he APTIS General Core: Grammar and Vocabulary Test is the mandatory core component of the British Council’s Aptis English proficiency test. It assesses fundamental knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary and lasts 25 minutes. The test is computer-based and consists of 50 questions in total (25 grammar + 25 vocabulary). It is marked on a scale of 0–50. No separate CEFR level is awarded for the Core component itself. Instead, the score is used (together with performance on the skill components) to help assign the most accurate overall CEFR levels for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Structure of the Core TestThe test has two parts:
Part 1: Grammar (25 questions)
- Format: Three-option multiple-choice questions.
- Task: Complete a sentence by selecting the correct word or phrase from three options.
- Focus: Most questions test formal written English (syntax, verb forms, tenses, articles, prepositions, conditionals, relative clauses, etc.). A smaller number test appropriate grammar for spoken English, including formal vs informal situations.
- You can flag difficult questions and return to them later within the time limit.
- Advice: Always read the entire sentence before choosing an answer.
Part 2: Vocabulary (25 questions)
- Format: Questions are presented in sets (typically five target words with a bank of ten options).
- Question types include:
- Word matching / synonyms — Match a word to another word with the same or very similar meaning.
- Word definition — Match a word to its definition.
- Word usage — Complete a sentence by choosing the most appropriate word from the options (meaning in context).
- Word pairs / word combinations (collocations) — Select the word that most commonly combines with a target word (e.g., “birthday card” rather than “blue card”). These are often the most challenging.
The vocabulary tasks increase in difficulty and test both breadth (range of words known) and knowledge of how words are typically used together.Scoring
- Each correct answer is worth one point.
- Total possible score: 50.
- The Core score helps refine the CEFR banding of the four skills. Stronger Core performance can support a higher skill-level award in borderline cases.
Preparation Tips
- Practise under timed conditions (roughly 30 seconds per question on average).
- For Grammar: Study the main areas covered in the British Council / EAQUALS Core Inventory for General English. Focus on accuracy with tenses, modals, conditionals, passive voice, reported speech, articles, quantifiers, and linking words. Pay attention to formal/informal distinctions.
- For Vocabulary: Build knowledge of synonyms, definitions, collocations, and common word combinations. Practise matching exercises and gap-fills regularly.
- Read the whole sentence carefully and check all options before selecting an answer. After choosing, re-read the completed sentence to confirm it makes sense.
- Use official British Council Aptis practice tests and demos. Supplementary resources such as LearnEnglish (British Council) grammar and vocabulary sections are also useful.
- Review common error patterns (subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, preposition use, collocation mistakes).
The Core component is efficient and foundational. Strong performance here supports accurate overall results across the full Aptis General test. Familiarising yourself with the exact question formats and practising regularly under exam timing is the most effective way to prepare. Official practice materials and answer keys are available on the British Council Aptis website.