SELT Practice
A2 English test for the UK
An A2 English test is a speaking and listening test at CEFR level A2. GOV.UK says A2 is needed when you extend a family visa after 2.5 years if your first visa used A1, as of 9 November 2026.
Sample questions and answers for A2 with example answers and tips.
Who needs an A2 English test
GOV.UK says the family visa extension at 2.5 years needs A2 speaking and listening if you used A1 the first time. A result at A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 can be reused if the certificate has not been withdrawn. People who were exempt the first time must now pass A1. After 5 years on a family visa as a partner or parent, GOV.UK says you are exempt from the English requirement (GOV.UK family visa page).
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
The five A2 test options
All five are on the GOV.UK list files, as of 9 November 2026.
| Test | How it is taken | Length | Where | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity GESE Grade 3 | One-to-one with an examiner by video | 7 minutes | UK only | £160 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A2 | One-to-one with an examiner, recorded | 9 to 11 minutes | UK and outside UK | Not published here |
| IELTS Life Skills A2 | Face to face with an examiner and another candidate | Up to 20 minutes | IELTS says offered in the UK only; GOV.UK outside-UK list also shows it | Not published here |
| PTE Home A2 | On a computer, scored by computer | 25 minutes on the overview table | UK and outside UK | Not published here |
| PSI Skills for English A2 | On a computer, speaking recorded | Up to 35 minutes | Outside UK only | Not published here |
The exact task list for PTE Home A2 is not confirmed on Pearson's page, so check Pearson before you book. Check where IELTS Life Skills A2 is offered on the booking page.
What an A2 test asks you to do
- Trinity Grade 3: a 7 minute conversation about daily routine, times, dates, what you can do and simple directions. You must ask the examiner one simple question about everyday life. See Trinity GESE Grade 3.
- LanguageCert A2: personal questions, two role plays, a picture exchange, a short talk to listen to twice, and a one minute talk after 30 seconds of preparation. See LanguageCert A2.
- IELTS Life Skills A2: a one minute talk after one minute of preparation, then your partner asks two questions. See IELTS Life Skills A2.
- PTE Home A2: repeat sentences, describe images and listen-and-answer tasks. See PTE Home A2.
- PSI A2: introduction, topic questions, a role play with five prompts and a listening part. See Skills for English A2.
What happens in the test, step by step
- You book and attend an approved centre with your identity document.
- You are set up at a computer or tablet.
- You answer questions about yourself and your daily life.
- You do the other parts: role play, picture task, listening or a short talk.
- You get your result by email. A pass gives you a reference number.
How to practise for an A2 test
A2 English is a step up from A1. You talk about daily life, past events and simple plans. For Trinity Grade 3 the grammar includes the present continuous, can and can't, and the past tense of to be (Trinity specifications).
- Practise answering with two or three linked sentences using and and then.
- Say what you did yesterday and what you do every day.
- Practise a polite request and a polite answer.
- Practise asking a question about the other person's day.
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 A2 English test?
It is a speaking and listening test at CEFR level A2. You talk about everyday life, past events and simple plans, and answer listening questions.
Who needs an A2 English test for the UK?
GOV.UK says a family visa extension at 2.5 years needs A2 speaking and listening if you used A1 the first time. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Can I use my A1 result again?
GOV.UK says a higher result such as A2 or B1 can be reused if the certificate has not been withdrawn. An A1 result is the level needed for the first application. Check GOV.UK for the extension rules.
How long is an A2 English test?
Trinity Grade 3 is 7 minutes. LanguageCert A2 is 9 to 11 minutes. IELTS Life Skills A2 is up to 20 minutes. PTE Home A2 is 25 minutes on the overview table. PSI A2 allows up to 35 minutes.
Is there a pass mark for A2?
Trinity, IELTS Life Skills and PTE Home give a pass or fail result. LanguageCert needs 18 out of 30 raw marks, listed by GOV.UK as 60 out of 100. PSI gives pass or fail at A2, and the pass marks are not published.