IELTS Life Skills is an English test intended for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of a visa or immigration application. IELTS Life Skills is available at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages levels A1, A2, and B1 (CEFR). The test tasks are based on daily subjects like work, transportation, and weather, and they reflect the experience of communicating within an English-speaking country. It is a single test that assesses both speaking and listening abilities.
The three levels of IELTS Life Skills:
- 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 the IELTS Life Skills test work?
IELTS Life Skills tests are carried out in front of an examiner and another test taker. You will need to engage in a structured conversation and demonstrate that you are able to listen and respond to a variety of tasks. These tasks are designed to simulate the type of conversational English you'll need during your stay in the United Kingdom. You will be expected to speak about everyday topics such as
- personal details/experiences
- family and friends
- buying goods
- work
- health
- leisure
- education/training
- transport
- housing
IELTS Life Skills test results
Normally, test results are available within seven days of the test.
You will receive one of two outcomes:
- Pass
- Fail
A fail result indicates that you were not successful, and your test cannot be used to support your visa application.
Criteria for assessing IELTS Life Skills
A certified IELTS examiner evaluates your performance throughout the Speaking and Listening test based on the following criteria:
- Obtaining information
- Conveying information
- Speaking to communicate
- Engaging in discussion