What is IELTS Life Skills and what is it for?
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.
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 for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.
Which IELTS Life Skills test do I need?
Are you are applying to UK Visas and Immigration for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa?
IELTS Life Skills A1 is the test for you.
Are you applying to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship?
IELTS Life Skills B1 is the test for you.
| Life Skills decision matrix | ||
| IELTS Life Skills | A1 | Prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for ‘family of a settled person’ visas. |
| IELTS Life Skills | B1 | Prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. |
When and where can I take an IELTS Life Skills test?
The tests are available throughout the world, in locations specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application. You must sit the test in an “IELTS for UKVI” test session, as UKVI will not accept results from all IELTS tests offered at these locations.
To find out whether you need to take an approved test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
What is the format of the IELTS Life Skills test?
You take the test with another test taker and one Examiner. Your own performance on both speaking and listening will be assessed during this one session.
Why does IELTS Life Skills only cover Speaking and Listening?
The new test has been designed to meet specific immigration requirements for which applicants only need to demonstrate speaking and listening skills.
How long does the IELTS Life Skills test take?
IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level A1 takes 16-18 minutes and Level B1 is 22 minutes.
Is there any break between Speaking and Listening?
No, you will be assessed on your Speaking and Listening skills at the same time.
How is IELTS Life Skills assessed?
A certificated IELTS Examiner will assess your performance throughout the Speaking and Listening test based on the following criteria:
- obtaining information
- conveying information
- speaking to communicate
- engaging in discussion
The performance of the other test taker paired with you in IELTS Life Skills test does not affect the assessment of your own performance.
How can I prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test?
Prepare for the test with free test samples.
How many copies of IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form will I get?
You will receive one copy of the IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form.
How soon will I get my IELTS Life Skills results?
Test results are normally available within 7 days of your test.
How often is an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test available?
For IELTS and IELTS Life Skills, test dates will be available within 28 days at permanent locations and quarterly at pop up locations.
How often can I re-take IELTS or IELTS Life Skills?
For IELTS tests, there are no restrictions on retaking the test. For IELTS Life Skills, if you pass the test, you cannot retake it at the same level for a period of two years. If you do not pass it, there are no restrictions on retaking the test.
