What is IELTS Life Skills?
IELTS Life Skills is a test for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills to acquire a UK VISA. It is available at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 and B1. This test is specifically designed to meet the requirements of UKVI for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.
IELTS Life Skills Levels
- IELTS Life Skills A1: For those applying for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa.
- IELTS Life Skills B1: For those applying for an ‘indefinite leave to remain or citizenship' visa.
Retaking the Test
There is no restriction on how many times you can take the IELTS Life Skills test. However, if you pass the test once, you will not be able to retake it at the same level for two years.
Availability of IELTS Life Skills Test
IELTS Life Skills tests are available worldwide in locations specified by UKVI. The UKVI does not accept results from other testing locations. You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application and ensure that you sit for the test in an 'IELTS for UKVI' test session.
Find Out If IELTS Life Skills is Available in Your City
Format of the IELTS Life Skills Test
The IELTS Life Skills test is designed to meet specific immigration requirements, assessing only Speaking and Listening skills. You’ll be evaluated on your everyday communication in an English-speaking country, covering topics such as:
- Personal experiences
- Friends and family
- Buying goods
- Education, work, or training
- Weather, leisure, or travel
- Transport, housing, health, and more
Test Focus and Tasks
| CEFR Level | Test Focus | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| A1 |
- Listen and respond to spoken language, including simple narratives, statements, questions, and single-step instructions. - Basic information, feelings, and opinions on familiar topics. - Talk with another person in a familiar situation about familiar topics. |
- Describing - Giving opinions - Giving personal information - Stating preferences - Commenting - Asking for information or descriptions - Agreeing and disagreeing |
| B1 |
- 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. |
- In addition to the A1 tasks, B1 tasks may include: - Comparing - Showing contrast, cause, reason, or purpose - Prioritising - Planning - Persuading - Narrating - Asking about past or future events - Expressing future certainty or possibility |
Test Duration
- IELTS Life Skills CEFR Level A1: 16-18 minutes
- IELTS Life Skills CEFR Level B1: 22 minutes
There is no break between speaking and listening components as you are assessed on both skills simultaneously.
IELTS Life Skills Assessment Criteria
A certified IELTS examiner assesses your performance based on:
- Obtaining information
- Conveying information
- Speaking to communicate
- Engaging in discussion
Your performance is evaluated independently, and the performance of the other test taker paired with you does not affect your assessment.
Test Results
You can receive your IELTS Life Skills result within seven days of your attempt. Your Test Report Form (TRF) is sent to the postal address you provided at the time of registration.
Prepare Effectively for IELTS Life Skills
Practice tests are a great way to assess your progress. Our range of free practice tests can help you familiarise yourself with the test format and questioning patterns. See how you score under timed conditions, take feedback from your mentors, and work on your areas of improvement.
