IELTS Life Skills

IELTS LIFE SKILLS Test was started in April 2015 for specific Visa requirements to immigrate to the United Kingdom. Out of all the English Tests, the IELTS and the IELTS Life Skills are the only tests available when applying for visas both outside and inside the UK.

The IELTS Life Skills test assesses the candidate on their Listening and Speaking skills alone according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, A1, A2 or B1. The fee for IELTS Life Skills is Rs. 10,950.

Who needs to write this test?

The IELTS Skills Test is written by the specific candidates who apply for the UK Visa Immigration. They are:

• Sportsperson
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• Partner
• Parent
• Settler (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
• Person applying for Citizenship

Test format

There are three types of tests available:

• IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening: 16-18 minutes
• IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening (Offered in the UK only): 20 minutes
• IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening: 22 minutes

As you can see, the test consists of two parts. In the first part, you will have to answer the questions asked, and in the second, you will have to do a combined Listening and Speaking task. It is to be noted that you will be taking up the test with one another candidate.

These tasks are related to everyday life in an English-speaking country. Thus, the questions, conversations among the examiner, another candidate, and you would be related to everyday subjects such as:

• personal details/experiences
• family and friends
• buying goods
• work
• health
• leisure
• education/training
• transport
• housing
• weather

Detailed format of the tasks

• Similar to the first part of a normal IELTS Speaking Test, you are expected to ask and answer questions on a few topics.
• The second part is a combined listening and speaking task.
• In the Listening task, you will listen to a task played on a CD and answer the questions given by the examiner.
• After the listening task, you will be asked to discuss a topic relating to the theme on the CD.
• At the B1 level, you will additionally be asked to plan an activity with the other candidate.

Assessment

You will be assessed on your ability in four key areas:

• obtaining information
• conveying information
• speaking to communicate
• engaging in discussion

Here is a detailed explanation of the factors that you will be assessed upon:

Results

Unlike the IELTS Test, you will receive only two results for this exam:

• Pass
• Fail

“FAIL” means that you have not been successful, and your test cannot be used for your visa application. Test results are available within 6 days of your test.