For those who must demonstrate their English speaking and listening proficiency to submit a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application, there is the IELTS Life aptitude exam:
1. If you wish to live permanently in the UK with a partner, spouse, or relative
2. If you are already living in the UK and want to make it your permanent home,
3. If you want to become a British citizen.
Test Levels:
1. There are two levels of IELTS Life Skills: IELTS Life Aptitude A1 and IELTS Life Aptitude B1. The level that you must take is determined by the particular criteria for a visa.
2. Level A1: In this test, you’ll be required to engage in conversations about simple, routine topics, such as personal details, family, and familiar everyday situations.
3. Level B1: At this level, you’ll have more complex conversations that involve a wider range of topics and language structures. You’ll be expected to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and engage in more in-depth discussions.
Test Format
The test format focuses on assessing your speaking and listening skills in English through face-to-face interviews with an examiner. The content of the test is centered around real-life, everyday situations.
Introduction & Personal Questions
You introduce yourself and answer basic questions about family, work, hobbies, daily life, etc.
Listening Task
You listen to a short audio (e.g., a conversation or instructions) and answer questions.
Sometimes you have to listen again and give opinions or agree/disagree with your partner.
Collaborative Task
You and your partner discuss a topic or make a decision together (e.g., planning a trip, choosing a gift).
Further Discussion
The examiner leads a discussion based on the topic in Part 3.
You express your opinions, preferences, reasons, etc.
Scoring & Results
There is no band score like in regular IELTS.
You receive either:
Pass
Fail
Results are usually available within 7 days.
General Overview
Skills tested: Speaking and Listening only
Duration:
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening: 16 –18 minutes.
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening: 20 minutes.
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening: 22 minutes.
Test format: Face-to-face with a trained examiner and one other candidate (partnered format)
How is the IELTS Life Skills Exam Scored?
Unlike other tests, IELTS Life Aptitude is not scored. Instead, you will receive either a pass or a fail result, depending on how you performed. A pass result indicates that you have been successful and can now proceed with your visa application. If you receive a fail result, it indicates that you did not pass the test and that it cannot be used toward your application.