English Language Test for Fiance Visa Application

Hi

I am really confused about the ELT requirement for the Fiance Visa and was looking for some clarification.

I have read through the info on the UKBA website and gone through in detail the link to the acceptable quals.

I was told by our lawyer that the test was a simple verbal exam asking basic questions. However, having looked at the external links to ESOL, IELTS etc, it seems that there is a written and a reading test involved as well as the verbal.

My fiance's English is really good (although his spelling isn't great) and so it shouldn't be a problem but there's no point in doing a 2 hour exam over more than one day if he doesn't have to.

Can anyone advise from their own experience which is the most simplified eligible qualification as well as which offers the quickest result? The timing is more important to us so if he needs to take a more involved exam to get a cert sooner then that would be our choice.

Thanks,

Julie

PS Not that I think it makes any difference, but he will be taking the exam in Egypt.