UK edexcel HND and requiremnet of CEFR level A1

my wife is applying for spouse visa in japan to join me here in uk. She has a Edexcel Higher National Diploma completed in UK in 2011. Does she still need to pass the test to prove the english profeciency of CEFR level A1? when the requirement of english to study for HND(higher national diploma) itself in UK is CEFR level B1 or C1 . UK NARIC only confirms if the applicant degree meets CEFR level C1 hence they are required to check if the degree is equivalent to the normal UK bachelors degree. HND is in fact not equal to the UK bachelors degree but since it is equal to the 2 years of 3 years bachelor program, would it not be enough to satisfy english profeciency requirement of CEFR level1?

It is not an issue for my mrs to pass KET UKBA accredated english test of cefr level A1 but looking for test dates for KET & results in japan she will not be able to join me for the next 6 months.