Build real-world speaking confidence
GESE is Trinity’s internationally recognised speaking and listening exam for all English levels — from complete beginner (pre-A1) to advanced proficiency (C2).
Delivered one-to-one with a trained examiner, GESE is a fast, reliable way to prove your English skills for school, work, personal development, or visa/immigration.
Why choose GESE?
A practical, real-world speaking exam that reflects genuine communication — not memorised scripts.
Key benefits:
- Real conversation with an expert examiner — natural and supportive
- 12 levels mapped to CEFR (pre-A1 to C2)
- Short exam (5–25 minutes depending on grade)
- Option to choose GESE for work or GESE for school focus area
- In-person or online video-conference delivery
- Fast results and globally recognised certificates
- Accepted for education, employment and visa purposes
- Trusted worldwide with clear, transparent marking
Who is GESE for?
GESE is suitable for children, young people and adults at any stage of learning.
Students & young learners
Build confidence in speaking English through age-appropriate, supportive conversations.
Adults & professionals
Show your ability to communicate clearly at work, in interviews and in daily life.
General English learners
Choose the grade that matches your current ability and progress step-by-step.
Visa & immigration applicants
Certain GESE grades are accepted for UK visas and immigration when taken at an approved SELT centre.
GESE levels and grades
GESE has12 grades grouped into four CEFR-based stages:
Initial stage
Unscripted conversation — using visual prompts to engage the candidate
Elementary stage
Topic discussion — on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
Conversation — about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
Intermediate stage
Topic discussion — on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
Interactive task — ask questions and respond interactively
Conversation — about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
Advanced stage
Topic presentation — on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
Topic discussion — about the presentation topic
Interactive task — ask questions and respond interactively
Listening task — listen and answer questions
Conversation — about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
What students and teachers say about GESE
“I fully recommend this exam — we have 10 years of incredible experience”
— Claudia, teacher
“The topics were interesting and we could discuss some interesting points of view”
— Hannah, learner
“I really like my examiner — it was one of the best exams of my life I think!”
— Anastasiia, learner
“The examiner was smiling, he was positive — he was really easy to understand and I could speak freely”
— Mateusz, learner
“When I was speaking to the examiner it felt more of a conversation than an actual exam — I don’t know why I was so stressed!”
— Helena, learner
What happens in the exam?
- One-to-one conversation with a Trinity examiner
- Discussion topics appropriate to your level
- Interactive tasks or short presentations for higher grades
- Encouraging, friendly atmosphere — designed to bring out your best
Recognition & Quality Assurance
GESE is backed by Trinity’s long-standing expertise in assessing communication skills.
GESE is:
- Regulated by Ofqual, SQA and Qualifications Wales
- Listed on the RQF and aligned with the CEFR and EQF frameworks
- Awarded the ALTE Q-mark, confirming compliance with the highest quality standards
- Recognised and accepted by schools, universities and employers worldwide
Learn more about English language recognition.
Click the links below to discover information and resources most relevant to you
