE Internationally Recognised?
Yes.
Trinity ISE qualifications are internationally recognised and are used as evidence of English language proficiency by a growing number of:
Universities
Governments
Educational institutions
Employers
Organisations
Recognition can vary depending on the purpose and the specific ISE level.
Candidates should always confirm that the specific Trinity ISE qualification they plan to take meets the requirements of their chosen institution or authority.
Trinity ISE qualifications are internationally recognised and are used as evidence of English language proficiency by a growing number of:
Universities
Governments
Educational institutions
Employers
Organisations
Recognition can vary depending on the purpose and the specific ISE level.
Candidates should always confirm that the specific Trinity ISE qualification they plan to take meets the requirements of their chosen institution or authority.
13. Trinity ISE and Higher Education
Trinity ISE is designed to develop and assess English skills that are relevant to academic study and further education.
The qualification can be useful for students who need to demonstrate their English proficiency when progressing to:
Further education
Diplomas
Degrees
Academic qualifications
Professional development
However, individual universities and programmes may have different English language requirements.
Candidates should check directly with their chosen institution before booking the exam.
The qualification can be useful for students who need to demonstrate their English proficiency when progressing to:
Further education
Diplomas
Degrees
Academic qualifications
Professional development
However, individual universities and programmes may have different English language requirements.
Candidates should check directly with their chosen institution before booking the exam.
14. Trinity ISE and Employment
The skills developed through ISE preparation can be transferred to professional and workplace environments.
The examination supports skills such as:
Presenting information
Participating in discussions
Understanding and synthesising information
Communicating ideas effectively
Understanding spoken communication
Producing written communication
This makes ISE relevant to candidates who want to demonstrate their English proficiency for professional development or employment purposes.
Specific employer requirements should always be checked before booking.
The examination supports skills such as:
Presenting information
Participating in discussions
Understanding and synthesising information
Communicating ideas effectively
Understanding spoken communication
Producing written communication
This makes ISE relevant to candidates who want to demonstrate their English proficiency for professional development or employment purposes.
Specific employer requirements should always be checked before booking.
15. Trinity ISE and Study Abroad
ISE is suitable for students completing or preparing for study-abroad programmes.
The examination provides evidence of English language proficiency and assesses the four key skills needed for effective communication in academic and international environments.
The examination provides evidence of English language proficiency and assesses the four key skills needed for effective communication in academic and international environments.
16
Quality and Regulation
Trinity’s ISE qualifications are designed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The examinations are regulated in the UK by relevant qualifications regulators, including:
Ofqual in England
CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland
Qualifications Wales
ISE qualifications are also aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
ALTE Q-Mark
Trinity’s ISE A2–C2 examinations have been awarded the ALTE Q-mark by the Association of Language Testers in Europe.
This demonstrates that the examinations meet established quality criteria.
The examinations are regulated in the UK by relevant qualifications regulators, including:
Ofqual in England
CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland
Qualifications Wales
ISE qualifications are also aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
ALTE Q-Mark
Trinity’s ISE A2–C2 examinations have been awarded the ALTE Q-mark by the Association of Language Testers in Europe.
This demonstrates that the examinations meet established quality criteria.
17
ISE Digital and Paper Edition
Trinity ISE is available in different examination formats, including ISE Digital and the ISE Paper Edition.
Trinity ISE at Academic Bridge
Academic Bridge offers the ISE Paper Edition only.
If you book your Trinity ISE examination through Academic Bridge, your examination will be delivered in the paper format.
ISE Paper Edition
The Paper Edition is the traditional format of the Trinity ISE examination, with candidates completing the relevant examination components using paper-based materials.
If you book your Trinity ISE examination through Academic Bridge, your examination will be delivered in the paper format.
ISE Paper Edition
The Paper Edition is the traditional format of the Trinity ISE examination, with candidates completing the relevant examination components using paper-based materials.
What About ISE Digital?
Trinity also offers a digital version of ISE at selected examination centres. However, ISE Digital is not currently offered at Academic Bridge.
If you specifically require the digital version, please check with Trinity or another registered examination centre for availability.
If you specifically require the digital version, please check with Trinity or another registered examination centre for availability.
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What Level Should I Take?
