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IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills is a new English Language test offered by the three IELTS Test Partners - British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. It is for people who need to show that their English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 or B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.

Search here for test dates and locations.

What’s in the test?

You will take the test with an examiner, and with one other test taker. This will be a single test covering speaking and listening skills. IELTS Life Skills is available at two levels:

• IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening
• IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening

You will get one of two results: Pass or Fail

IELTS Life Skills A1

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for Family, Spouse or Partner visa. It takes 16-18 minutes.

• The A1 level is within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the equivalent to ESOL Entry 1 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
• The test involves Speaking and Listening

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

IELTS Life Skills B1

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for citizenship/settlement visa. It takes 22 minutes

• The B1 level is within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and is the equivalent to ESOL Entry 3 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
• The test involves Speaking and Listening

You will be expected to:

• Listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information and narratives, and follow straightforward explanations and instructions.
• Communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality.
• Talk with one or more people in a familiar situation, making relevant points and responding to what others say to reach a shared understanding about familiar topics.

How can I prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test?

Click here for Free test samples