Exam format and timings — Initial stage
At Initial stage, GESE exams take the form of an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner. The examiner uses visual materials to engage the candidate and create an authentic conversation to test their speaking and listening skills.
- Unscripted conversation — using visual prompts to engage the candidate
Grade and timings
- Grade 1 — CEFR level Pre A1 — 5 minutes
- Grade 2 — CEFR level A1 — 6 minutes
- Grade 3 — CEFR level A2.1 — 7 minutes
Useful guides
Exam guide
- GESE Exam Information
This essential booklet provides everything you need to know to prepare students for the exams at every level — the exam format, exam content, procedure, timings and what candidates need to be able to do at every GESE stage and grade.
Teacher guides
- Guide for teachers — Grades 1–3 — young learners
- Guide for teachers — Grades 1–3 — adult learners
These guides give a clear breakdown of the exam requirements and provide some useful preparation techniques for teachers. - Performance descriptors
Candidate Performance Descriptors are used by Trinity examiners to assess each candidate’s performance against the exam requirements.
Booking guidance
- Exam administration
How to book exams and best practice guidance for registered centres
Procedures for online assessment
Related links
- UK visa/SELT information — for GESE as a Secure English Language Tests (SELT) in the UK
Exam guide
Download the exam information booklet
Teacher guides
Download the guide (young learners)
Download the guide (adult learners)