IELTS Life Skills for the UK

The Life Skills test is available at three different levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). You can choose between Life Skills A1, A2 and B1 where you will be assessed for your English speaking and listening skills.

You will sit the test with an IELTS examiner and a second test taker. The examiner will assess your speaking and listening skills during the test session. The session can last between 16 and 22 minutes.

An IELTS examiner will assess your English speaking and listening skills across a set of criteria. The criteria include:

• Obtaining information

• Conveying information

• Speaking to communicate

• Engaging in discussion

There are no band scores attached to an IELTS Life Skills Test. You will get either of the following results when you take an IELTS Life Skills test:

• Pass

• Fail

The focus of IELTS Life Skills

• At each level, the test is designed to assess whether you can listen and respond, make your meaning clear, and talk with other people.

Face-to-face Speaking and Listening tests

• You will take the test with an examiner, and with one other test taker. You will be expected to take part in short discussions on everyday subjects.

Test dates for IELTS Life Skills

• If you need an IELTS test for UK visa applications, you can only take them at a UKVI approved IELTS test centre.

• IDP IELTS Auckland is the only UKVI approved test centre in New Zealand.

• Here, we offer all the approved IELTS tests for UK visa applications, including IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1.

In New Zealand, IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 tests are currently only available in the following test centre:

• IDP IELTS Auckland

Important note: If you need an IELTS Life Skills test for UK visa applications, you can only do so at approved test centres. These UKVI-approved test centres meet the administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office.

How much does IELTS Life Skills cost?

In New Zealand, IELTS Life Skills costs $360. The price for the exam is the same whether you take the Life Skills A1 or B1 test.

Read how to book an IELTS test for the UK