IELTS Life Skills B1
IELTS Life Skills B1 test
The IELTS Life Skills B1 test is a paired speaking and listening test, taken with one examiner and one other candidate, and it lasts up to 22 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 22 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 B1?
IELTS Life Skills B1 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 B1 the maximum length is 22 minutes.
On GOV.UK, settlement applications made before 26 March 2027 need B1 speaking and listening, and citizenship needs B1 at minimum (GOV.UK: English language for citizenship and settling). From 26 March 2027 settlement needs B2 speaking and listening, see B2 English test. Check gov.uk for your situation.
GOV.UK lists IELTS Life Skills B1 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 | 3 minutes | Name and nationality questions, then the candidates ask each other about an assigned topic for 2 minutes. |
| 1b | 7 minutes | Each candidate talks for about 1.5 minutes after 1 minute of preparation. The other candidate listens and asks three questions. |
| 2a | 5 minutes | Listening. Two recordings. One main idea question each, then two detail questions each on a second play. |
| 2b | 7 minutes | First 3 minutes of joint planning and deciding with a task sheet, then 4 minutes of joint discussion of a related topic. |
Tasks you must be able to do
IELTS lists these tasks for B1: everything at A2, plus showing contrast, cause, reason or purpose, narrating, asking about past or future events, and expressing future certainty or possibility.
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: Plan a family weekend with your partner. Say what to take, what to do and who does what. Then discuss a related topic.
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. See what happens with the other candidate at the other candidate at B1.
How long is IELTS Life Skills B1?
The maximum length is 22 minutes.
Do I take IELTS Life Skills B1 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 B1?
No marks are shown. The result is Pass or Fail.
How much is IELTS Life Skills B1?
The price in pounds is not confirmed in the sources we checked. Check the booking page.
How soon are IELTS Life Skills B1 results?
The results time is not confirmed in the sources we checked.
Can I use IELTS Life Skills B1 for my visa?
GOV.UK lists the test. Whether it fits your route depends on your situation, so check GOV.UK for your situation.