IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at CEFR Level A1 and CEFR Level B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration.

IELTS Life Skills is an English test for those who need to demonstrate their English speaking and listening skills in order to apply for a visa or immigration.

IELTS Life Skills is offered at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages levels A1, A2, and B1 (CEFR). The test’s activities are centered on ordinary topics like work, transportation, and the weather, and they reflect what it’s like to communicate in an English-speaking nation. It is a single test that assesses both speaking and listening abilities.

Check the English language requirements for your visa category before registering for your exam. Contact UK Visas and Immigration if you are in the UK (part of the UK Home Office). You should contact the British Embassy or High Commission in your country if you are somewhere else in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IELTS Life Skills A1?

Life Skills A1 examines your listening and speaking abilities at the Common European Framework level A1 (CEFR). The combined speaking and listening test will run between 16 and 18 minutes and will be conducted with one other test taker and an examiner.

What is IELTS Life Skills B1?

The United Kingdom Visa and Immigration Department accepts the Life Skills B1 secure English-language test (SELT) as proof of English-language ability. The 22-minute examination with an examiner and one other test taker focuses on your listening and speaking abilities.

How long is IELTS Life Skills?

IELTS Life Skills requires 16–18 minutes at CEFR Level A1, no more than 20 minutes at CEFR Level A2, and 22 minutes at CEFR Level B1. You will be examined on both speaking and listening abilities at the same time, so there will be no gap between them.

How soon will I get my IELTS Life Skills results?

After Six days following the test, you will receive your IELTS Life Skills test report form. The findings cannot be given over the phone, by email, or by fax.
If a public holiday falls on one of these issue days, it will be postponed to the next working day.

How long is the IELTS Life Skills certificate valid for?

The IELTS Life Skills certificate is valid for two years from the date you take the test.

Can I re-take IELTS Life Skills twice?

If you pass the IELTS Life Skills test, you will be unable to repeat it at the same level for a period of two years. There are no limitations on retaking the test if you do not pass it the first time.

IELTS Life Skills Prepration

Expert information on how to prepare for the Life Skills test is available from the British Council. They recommend that test takers familiarize themselves with the test properly before taking it to guarantee the highest possibility of satisfying visa requirements. Find out everything you need to know about IELTS Life Skills examinations, formats, and free preparation tools on this website.

You can also use the IELTS Life Skills series from Cambridge English:

IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening and IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening are the two levels of the test. Each Student’s Book contains four practice exams for the exam at the selected level, each with a complete answer key. It includes an overview of the test with details on what to expect as well as instructions for teachers on how to assess pupils. Candidates can get help from example Speaking answers, practice activities, and test hints.

Key features

Learners may see what happens in each stage of the examination by looking at sample tests with images of the “examiner” and “candidates.”
Exercises allow students to practice each section of the test so that they are fully prepared.
For learners, audio of a ‘candidate’ taking each segment of the test gives model answers.
Exam tips provide suggestions to students on how to approach each section of the test.
Teachers are given tips and instructions on how to test their pupils before the real test.