Types of IELTS Tests
IELTS offers a comprehensive range of tests to assess your English language proficiency. These test types cover all the essential skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. With a comprehensive and highly secure testing system, these tests accurately evaluate an individual’s proficiency in the English language. You can choose the test type according to your entry requirements.
UKVI and IELTS Life Skills
The IELTS life skills test is specifically designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in speaking and listening according to the levels outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
This test is included on the UK Home Office list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) and is also available in the UK and internationally.
How does the IELTS Life Skills Test work?
During the test, applicants can showcase their skills and abilities in the presence of an examiner and another test taker.
The tasks in IELTS Life Skills are carefully crafted to mirror the real-life situations of communicating in an English-speaking country. Participants will be required to engage in brief conversations on various everyday topics, such as:
- personal details/experiences
- family and friends
- buying goods
- work
- health
- leisure
- education/training
- transport
- housing
- weather
IELTS Life Skills A1:
To demonstrate your English proficiency, you must include this requirement in your application to UK Visas and Immigration for visas that fall under the ‘family of a settled person’ category.
IELTS Life Skills A2:
If you’re applying for a visa extension for your family, spouse, or partner, you must demonstrate your English proficiency as required by the UK Visas and Immigration. This is an essential step in the application process. The A2-level English Life Skills test is exclusively available in the United Kingdom.
IELTS Life Skills B1:
To demonstrate their English proficiency, individuals must apply for UK Visas and Immigration for ‘citizenship or indefinite leave to remain.’ This process plays a crucial role in determining their eligibility for such status.
At every stage, the test aims to evaluate an individual’s ability to actively listen, effectively communicate their thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversations with others.
IELTS Life Skills CEFR Level A1
UK Visas & Immigration for Visas are for the “family of a settled person.”
Test Takers’ Requirements for Level A1:
The test takers will be expected to:
- listen and respond to spoken language, including simple narratives, statements, questions, and single-step instructions
- communicate essential information, feelings, and opinions on familiar topics
- talk with another person in a familiar situation about familiar topics.
Tasks assigned may include:
- describing
- giving opinions
- giving personal information
- stating preferences
- commenting
- asking for information or descriptions
- agreeing and disagreeing
- explaining, giving reasons, or justifying
- deciding
- suggesting
- selecting
IELTS Life Skills CEFR Level A1
UK Visas & Immigration for Visas that are for “extension to a family, spouse, or partner”
Test Takers’ Requirements for Level A2:
- Listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information, short narratives, explanations, and instructions.
- Communicate information, feelings, and opinions on familiar topics.
- Talk with one or more people in a familiar situation to establish a shared understanding of familiar topics.
Tasks assigned may include:
- comparing
- prioritizing
- planning
- persuading
IELTS Life Skills CEFR Level B1
UK Visas & Immigration for Visas that are for “citizenship or indefinite leave to remain.”
Test Takers’ Requirements for Level B1:
- Listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information and narratives, and follow straightforward explanations and instructions.
- Communicate information, feelings, and opinions on familiar topics using appropriate formality.
- Talk with one or more people in a familiar situation, making relevant points and responding to what others say to reach a shared understanding about familiar topics.
Tasks assigned may include:
- showing contrast, cause, reason, or purpose
- narrating
- asking about past or future events
- expressing future certainty or possibility
Which IELTS Test Type is suitable for your needs?
We aim to simplify the process of selecting the perfect test suitable for your needs, allowing you to customize the desired score and effectively identify top-notch applicants that meet your specific requirements.
If you’re interested in discovering the benefits of IELTS, feel free to contact us. Our team is always there to help.