What does IELTS Life Skills assess?

IELTS Life Skills assesses a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English, focusing on listening and speaking skills in everyday situations. It is designed for individuals who need to prove their English proficiency for visa and immigration purposes. The test evaluates:

1. Listening

   • Understanding spoken English in everyday contexts, such as conversations and instructions.

2. Speaking

   • The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in everyday situations, including discussions, explaining ideas, and responding to questions.

The test is available in two levels:

• IELTS Life Skills A1: For basic English proficiency, required for UK visas and immigration.
• IELTS Life Skills B1: For more advanced communication skills, often required for visa or citizenship purposes.

It does not have a reading or writing component.

The IELTS Life Skills test is designed to assess your ability to communicate in English at a basic level. It evaluates your speaking and listening skills in everyday situations, particularly in relation to practical tasks such as social interaction, understanding instructions, and conveying information. It is specifically intended for those who need to prove their English proficiency for visa or immigration purposes in the UK.

There are two levels of IELTS Life Skills:

• A1: For basic users of English, typically for family visas or spouse visas.
• B1: For those looking to meet the English requirements for a permanent visa or citizenship in the UK.

The test is structured to assess how well you can:

1. Understand spoken English: You'll need to follow conversations and extract key information.
2. Express yourself clearly: You'll engage in a discussion and demonstrate your ability to speak clearly and interact with others.

It is a face-to-face test with an examiner and typically lasts between 16 to 22 minutes. The results are reported as "Pass" or "Fail," with no band scores provided.