The appropriate ISE level depends on:
Your current English proficiency
Your academic or professional goals
The requirements of the institution or organisation requesting your English certificate
The purpose for which you need the qualification
Candidates should identify the specific level required before booking their exam.
If the certificate is required for a university, employer, immigration application or another official purpose, candidates should check the required level directly with that organisation.
Your current English proficiency
Your academic or professional goals
The requirements of the institution or organisation requesting your English certificate
The purpose for which you need the qualification
Candidates should identify the specific level required before booking their exam.
If the certificate is required for a university, employer, immigration application or another official purpose, candidates should check the required level directly with that organisation.
20
Trinity ISE at a Glance
Qualification
Integrated Skills in English
Awarding organisation
Trinity College London
Skills assessed
Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening
Modules
Reading & Writing / Speaking & Listening
CEFR framework
A1–C2
Modules can be taken separately
Yes
Full qualification
Both modules passed at the same level
Module results
Pass / Merit / Distinction
Reading & Writing duration
Approximately 2 hours
Speaking & Listening duration
Approximately 13–25 minutes
Certificate expiry
No expiry date
Full certificate
Usually within 8 weeks after successful completion of both modules
Formats
At Academic Bridge, paper edition.
International recognition
Yes
UK regulation
Ofqual / CCEA Regulation / Qualifications Wales, as applicable
21
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trinity ISE?
Trinity ISE is an internationally recognised English language qualification that assesses Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
What does ISE stand for?
ISE stands for Integrated Skills in English.
Which English levels are available?
ISE qualifications are aligned with the CEFR and cover levels from A1 to C2.
How many parts does the exam have?
The examination has two modules:
Reading & Writing
Speaking & Listening
Reading & Writing
Speaking & Listening
Can I take the two modules separately?
Yes. The two modules can be taken separately, providing flexibility when planning your examination.
Do I need to pass both modules?
To receive the full ISE qualification, you need to successfully complete both modules at the same level.
What if I pass only one module?
You can receive recognition and a certificate for the module you have passed and take the remaining module at a later date.
What grades can I receive?
Module results are reported as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
How long is the exam?
The Reading & Writing module takes approximately 2 hours. The Speaking & Listening module takes approximately 13–25 minutes, depending on the level.
How long is the Trinity certificate valid?
Trinity certificates do not expire.
However, an institution, employer or immigration authority may require a recent certificate, so candidates should check the relevant requirements.
However, an institution, employer or immigration authority may require a recent certificate, so candidates should check the relevant requirements.
Is Trinity ISE recognised internationally?
Yes. Trinity ISE is recognised by a range of universities, governments and institutions internationally.
However, recognition depends on the specific purpose and requirements of the organisation.
However, recognition depends on the specific purpose and requirements of the organisation.
Can I use Trinity ISE for university?
ISE can provide evidence of English proficiency for academic purposes, but each university and programme sets its own requirements. Always check directly with the institution.
Can I use Trinity ISE for a visa?
Some Trinity examinations are approved for specific UK visa and settlement purposes when taken at an approved Trinity SELT Centre.
Candidates should check the exact visa requirements before booking.
Candidates should check the exact visa requirements before booking.
Is Trinity ISE available online?
Trinity offers both digital and paper examination formats, depending on the examination and registered centre.
Candidates should check which format is available at their chosen centre.
Candidates should check which format is available at their chosen centre.
22
Useful Trinity Resources
Candidates can be directed to official Trinity resources for:
ISE examination information
Exam specifications
Sample materials
Candidate preparation
Results and certificates
Recognition information
CEFR alignment
UK visa and SELT information
Website links to be selected and checked before publication.
ISE examination information
Exam specifications
Sample materials
Candidate preparation
Results and certificates
Recognition information
CEFR alignment
UK visa and SELT information
Website links to be selected and checked before publication.
23. Book Your Trinity ISE Exam
Are you ready to take your Trinity ISE exam?
For Academic Bridge students, you can request your IELTS, Trinity or TIE exam directly through your Student Portal.
If you are not currently a student at Academic Bridge, please email [email protected] to request further information and assistance with your exam booking.
Choose the right exam for your goals, prepare with confidence and take the next step in your English language journey.