Exam guide
IELTS Life Skills
A Speaking and Listening test for UK visas that need basic communication skills: A1, A2 and B1 (CEFR).
Kandy IELTS College · Updated Fri 23 Oct
IELTS Life Skills is a specific English language test designed for people who need to prove their speaking and listening skills for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in everyday English and is often required for visa applications that focus on basic communication skills rather than academic proficiency.
Levels
- IELTS Life Skills A1 (CEFR): about 16 to 18 minutes
- IELTS Life Skills A2 (CEFR): about 20 minutes
- IELTS Life Skills B1 (CEFR): about 22 minutes
Life Skills has these three levels only. For a visa that asks for a higher level, see IELTS for UKVI.
Test format
- Speaking and Listening only
- Face to face with one examiner and one other test taker
- The result is a pass or a fail
- UK Visas and Immigration only accepts it when taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre
How Kandy IELTS College prepares you
Life Skills is all speaking and listening, so practice with a lecturer matters most. Book a one-to-one session to practise everyday English conversations at your level, or call or WhatsApp 077 72 98 573 to plan your preparation with us.