SELT Practice
A1 English test for the UK
An A1 English test is a short speaking and listening test at the lowest CEFR level. GOV.UK says A1 is the minimum for a first partner or parent family visa application, as of 9 November 2026.
Sample questions and answers for A1 with example answers and tips.
Who needs an A1 English test
GOV.UK says the first application for a partner, spouse or parent family visa needs A1 speaking and listening at minimum. You may take a higher test (GOV.UK family visa page).
People who already have the right evidence of English, or who are exempt, may not need a test. Read English test exemptions in the UK and the English test for a spouse visa.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
The five A1 test options
All five are speaking and listening tests on the GOV.UK list files, as of 9 November 2026.
| Test | How it is taken | Length | Where | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity GESE Grade 2 | One-to-one with an examiner by video | 6 minutes | UK only | £160 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 | One-to-one with an examiner, recorded | 8 to 9 minutes | UK and outside UK | Not published here |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 | Face to face with an examiner and another candidate | Up to 18 minutes | UK and outside UK | Not published here |
| PTE Home A1 | On a computer, scored by computer | 22 minutes | UK and outside UK | Not published here |
| PSI Skills for English A1 | On a computer, speaking recorded | Up to 30 minutes | Outside UK only | Not published here |
Many applicants are abroad, so check where each test is offered in your country. Trinity does not offer tests outside the UK. Providers show prices by location, so check the booking page. A test taken overseas can be used for a UK application, says GOV.UK (SELT guidance).
What an A1 test asks you to do
- Trinity Grade 2: a conversation with the examiner about things like rooms, family, pets and where things are. You must ask the examiner at least one very simple question about personal details. See Trinity GESE Grade 2.
- LanguageCert A1: spell your family name, answer three personal questions, do two role plays, find differences between two pictures, answer three questions about a short talk read twice, then speak for about half a minute. See LanguageCert A1.
- IELTS Life Skills A1: personal questions, asking your partner questions on a topic, two short recordings, then a talk together. See IELTS Life Skills A1.
- PTE Home A1: 22 repeat-sentence tasks, 5 describe-image tasks and 5 short conversations to listen to and answer. See PTE Home A1.
- PSI A1: five questions to introduce yourself, topic questions, a role play with five prompts and a listening part. See Skills for English A1.
What happens in the test, step by step
- You arrive at the test centre with your identity document.
- You are set up at a computer or tablet and given a headset where needed.
- You greet the examiner or hear the first recorded question.
- You answer short questions about yourself, your home and your day.
- You do the other parts of your test, such as a role play or listening.
- You leave and wait for your result by email. If you pass, you get a reference number for your application.
What A1 English sounds like
A1 is very simple English. For Trinity Grade 2 the language is the present simple, there is and there are, has got, and words for place such as in, on and under (Trinity specifications).
Short answers are fine. You can say I have two sisters or Yes, I do. If you do not understand, ask the examiner to say it again. Learn the question forms Where?, How many? and Do you have...?.
How to practise for an A1 test
- Say your name, spell it, and say where you are from.
- Describe your home, your family and your day in one or two short sentences each.
- Practise asking one simple question, for example Do you have a sister?
- Listen to short recordings and say the answer out loud.
You can practise with an AI examiner on this site. It asks questions out loud and you answer out loud.
Not sure of your level? Take the free level check. It takes a few minutes.
Related guides
What is an A1 English test?
It is a speaking and listening test at CEFR level A1, the lowest level. It checks simple English about yourself, your home and everyday things.
Who needs an A1 English test for the UK?
GOV.UK says a first application for a partner or parent family visa needs A1 speaking and listening at minimum, unless an exemption applies. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
How long is an A1 English test?
Trinity Grade 2 is 6 minutes. LanguageCert A1 is 8 to 9 minutes. IELTS Life Skills A1 is up to 18 minutes. PTE Home A1 is 22 minutes. PSI A1 allows up to 30 minutes.
Can I take an A1 test in my own country?
LanguageCert, IELTS Life Skills, PTE Home and PSI are offered outside the UK. Trinity is UK only. Check each booking page for centres in your country.
Do I need to write anything in an A1 test?
The A1 tests on this page are speaking and listening tests. Some PSI parts show prompts or options on screen, but they are not writing tests.