Course Description

One-to-One English Speaking & Listening Assessment

The Trinity GESE is a speaking and listening exam that assesses real-life English communication skills through a one-to-one conversation with a qualified Trinity examiner. Designed for learners of all ages and levels, GESE tests range from Grade 1 (Pre-A1) to Grade 12 (C2) and align with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

GESE is recognised by governments, employers, and academic institutions around the world. It is particularly valued for its simplicity, accessibility, and focus on practical communication, making it ideal for study, work, immigration, or personal development.


Exam Format

Each GESE exam is conducted face-to-face and consists of:

  • A conversation phase with personal questions

  • A topic discussion (for Grades 4–12) prepared by the candidate

  • An interactive task and a listening task (in higher grades)

The exam becomes progressively more complex across the 12 grades, measuring growth in fluency, accuracy, and interactive ability.


Why Choose Trinity GESE?

  • Fully CEFR-aligned: from Pre-A1 to C2

  • Ideal for visa, employment, and study purposes

  • Widely accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

  • Available for children, teens, and adults

  • Fast, fair results and certificates that don’t expire


GESE Exam Fees (by Grade & CEFR Level)


GESE Grade

CEFR Level

Fee (USD)

Grade 1

Pre-A1

74 USD

Grade 2

A1

81 USD

Grade 3

A2.1

85 USD

Grade 4

A2.2

106 USD

Grade 5

B1.1

106 USD

Grade 6

B1.2

106 USD

Grade 7

B2.1

136 USD

Grade 8

B2.2

136 USD

Grade 9

B2.3

136 USD

Grade 10

C1.1

183 USD

Grade 11

C1.2

183 USD

Grade 12

C2

183 USD

What will I learn?

  • Issued by Trinity College London, the GESE certificate is accepted by academic institutions, employers, and immigration authorities, including UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
  • Demonstrate spoken English proficiency at a CEFR-aligned level
  • Each GESE grade corresponds to a specific CEFR level from Pre-A1 to C2, indicating the candidate’s ability in real-life speaking and listening situations.
  • GESE promotes natural, interactive conversation skills, helping candidates speak clearly, respond appropriately, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
  • With 12 progressive grades, GESE provides a clear framework for learners to measure growth and move from beginner to advanced stages over time.
  • GESE certificates serve as a milestone that encourages continued language development, whether for personal achievement, study abroad, or professional advancement.

Requirements

  • GESE is suitable for learners of all ages, but: for visa purposes, candidates must be 16 years or older (unless otherwise specified by the immigration authority).
  • A valid passport, national ID, or birth certificate (for minors) is required for registration and must be presented on the exam day.
  • Candidates should select the correct GESE grade that matches their current CEFR level and intended use (e.g., visa, study, personal progress).
  • A placement test or consultation may be provided to help determine the right level.
  • Candidates taking Grade 4 or higher must prepare a personal topic for discussion during the exam.
  • A topic form must be completed and submitted on the test day.
  • Exam registration must be completed before the published deadline at Britishey Training Centre, an approved Trinity centre.
  • Full payment of fees is required to confirm the booking.
  • Candidates must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled time.
  • Mobile phones and personal items must be switched off or stored during the exam.
  • Candidates must follow Trinity’s exam rules and examiner instructions.

Frequently-asked Questions

The Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) is a face-to-face speaking and listening test offered by Trinity College London. It focuses on real-life communication skills and is available across 12 grades, from Pre-A1 to C2 (beginner to advanced).

GESE is ideal for: • Learners of any age who want to improve or certify their spoken English • Candidates applying for UK visas (GESE is accepted by UK Visas and Immigration) • Students, professionals, or individuals seeking proof of English fluency for work, study, or personal development

GESE assesses two core skills: • Speaking: ability to talk about familiar topics, express opinions, and interact naturally • Listening: ability to understand questions, follow up with appropriate responses, and handle real-time spoken input

There are 12 grades grouped into four stages: • Initial (Grades 1–3): Pre-A1 to A2.1 • Elementary (Grades 4–6): A2.2 to B1.2 • Intermediate (Grades 7–9): B2.1 to B2.3 • Advanced (Grades 10–12): C1.1 to C2

The exam is a one-to-one conversation with a Trinity examiner and includes: • Personal questions • A prepared topic (from Grade 4 onwards) • Interactive tasks and listening tasks in higher grades

5 to 25 minutes, depending on the grade (e.g., Grade 1 = 5 minutes, Grade 12 = 25 minutes)

Yes, Trinity GESE is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa and settlement purposes. Ensure you choose the correct grade and centre for your visa type.

No. GESE only assesses speaking and listening. For reading and writing as well, consider Trinity ISE.

Yes, from Grade 4 onward, you must prepare a topic in advance to discuss with the examiner. You’ll submit a brief outline before the test.

Shady Abuyusuf

Lead Teacher Trainer

In my professional journey, I've had the privilege of founding and leading Britishey Training Centre as its CEO, named Shady. My involvement in English Language Teaching began humbly in 2001, right after graduating from Damietta University. Since then, I've remained dedicated to learning and growth in this field.Expanding my horizons, I pursued a Foundation Certificate in Translation from the American University of Cairo in 2010, which laid the groundwork for my commitment to excellence in language studies. Subsequently, I furthered my expertise with a Diploma in English Language Teaching for Adults, the prestigious Cambridge DELTA, through English Language Assessment, which is part of Cambridge University.Fuelled by a genuine passion for empowering educators, I engaged in rigorous Teacher Educator Training with the esteemed TESOL International Association in 2015. This led me to a transformative journey in Barcelona, Spain, where I received training on how to become a CertTESOL tutor.In 2016, I took a significant step forward by establishing a CELTA center at Future University in Egypt, aiming to elevate the standard of ELT training. Concurrently, I refined my skills as a CELTA tutor through Cambridge University's trainer-in-training program.My pursuit of mastery also led me to obtain a certificate of proficiency in Received Pronunciation from the renowned dialect coach, Paul Meier, in 2016. This milestone reinforced my dedication to fostering linguistic excellence.Attaining the status of a certified CELTA tutor from Cambridge Assessment English in 2017 solidified my reputation as a proficient ELT educator. This dedication to academic excellence culminated in my graduation from the University of Leicester's MA in TESOL & Applied Linguistics program in 2018, underscoring my unwavering commitment to scholarly pursuits.The year 2022 marked a pivotal milestone as Britishey Training Centre received accreditation as a course-validated provider by Trinity College London, opening doors for me to serve as an assessor for the Trinity Certificate for Practising Teachers (CertPT).In 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by establishing Britishey Training Centre as a distinguished CELTA and CertTESOL center, offering top-notch training both online and at our premier facilities in Cairo and Damietta, Egypt. Furthermore, I spearheaded the establishment of Britishey Training Centre as the first international TQUK center in Africa and the Middle East, pioneering a new era of educational excellence.Throughout my career, I've had the honour of imparting knowledge and expertise through a diverse array of seminars for educators across the globe. From the United Arab Emirates to South Africa, and from France to Egypt, my journey underscores the profound impact of education in shaping lives and futures.

Input Sessions

0

Course Level

All levels

Expiry Date

Lifetime

Certificate

Yes

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