From 29th Nov applicants for settlement visas need to pass an English Language Test. The VFS website doesnt seem to have much details about this. Can anyone tell me :-

1. Does the test have to be passed BEFORE the application for settlement is made?
2. Is the test oral or oral and written?
3. The VFS website links to another website Hopkind Int'l Partners Inc - this seems to be the exclusive tester but on their website there are a number of different tests and I could find no mention of tests for UK visas
4. Any idea of the cost of the test?

Any other info would be useful.

Cheers
Alfie