Trinity GESE Exam
Trinity English language qualifications are recognised internationally as reliable evidence of proficiency in English. With a focus on developing communicative and interactive language skills, our exams assess and promote the skills needed for life in the 21st century.
A qualification for every learner
Trinity English language qualifications are suitable for people of all ages learning English as a foreign, second or additional language. Available at all levels, from beginner to advanced, our exams are available to individuals, schools and colleges in more than 60 countries worldwide.
graded examinations in spoken english (GESE)
Trinity’s Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner.
Preparation for these exams and achievement of GESE qualifications supports people wishing to develop their proficiency in English language speaking – for personal goals, study, travel, employment, settlement or for visa application purposes.
GESE exams are available at 12 levels, from Grade 1 to Grade 12 (pre-A1 to C2 CEFR* proficiency levels). Grouped by development stage, GESE grade qualifications offer a progressive framework for the development of English language skills.
overview & resources
Trinity’s GESE exams are designed to complement general English language courses, and exam preparation focuses on the development of communicative skills and building confidence among candidates.
Though there is no requirement to have passed lower levels, or other qualifications, guidance is offered about the knowledge and skills required at each proficiency level. For full information about the skills covered by this qualification see the GESE Specifications contained in the GESE Exam information booklet.
assessment summary
GESE exams take the form of an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner and tests take between 5 and 25 minutes depending on the grade. At each stage, candidates carry out a number of speaking and listening tasks that show their fluency, accuracy and ability to communicate in English. Task components include:
The Conversation: An opportunity to demonstrate a realistic exchange of information, ideas and opinions at an appropriate level for the grade.
The Topic: Before the exam, the candidate prepares a topic of their choice – this is used as the basis for discussion and as the basis of a presentation at Advanced stage.
The Interactive task: A prompt from the examiner initiates candidate-led speaking and listening interactions – requiring an authentic exchange of information and opinions.
The Listening task: Short, spoken passages prompt the candidate to demonstrate prediction, deduction and inference skills (only at Advanced stage).
As they move up the grades, candidates undertake tasks that require a more advanced use of language. At higher grades, they are expected to take more responsibility for developing and directing the conversation, rather than simply responding to a series of questions.