Available tests

Name of test Type of test  Fee Book

IELTS Life Skills A1

Life Skills test for family of a settled person visa. Assessing listening and speaking abilities.

£155 

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IELTS Life Skills A2

Life Skills test for extension to Family, Spouse or Partner visa. Assessing listening and speaking abilities.

£155 

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IELTS Life Skills B1

Life Skills test for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. Assessing speaking and listening abilities.

£155 

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What is the IELTS Life Skills test for?

The IELTS Life Skills is a secure English language test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the UK. It is required to demonstrate the proficiency of English speaking and listening skills in order to meet immigration requirements.

During the test, you will need to prove your ability to listen and respond clearly to basic conversations in English.

You will need to take IELTS Life Skills to assess your speaking and listening abilities for the following application routes: partner, parent, sportsperson, representative of an overseas business or for settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) or citizenship.

The format of IELTS Life Skills tests 

You will take the IELTS Life Skills test face-to-face with an examiner, as well with as an additional test taker. Your test result will reflect either a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail’, as opposed to a band score.

There are three available levels of the test, all assessed at the following levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR):  

A1 level: English Speaking and Listening or A2 level: English Speaking and Listening

In the first level of the Life Skills test, you are expected to ask and answer questions relating to familiar, everyday topics, including weather, leisure, health, work, family and friends, and more.

Take IELTS Life Skills A1 if you need to prove your English proficiency as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for visas that are for the ‘family of a settled person’. 

Take IELTS Life Skills A2 if you need to prove your English proficiency as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for a visa that is for ‘extension to a family, spouse or partner’. 

Please note that the A2 level English Life Skills test is only offered in the UK.

B1 level: English Speaking and Listening

The second part of the English Life Skills test is a task that combines both listening and speaking. 

Take IELTS Life Skills B1 if you need to prove your English proficiency as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for ‘citizenship or indefinite leave to remain’.

IELTS Life Skills practice tests 

If you would like to prepare yourself for the Life Skills test by taking some practice tests first, try IELTS Life Skills practice tests.

Book your IELTS Life Skills test today

If you live in the UK or Republic of Ireland and you are ready to book your IELTS Life Skills test, simply use the button below.

See also