SELT Practice
LanguageCert A1 speaking parts
The LanguageCert A1 speaking parts are personal information, role play, exchanging information and the long turn. As of 9 November 2026, the LanguageCert handbook gives the timings below. The examples are written by us in the style of the test.
Part 1: personal information
You spell your family name and say where you are from. Then you answer three questions chosen from topic headings. Time: about 1.5 minutes.
Topic areas at A1 include: 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.
- Spell your name slowly, letter by letter.
- Give one reason or detail after each short answer.
Part 2: role play
There are two situations. In the first, the examiner starts and you answer. In the second, you start. Each has about two turns for each speaker. Time: about 1.5 minutes. You never take a different persona.
Examples in this style: You are at a bus stop. I am another person waiting. Ask me when the bus comes. and I am your neighbour. Ask me if you can borrow a pen.
Use polite words: please, could I, thank you. In the situation where you start, say your request in your first sentence.
Part 3: exchanging information
You and the examiner each have a picture. The pictures are almost the same. You ask questions and give information to find the differences. Time: 1 to 1.5 minutes.
Example style, written by us: You and the examiner each hold a picture of a kitchen. You ask, “How many cups are on the table?” and the examiner answers. You find what is different.
- Say the place of things: on, under, next to, behind.
Part 4b: the long turn
You get 30 seconds to prepare. Then you talk for 30 seconds. After that, the examiner asks follow-up questions.
Example topics in this style: What you do on a Saturday, A friend you like, Your journey to the shops.
- Use the 30 seconds to choose three ideas.
- Keep talking until the examiner stops you.
- If you finish early, add an example from your own life.
How to practise these parts
Practise one part at a time, then all four in order. Our AI examiner follows these parts, or you can take the free level check, no sign-up, at level check.
Listening part 4a is on its own page: LanguageCert A1 listening part. The full guide is LanguageCert A1 test.
What are the parts of the LanguageCert A1 speaking test?
Part 1 personal information, part 2 role play, part 3 exchanging information, part 4a listen and respond, and part 4b long turn.
Do I have to act as another person in the role play?
No. The handbook says the candidate never takes a different persona.
How long is the long turn at A1?
30 seconds, after 30 seconds of preparation.
Can I make notes in the speaking test?
The handbook allows notes in part 4a. It does not say you can write notes in part 4b, so do not rely on it.