Overview
IELTS Life Skills is a speaking and listening test offered at levels A1, A2 and B1 of the CEFR, designed for UK visa applications. It is a separate test from the main IELTS exam. The GOV.UK page reviewed says the Home Office publishes a list of approved SELTs and the CEFR level each route needs, so check that list to see whether this test is currently accepted for your route.
Levels or stages
The test is offered at A1, A2 and B1. The only official material reviewed is the A1 sample test, so the details below are for A1.
Exam pattern
The A1 sample test frame says the test should not exceed 18 minutes. It is taken in pairs and has these phases.
| Phase | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | 4 to 5 minutes | The examiner asks questions on familiar topics such as name, nationality, work or study, home and free time |
| 1b | 5 minutes | Candidates ask each other questions on a given topic, with 1.5 minutes to prepare |
| 2a | 4 minutes | Candidates listen to two recordings and answer short questions, hearing them twice |
| 2b | 3 to 4 minutes | Candidates talk together about a topic, such as places they like to go at the weekend |
The A2 and B1 formats are not described in the sources reviewed.
Booking and fees
For tests taken outside the UK, GOV.UK lists providers including the IELTS SELT Consortium. Book through an approved provider and use the details on your passport. Fees are set by the provider and are not stated in the sources reviewed.
Preparation tips
Practise with the official sample tests for your level.
Practise asking questions as well as answering them, since the test is interactive.
Does it test reading and writing?
The sample test reviewed covers only speaking and listening.