If you are applying for a UK family visa, such as a spouse or partner visa, you may need to prove your English at CEFR level A1. One of the approved tests is IELTS Life Skills A1. It is a short test of speaking and listening only — there is no reading or writing section.
What is the test format?
The test takes around 16 to 18 minutes. You take it together with one other candidate, and an examiner guides the conversation. The result is simply Pass or Fail.
What will you be asked to do?
- ✓Answer simple questions about yourself — your name, family, home, daily routine and likes.
- ✓Listen to short recordings and answer questions about them.
- ✓Talk with the other candidate about an everyday topic, asking and answering questions.
How to prepare
- ✓Practise speaking about yourself in simple, complete sentences.
- ✓Learn how to ask questions — not just answer them. Many candidates forget this part.
- ✓Listen to slow, clear English every day and practise understanding numbers, days and times.
- ✓Ask the examiner to repeat if you do not understand — this is allowed and shows good communication.
Always check the latest UK Home Office requirements and book with an approved test centre. Our one-to-one Life Skills A1 course prepares you with real exam-style practice at your own pace.
IELTS Life Skills A1
One-to-one personalized preparation for IELTS Life Skills A1 examination.