IELTS Life Skills test is for people who need to prove their English-speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Levels A1 or B1. They are accepted by the UK Visas and Migration Department for certain visa types.

IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 only test your listening and speaking skills. You will be tested for your ability to obtain and gather information, communicate and engage in discussion. The second test taker’s performance will not affect your test results.

IELTS Life Skills results are a little different. Instead of receiving a band score, you will either get a pass or fail result. A pass result means you can use your test result for your visa application.

The tests run between 16 and 22 minutes and are conducted with an examiner as well as a second test taker.

Ask IELTS

What is the 'pass mark' for the IELTS test?

In the IELTS Life Skills test, your results are given as a pass or fail mark.


There is no pass or fail in IELTS Academic or General Training test. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.

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