Authentic communicative skills for real life
GESE exams are for people of all ages who want to develop communicative English language speaking and listening skills for use in real life — whatever the purpose, whether for immigration, work, study, leisure or employment.
Coming January 2026: GESE for School and GESE for Work
The same trusted GESE exam - now more personalised than ever.
From January 2026, candidates can take the GESE they know and trust for everyday communication and visa purposes, or choose from two tailored pathways to better reflect where and how they use English:
- GESE for School – Designed for children and young people, with topics and prompts that reflect school life, helping learners communicate confidently in class, with friends, and in learning.
- GESE for Work – Focused on practical workplace communication, helping learners prepare for interviews, teamwork, and career success.
With this evolution, GESE continues to deliver the same trusted format and assessment approach - now with added personalisation to make the experience even more practical and inspiring for learners of all ages
The exam you trust. Tailored for today.
Genuine discussion format
GESE exams are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of English language speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner, who encourages the candidate to show what they can do through prompts and authentic interactive dialogue. The exam length is 5–25 minutes depending on the grade.
Focus on building confidence
Because candidates can plan ahead to discuss their own interests and opinions in the exam, this motivates learning and aids natural speech — which helps them to relax and perform at their best during the exam.
Mapped to the CEFR* and CSE**
GESE is available at 12 levels: Grades 1–12 (pre-A1–C2 CEFR levels).
Grouped by development stage, GESE exams offer a progressive framework for the development of English language skills and an assessment for every learner.
- Grades 1–3 - Initial stage: Pre-A1–A2.1
- Grades 4–6 - Elementary stage: A2.2–B1.2
- Grades 7–9 - Intermediate stage: B2.1–B2.3
- Grades 10–12 - Advanced stage: C1.1–C2
Relating Trinity College London GESE and ISE exams to the Common European Framework of Reference [PDF]
Linking GESE Grades to China’s Standards of English (CSE): Research summary [PDF]
*CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for languages
Guidance and resources
GESE is designed to support classroom teaching and maps easily to general English language curricula and coursework and Trinity provides a wide range of guidance, videos, support and resources for each level.
Face-to-face video conference exams
Registered exam centres have the option to book GESE one-to-one assessments in several modes:
- face-to-face in-person examiner sessions
- face-to-face video conference exams in centres
Learning progression
For people requiring English language reading and writing skills qualifications in addition to speaking and listening skills, Trinity also offers Integrated Skills in English (ISE) qualifications which are ideal for people seeking to develop transferable skills required for academic study and employability.
Reliable evidence of skills
Trinity's GESE qualifications provide individuals and institutions with reliable evidence of English language speaking skills at different levels from beginner to advanced. Read more about the research leading to CEFR alignment and learner profiles.
Our GESE exams are regulated by Ofqual in the UK — see regulatory information. They are listed on the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Find out more at Certificate information.
Trinity's GESE A1–C2 exams have been awarded the ALTE Q-mark by the Association of Language Testers in Europe demonstrating that they meet strictest of quality criteria.
Recognised and accepted
GESE is a UK government-approved test for settlement and visa application purposes when taken at a Trinity SELT Centre.
If you are preparing for GESE as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa purposes in the UK, please visit UK visa tests.
Read more about international Recognition of Trinity's English Language qualifications.
Book exams
- For local fees and booking information, please contact your local representative
- To book GESE as a SELT test for visa and immigration purposes in the UK visit our UK visas section
Become a Trinity Registered Exam Centre
Did you know that Trinity Registered Exam Centres gain access to teacher support, study materials and teacher development, including leading teacher qualifications?
Discover the benefits of becoming a Trinity Registered Exam Centre and learn how to apply.
Find out more“The way the examiners engage with the candidates is perfect — they are invited to discuss and enjoy the conversation.”
Maria Virginia Basile, Teacher
Liceo Scientifico S.Valentini, Italy
Download the booklet
Includes GESE Online (via video conference)
and GESE Home (Grades 1–4)
