LanguageCert A1 test (speaking and listening)

What is the LanguageCert A1 test?

LanguageCert calls it the International ESOL SELT A1 (Speaking & Listening). LanguageCert describes it as computer-based with a real examiner. The test is recorded. LanguageCert Marking Examiners then assess the recording against the level criteria.

GOV.UK lists it in the UK list with a minimum grade of 60/100 (GOV.UK list, UK). It is also on the list for tests taken outside the UK (GOV.UK list, outside the UK). The result is Pass or Fail.

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.

LanguageCert A1 test format at a glance

The test has the same four parts at every level. The timings below are from the LanguageCert handbook.

Total time: 8 to 9 minutes. Read each part in detail: speaking parts and the listening part.

What happens in the test, step by step

1. You give your family name, spell it, and say where you are from. Then you answer three questions from topic headings.
2. In the role play, the examiner starts the first situation and you answer. In the second, you start. You always stay yourself and never act as a different person.
3. You and the examiner each describe a picture. You ask and answer questions to find what is different.
4. In part 4a, the examiner reads a short monologue. You can make notes. You hear it a second time. You see the questions for 10 seconds and then answer three questions out loud.
5. In part 4b, you get 30 seconds to prepare. You then talk about a topic for 30 seconds. The examiner asks follow-up questions.

How is the test marked?

The handbook gives five criteria. The total is 30 raw marks. A pass is 18 to 30 marks. A fail is 0 to 17. GOV.UK lists the pass mark as 60/100.

What topics and language come up at A1?

The handbook lists these topic areas for A1: personal identification, house and home, daily life, free time, travel, shopping, food and drink, health, weather, places and directions, and everyday services such as the post office or a bank. Numbers go up to 31 and dates and times are included.

Functions to practise: giving personal information, describing where you live, daily routines, likes and preferences, ability, permission, apologies, requests, invitations, simple instructions, greetings and asking someone to spell.

Results, fee and booking

LanguageCert says provisional results come in a few minutes and the final result in 3 working days. After you pass, you get a Candidate URN. GOV.UK says a SELT result is valid for 2 years.

The price in pounds is not confirmed. The LanguageCert site shows prices by country. Check the LanguageCert booking page for your price. LanguageCert also advertises a retake offer called Take2, but its exact terms are not confirmed.

How to practise

Speak out loud every day. Record yourself, listen back, and fix one thing each time. Use the handbook and practice papers from LanguageCert for the format.

You can also practise with an AI examiner on this site that follows the same four parts. Or take the free level check, no sign-up, at level check.

• Practise spelling your family name in English letters.
• Answer in full sentences, not one word.
• If you do not understand, ask the examiner to repeat.
• Time yourself in part 4b: 30 seconds.