It is important for candidates to familiarise themselves with the test format and task types so that they can show their best performance on the test day.
Key information about the Foundation English Test structure
- The test is delivered on a computer and takes about 80-90 minutes to complete
- The content of the test is a mixture of everyday English and English used in a workplace environment
- Tests all four language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)
- It measures English proficiency from A1 to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Preparation materials, demo tests and tips
Foundation English Test is designed to reflect real-life communication and language use, offering a relevant assessment for individuals who may be entering the workforce, vocational training, or international programmes.
Candidates can click on each component below to learn more and access the free practice tests.
Please be aware that the practice tests do not provide results. When taking the Listening and Reading components of the practice tests, take note of your answers and check the answer keys after you have completed the test. When taking the Writing and Speaking components of the practice tests, please refer to the marking scales.
The four components are structured as follows:
Click the + icons to expand each section, then tap 'Take a practice test'.
Test delivery and candidate experience
- Improved candidate experience: a user-friendly journey with appropriate content tailored for lower-level test takers (A1–B1), with no test items above B1 level.
- Real-world scenarios: Meaningful, open-ended tasks based on everyday contexts – such as messaging, making plans, or following instructions – that allow test takers to demonstrate real communicative competence.
- A shorter, streamlined test designed for ease of use, providing a supportive and user-friendly journey for A1–B1 level test takers.
- Supportive structure: The test is designed to build confidence in early-stage English users—especially those in vocational, technical, or community settings—and to support them in performing at their best.
- Inclusive: The test design fully embraces equality, diversity and inclusion and is suitable for test takers with special educational needs. Content and photos include non-stereotypical portrayals of different genders, disabilities, races and ethnicities. The Listening component has up to 17 global English accents.
How to support candidates’ preparation
For more general preparation and useful exercises, we have plenty of free resources on our Learn English website where your candidates can practise and improve their English skills.
Employers and institutions can help test takers by:
- Sharing the test format overview to familiarise candidates with structure and task types.
- Providing the Teacher Handbook to help educators better support learners as they prepare for the exam.
- Creating informal practice opportunities using real-world materials (e.g. forms, emails, instructions).
- Supporting soft skills development such as confidence in speaking and everyday communication.
