About Trinity's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) in the UK and Ireland
Trinity’s Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one oral assessments of speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner. Available at 12 grades of proficiency from CEFR level pre-A1 to C2, they are suitable for all learners from beginner to advanced.
Regulated by Ofqual and awarded the ALTE Q-mark by the Association of Language Testers in Europe, Trinity’s GESE qualifications equip people with the English speaking and listening skills they need for life in the 21st century. Candidates typically range from schoolchildren and college students to mature learners wanting to improve their English for study, travel, employment or immigration purposes.
Trinity’s GESE exams assess a range of speaking and listening skills and test what a candidate can actually do, rather than just what they know.
Preparation for GESE exams focuses on the development of authentic communicative skills and on building the confidence to use English in real life. Achieving a GESE qualification provides both individuals and institutions with reliable evidence of English language speaking skills.
Recognised and accepted
- GESE is a UK government-approved test for settlement and visa application purposes when taken at a Trinity SELT Centre.
- GESE is a suitable exam for students at the end of study-abroad courses, such as the Italian PON-funded programme.
Read more about the international Recognition of Trinity's English Language qualifications.
Key features
- Motivational - The opportunity to gain qualifications in achievable steps inspires learners to progress
- Personalised - Candidates prepare a topic of their own choice in advance of their exam, as the basis of an interactive discussion with the examiner.
- Expert examiners - Trinity examiners are trained to put students at ease and encourage them to perform at their best
- Diagnostic feedback - Trinity provides a free 30-minute examiner feedback session on students’ overall exam performance.
- Supports teaching - GESE is designed to support classroom teaching and maps easily to generalEnglish language curricula and coursework.
- Exam preparation - Trinity provides clear exam specifications, guidance and support, plus free online teaching and learning resources.
- Inclusive - There is a GESE grade for every learner — whatever their proficiency stage, nationality or cultural context.
- Early results - Early provisional results are available before certificates are issued to successful candidates.
Digital delivery options
Candidates are now able to take their one-to-one assessments online with an experienced Trinity examiner via video conferencing in registered exam centres.
