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.
If you’re not sure which test you need, check on the UK Government website.
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.
A1 | |
Focus: |
You will be expected to:
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Tasks may include: |
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IELTS Life Skills - A2 Speaking and Listening
The following table shows the focus and indicative tasks that you may be asked to complete:
A2 | |
Focus: |
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In addition to the A1 tasks shown above, the A2 tasks may include: |
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IELTS Life Skills - B1 Speaking and Listening
The following table shows the focus and indicative tasks that you may be asked to complete:
B1 | |
Focus: |
You will be expected to:
|
In addition to the A2 tasks shown above, the B1 tasks may include: |
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