IELTS Life Skills is a UK government approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) that assesses your English speaking and listening skills at Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

This is the test to take if you are applying for the following types of UK visa:

• family visa 

• extension to family, spouse or partner visa

• indefinite leave to remain or citizenship

​

IELTS Life Skills – 3 levels

​

IELTS Life Skills tests meet the standards for speaking and listening in English set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Each test will assess your ability to listen and respond, make your meaning clear, and hold a conversation with another person.

We offer the following Life Skills tests:

• IELTS Life Skills - A1 Speaking and Listening.

• IELTS Life Skills - A2 Speaking and Listening (offered in the UK only).

• IELTS Life Skills - B1 Speaking and Listening.

​

​

How does IELTS Life Skills work?

​

IELTS Life Skills tests are taken face-to-face with an examiner and with one other test taker. You will be asked to conduct a structured conversation and must demonstrate that you can listen and respond to a number of tasks. 

These tasks are designed to reflect the sort of conversational English you’ll need for living in the UK. You’ll be expected to talk about everyday subjects such as:  

• personal details/experiences

• family and friends

• buying goods

• work

• health

• leisure

• education/training

• transport

• housing

• weather

 

IELTS Life Skills Test Format

​

IELTS Life Skills - A1 Speaking and Listening

This table shows the type of tasks that you may be asked to complete for your IELTS Life Skills A1 test. 

​

       Focus:

       You will be expected to:

​

• listen and respond to spoken language, including simple narratives, statements, questions and single-step instructions

• communicate basic information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics

• talk with another person in a familiar situation about familiar topics.

• Tasks may include:

• describing

• giving opinions

• giving personal information

• stating preferences

• commenting

• asking for information or descriptions

• agreeing and disagreeing

• explaining, giving reasons or justifying

• deciding

• suggesting

• selecting

​

How will I be assessed?

​

You will be assessed on four key language skills:

• obtaining information

• conveying information

• speaking to communicate

• engaging in discussion

 

At times during the test, you will be allowed to take notes to prepare your answers. The examiner will not mark your notes – only your speaking and listening skills will be marked.

​

Why do I take the test with another test taker?

​

IELTS Life Skills tests how well you can communicate with other people in everyday English. The best way to test these skills is to pair you with another candidate at a similar level of ability, so you can show how well you can use English to communicate and engage in discussion with others.

How long does the test take? 

• Life Skills tests are completed in one short session:

• IELTS Life Skills - A1 Speaking and Listening: 16 –18 minutes

• IELTS Life Skills - A2 Speaking and Listening: 20 minutes

• IELTS Life Skills - B1 Speaking and Listening: 22 minutes

• ​