IELTS Life Skills A1
IELTS Life Skills A1 test
The IELTS Life Skills A1 test is a paired speaking and listening test, taken with one examiner and one other candidate, and it lasts up to 18 minutes. The result is Pass or Fail. As of 9 November 2026, this guide uses IELTS and the GOV.UK SELT page.
Practise each part
- Length
- Up to 18 minutes
- Delivery
- Face to face, one examiner and one other test taker
- Result
- Pass or Fail
- GOV.UK minimum grade
- Pass
What is IELTS Life Skills A1?
IELTS Life Skills A1 is a speaking and listening test taken face to face with one examiner and one other test taker. IELTS describes it as one test that covers speaking and listening together, about 20 minutes in total. At A1 the maximum length is 18 minutes.
On GOV.UK, a first partner or parent family visa application needs A1 speaking and listening at minimum (family visa: knowledge of English). Check gov.uk for your situation.
GOV.UK lists IELTS Life Skills A1 Speaking & Listening with the minimum grade Pass (GOV.UK list). Check where you can sit it on the IELTS booking pages.
What happens in the test, step by step
The test has four phases. The times come from the IELTS sample tests.
| Phase | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | 4 to 5 minutes | The examiner asks each candidate personal questions: name, nationality, work or study, home and free time. |
| 1b | 5 minutes | Each candidate prepares questions for 1.5 minutes (notes allowed). Then each asks the other candidate about an assigned topic, up to 2 minutes each. |
| 2a | 4 minutes | Listening. Two short recordings. Each candidate chooses one of three options for one recording on a task sheet (the main idea). On the second play, each candidate answers two spoken detail questions. |
| 2b | 3 to 4 minutes | The candidates discuss a topic together. The examiner gives prompt questions if needed. |
Tasks you must be able to do
IELTS lists these tasks for A1: describing, giving opinions, giving personal information, stating preferences, commenting, asking for information, agreeing and disagreeing, explaining, deciding, suggesting and selecting.
Subject areas: personal details and experiences, family and friends, buying goods, work, health, leisure, education and training, transport, housing and weather.
How the result is given
The test is not scored with marks. The result is Pass or Fail. IELTS says the test checks whether you can listen and respond, make your meaning clear, and talk with other people. Detailed public band descriptors were not found.
The time for results and the fee in pounds are not confirmed. Check the booking page of the test centre.
How to practise
You need a partner to practise. Take turns to ask and answer. Example: Ask your partner, “Where do you like to go at the weekend?” and answer, “I like the park. I go with my family.”
On this site, an AI examiner can play the examiner and the other candidate, so you can practise alone. You can also take the free level check, no sign-up, at level check. IELTS publishes sample tests A and B for each level, with audio, on its sample questions page.
- Use your preparation minute to write key words only.
- Ask your partner follow-up questions. Do not just wait.
- Listen to your partner. Your answers must fit what they said.
More about this test
Read the overview at IELTS Life Skills.
Related guides
How long is IELTS Life Skills A1?
The maximum length is 18 minutes.
Do I take IELTS Life Skills A1 with another person?
Yes. Speaking and listening are taken with one examiner and one other test taker.
Is there a pass mark for IELTS Life Skills A1?
No marks are shown. The result is Pass or Fail.
How much is IELTS Life Skills A1?
The price in pounds is not confirmed in the sources we checked. Check the booking page.
How soon are IELTS Life Skills A1 results?
The results time is not confirmed in the sources we checked.
Can I use IELTS Life Skills A1 for my visa?
GOV.UK lists the test. Whether it fits your route depends on your situation, so check GOV.UK for your situation.