Rahul Sharma (Editor)

IELTS Life Skills

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IELTS Life Skills is an English language test, which provides proof of English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 or B1. It can be used to apply for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship in the UK.

Contents

History

IELTS Life Skills was first offered in April 2015. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and can be used to apply for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

UKVI announced changes to Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for visa purposes in February 2015. The announcement stated that anyone taking a test for immigration purposes after 6 April 2015 must take either IELTS<link>, IELTS Life Skills or a Trinity College London test at a UKVI approved test centre. IELTS and IELTS Life Skills are the only tests available when applying for visas from both outside and inside the UK.

IELTS Life Skills does not test Reading and Writing, as it is designed to meet immigration requirements for which applicants only need to demonstrate their Speaking and Listening skills.

Test format

IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level A1 takes 16–18 minutes. IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level B1 takes 22 minutes.

Candidates take the test with an examiner and with one other candidate. Candidates are assessed on Speaking and Listening at the same time.

IELTS Life Skills at Level A1 has two parts. IELTS Life Skills at Level B1 has three parts.

Part 1: candidates ask and answer questions and have short discussions on everyday subjects, such as:

  • Personal details
  • Family and friends
  • Buying goods
  • Work
  • Health
  • Leisure
  • Education/training
  • Transport
  • Housing
  • Weather.
  • Part 2: candidates listen to a task played on a CD. They have to listen for the general meaning and detail. They say their answers aloud, although they can make notes on paper while they listen. There will then be a discussion on a theme related to recording on the CD.

    Part 3 (Level B1 test only): plan an activity with the other candidate.

    Scoring

    Candidates will get one of two results: pass or fail. A fail results means that the test cannot be used for a visa application.

    Candidates are assessed on their ability in four areas:

  • Obtaining information
  • Conveying information
  • Speaking to communicate
  • Engaging in discussion.
  • The performance of the other candidate taking the test at the same time does not affect the scoring.

    Results

    Test results are typically available within 13 days of the test. Candidates will receive one copy of the IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form.

    Locations and test dates

    The test is available throughout the world in locations specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Test dates are available within 28 days of booking a test.

    If candidates do not pass, there are no restrictions on retaking the test. If candidates pass, they cannot retake the test at the same level for two years.

    References

    IELTS Life Skills Wikipedia