IELTS Life Skills A2
IELTS Life Skills A2 test
The IELTS Life Skills A2 test is a paired speaking and listening test, taken with one examiner and one other candidate, and it lasts up to 20 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 20 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 A2?
IELTS Life Skills A2 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 A2 the maximum length is 20 minutes.
On GOV.UK, a family visa extension after 2.5 years needs A2 speaking and listening if the first visa used A1 (family visa: knowledge of English). Check gov.uk for your situation.
GOV.UK lists IELTS Life Skills A2 Speaking & Listening with the minimum grade Pass (GOV.UK list). ielts.org says the A2 test is only offered in the UK, but the GOV.UK outside-UK list still includes it. Check the booking details for your country.
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 personal questions. |
| 1b | 6 minutes | Each candidate talks for about 1 minute on an assigned topic after 1 minute of preparation. The other candidate then asks two questions. |
| 2a | 4 minutes | Listening, with the same design as A1: a main idea task, then spoken detail questions on a second play. |
| 2b | 4 to 5 minutes | The candidates discuss a topic together. |
Tasks you must be able to do
IELTS lists these tasks for A2: everything at A1, plus comparing, prioritising, planning and persuading.
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: Talk for one minute about a shop you use. Your partner then asks, “Why do you like it?” and a second question.
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.
How long is IELTS Life Skills A2?
The maximum length is 20 minutes.
Do I take IELTS Life Skills A2 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 A2?
No marks are shown. The result is Pass or Fail.
How much is IELTS Life Skills A2?
The price in pounds is not confirmed in the sources we checked. Check the booking page.
How soon are IELTS Life Skills A2 results?
The results time is not confirmed in the sources we checked.
Can I use IELTS Life Skills A2 for my visa?
GOV.UK lists the test. Whether it fits your route depends on your situation, so check GOV.UK for your situation.