LanguageCert Academic test format: the four skills, part by part

LanguageCert Academic is a computer-based English test that reports a separate score for each of the four skills. It is designed as one test for several levels, so the same paper has to tell a B1 candidate from a C2 candidate. That is why the tasks get harder as you move through each section.

This guide follows LanguageCert's own description of the test as of October 2026.

The whole test at a glance

The written components (Listening, Reading, Writing) and the Speaking test can be taken on the same day or on different days. At AIL's test centre, for example, the written test and Speaking are scheduled for the same afternoon and evening.

Listening: 30 questions, everything twice

• Part 1: seven short, unfinished dialogues. You choose the most natural reply from three options. This tests whether you understand the function of what someone says, not just the words.
• Part 2: five short conversations in academic settings, two multiple-choice questions on each.
• Part 3: a lecture or podcast. You complete seven gaps in a set of notes, with no more than three words in each gap.
• Part 4: a discussion between three speakers, with six multiple-choice questions about opinions and agreement.

Each recording is played twice. That helps, but it also means the questions are written to be answered properly on the second listening: expect distractors that are mentioned and then corrected.

Reading: five task types in 50 minutes

• Part 1a: six sentences, each with a highlighted word or phrase. You choose the closest meaning from four options.
• Part 1b: a short text with five gaps, three options for each. Grammar and linking words matter here.
• Part 2: a longer text with six sentences removed. You choose from eight sentences, so two are extra.
• Part 3: four short texts on one theme. Seven questions ask which text says what.
• Part 4: a long text with an academic argument and six four-option questions.

Part 1 is quick if your vocabulary is strong. Most people need the bulk of their time for Parts 2 to 4.

Writing: a report and an essay

• Part 1: a 150–200-word academic report or article in response to an infographic. Unlike IELTS Task 1, you are expected to show a stance: what the data suggests, and what should happen next.
• Part 2: about 250 words of discursive writing on an academic topic, to persuade or argue.

A sensible split is about 20 minutes for Part 1 and 30 minutes for Part 2.

Speaking: four parts with an interlocutor

• Part 1: you give and spell your name, say where you are from and answer up to five questions on everyday topics.
• Part 2: two role plays in academic situations. In one, the interlocutor starts; in the other, you start the conversation.
• Part 3: you have 20 seconds to prepare, then read a short academic text aloud and answer follow-up questions.
• Part 4: you prepare for one minute and give a two-minute presentation, then answer some questions.

The read-aloud task is the clearest view the examiners get of your pronunciation, because everyone reads the same words.

How the test is scored

Each skill gets a score from 0 to 100 on the LanguageCert scale, which is linked to the CEFR: 60–74 is B2, 75–89 is C1 and 90–100 is C2. See how LanguageCert Academic scores work for more detail, and the Australian visa minimums if you are taking it for a visa.

How to practise the format

1. Do one full timed test early, before you start studying, so you know your weakest skill.
2. Practise Speaking out loud. Read a paragraph aloud every day and record it.
3. Time your Reading: aim to finish Part 1 in under 8 minutes.
4. Write the Part 1 report with a clear opinion in the final sentences, not just a description.

Our free practice gives you one short section in each skill with an estimated 0–100 score.