Terms & Conditions
STEP UK
General Terms and Conditions
Updated on: 27/11/2025
1. Introduction
1.1. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of the STEP UK English Proficiency Test (“STEP UK”, “the Test”) and any related services, including the optional certificate issued upon request.
1.2. STEP UK is operated in partnership with Spinnaker School of English (UK) (“Spinnaker”), which issues the optional certificate confirming the candidate’s English level. Spinnaker is accredited by the British Council and English UK. Accreditation applies to the provider and not to any specific exam product.
1.3. By registering for the STEP UK Test—whether as a candidate or on behalf of a candidate (as an agent, teacher, parent, or guardian)—you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms.
1.4. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not register for or take the STEP UK Test.
2. Definitions
“Candidate” means the person taking the STEP UK Test.
“You” / “Your” means the candidate or the person registering and paying on their behalf.
“We” / “Us” / “Our” means the STEP UK test provider and authorised partners.
“Test” means the STEP UK English Proficiency Test.
“Certificate” means the optional e-certificate issued by Spinnaker School of English.
“CEFR” means the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
3. Eligibility and Age Requirements
3.1. STEP UK is open to all candidates who wish to assess their English proficiency.
3.2. Candidates under 18 must have their test registration completed by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. By registering a minor, the adult confirms they have authority and accept these Terms.
3.3. You are responsible for ensuring the candidate has suitable internet access, equipment, and support to complete the Test.
4. Nature and Purpose of the Test
4.1. The STEP UK Test is a general English proficiency test designed to assess overall English ability and report an indicative CEFR level.
4.2. The Test may assess Reading, Listening, Writing, and/or Speaking (depending on the version delivered).
4.3. The Test provides scores and feedback for guidance purposes. It does not guarantee admission to any institution, visa approval, employment, or acceptance by third parties.
5. Test Fees and Pricing
5.1. STEP UK fees are:
• Test fee: £15
• Optional e-certificate: £5
5.2. Total with certificate: £20.
5.3. Prices are fixed for all candidates. Registration via agents, teachers, or schools does not change the official price.
5.4. Agents and teachers may charge their own preparation or teaching fees. These are private arrangements and not controlled by STEP UK.
5.5. Fees must be paid in full before test access is issued.
6. Registration and Payment
6.1. To register, you must complete the official STEP UK registration form and pay the required fee.
6.2. You are responsible for providing accurate details, including full legal name and a working email address.
6.3. Incorrect or incomplete information may delay or invalidate registration. No refund is guaranteed in such cases.
6.4. Registration is complete only when payment has cleared.
7. Cancellations, Withdrawals and Refunds
7.1. All fees are non-refundable once test access has been issued, including cases where the candidate:
• Chooses not to take the Test
• Fails to log in
• Experiences personal scheduling or technical issues
• Is disqualified for cheating
7.2. Test access is considered issued once the test link or login details are sent.
7.3. Before access is issued, cancellation requests may be considered at our discretion but are not guaranteed.
7.4. If STEP UK cancels a test session for reasons under our full control, we may offer a free reschedule or refund.
7.5. No refund is provided where the candidate breaches these Terms or does not meet technical requirements.
8. Test Access and Delivery
8.1. After payment, candidates receive test access instructions by email or platform notification.
8.2. Tests may have a fixed date/time or be available within a time window.
8.3. You are responsible for starting the Test on time and ensuring uninterrupted conditions.
8.4. Failure to access the Test for reasons such as missed emails or personal scheduling issues does not entitle the candidate to a refund.
9. Candidate Responsibilities
9.1. Candidates must complete the Test independently without external help or unauthorised tools.
9.2. The following are prohibited unless explicitly permitted:
• Using phones, additional devices, or online tools
• Using translation or AI software
• Communicating with others during the Test
• Sharing test content
9.3. Candidates must ensure their environment is quiet and their device and internet are working.
10. Test Security and Cheating
10.1. STEP UK may use:
• Random or targeted live invigilation
• Screen monitoring or recording
• Webcam monitoring or recording
• Behavioural and timing analysis
10.2. By taking the Test, you consent to necessary monitoring and secure storage of related data.
10.3. Cheating includes—but is not limited to—receiving help, using unauthorised tools, impersonation, or attempting to access test content irregularly.
10.4. If cheating is detected or reasonably suspected:
• The Test is cancelled
• No refund is given
• The result is voided
10.5. Candidates may be allowed to retake the Test at full cost. Repeated offences may result in a permanent ban.
11. Results, Scores and Feedback
11.1. Results are normally released within a few working days; this timeframe is not guaranteed.
11.2. Results include overall score, component scores, and an indicative CEFR level.
11.3. Scores are based on internal marking systems. They are not guarantees of ability in other exams or institutions.
11.4. We may moderate, review, delay, or withhold results if needed for quality or security reasons.
11.5. Requests for review may be considered at our discretion and may incur a fee.
12. Certificates
12.1. Optional e-certificates are issued by Spinnaker School of English (UK).
12.2. A certificate is issued only when:
• The candidate completes the Test
• The £5 certificate fee is paid
12.3. Certificates are delivered electronically.
12.4. Candidates must ensure their name is correct at registration. An administrative fee may apply for corrections.
12.5. STEP UK is not responsible for third-party acceptance or recognition of the certificate.
13. Agents, Teachers and Third Parties
13.1. Agents and teachers may assist candidates but are not STEP UK employees or representatives unless formally agreed.
13.2. The official STEP UK test price is fixed. No commissions or discounts are provided to agents or teachers.
13.3. Agents and teachers may not:
• Guarantee results
• Promise university/visa/employment outcomes
• Use STEP UK branding in ways that imply ownership or official partnership without permission
14. Technical Requirements
14.1. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their device, browser, and internet meet the Test’s requirements.
14.2. STEP UK is not responsible for issues caused by the candidate’s equipment, internet, or environment.
14.3. If technical issues caused by our platform prevent completion, we may offer a reschedule but are not required to issue a refund.
15. Data Protection and Privacy
15.1. We collect necessary personal data for test administration, scoring, monitoring, and certification.
15.2. Data is stored securely and retained only as required for legal and operational purposes.
15.3. Test monitoring may include screen or webcam recording where applicable.
15.4. Data is not sold to third parties. It may be shared with:
• Spinnaker School of English
• Authorised service partners
• Authorities where legally required
15.5. Candidates may request access, correction, or deletion of data within legal limitations.
16. Changes to the Test or Terms
16.1. STEP UK may update the Test structure, scoring, or these Terms at any time.
16.2. Changes apply to new registrations from their publication date.
16.3. The current Terms will be published on the STEP UK website.
17. Limitation of Liability
17.1. STEP UK is not liable for indirect losses, including loss of opportunity or third-party decisions based on results.
17.2. Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific Test and certificate.
17.3. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where it would be unlawful to do so.
18. Complaints and Enquiries
18.1. Complaints must be submitted in writing to: support@step-uk.com.
18.2. Complaints should include details and any supporting evidence.
18.3. We will aim to respond fairly and promptly but are not required to change scores unless a clear error is identified.
19. Governing Law
19.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
19.2. Disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales unless local mandatory law requires otherwise.
20. Acceptance of Terms
20.1. By registering, paying, or accessing the Test, you confirm that:
• You have read and accept these Terms
• You have authority to register (if acting for a minor or another person)
• All information provided is accurate
20.2. If you do not accept these Terms, you must not proceed with the Test.