Life in the UK Test

You must read the correct edition of the Life in the United Kingdom handbook if you are taking the Life in the UK test. These are the only official range of Life in the UK test publications, available in a range of formats to suit you.

If you are taking your test before 25 March 2013, your test will be based on the Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition handbook.

If you are taking your test on or after 25 March 2013, your test will be based on the Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition handbook.

As of November 1, 2005 all applicants for UK naturalisation need to successfully complete the "Life in the UK" test before their application for UK citizenship may be submitted. As of 02 April 2007, all applicants for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence) will be required to take the test as well.

Who needs to take the test
The UK government introduced this test for those wishing to become a British citizen to prove that they know about life in the UK.

You will have to take the test if you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen and your level of English is good. If your English is not very strong and you wish to apply for naturalisation, you will need to attend combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. ESOL and citizenship classes help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. You can find out your level of English by being assessed at a local further education college.

At present, the test is only available in English, but will be offered in Welsh and Scottish Gaelic in the future. The test will not be made available in any other languages.

Timeline
You should take the test before you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, provided you meet the other requirements for naturalisation. If you pass the test, you will be given a letter proving you have been successful. This is called your pass notification letter. Keep this letter in a safe place! If you lose it, you'll have to take the test again.

Should you fail the Life in the UK test,
it is recommended that you study the preparation book 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition' again before re-scheduling the test.

The Test Questions
The test is a series of 24 questions based on chapters 2, 3 and 4 of 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition.' You should read chapters 2, 3 and 4 of the 'Life in the United Kingdom' handbook very carefully. You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions. You can use all of the time available, so you should not rush to finish quickly. It is a good idea to review your answers.

If you have certain medical conditions, you may be allowed more time. You should mention this when you book the test.

Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom
This website contains details of the knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom that you normally need to have before you make an application for permanent residence (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain').

Background to the test:

Why has the test been introduced?
Becoming a British citizen or deciding to settle permanently in this country is an important event in your life. If you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen or for indefinite leave to remain, you will need to show that you know about life in the UK. If you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can do this in two ways: by taking the Life in the UK Test or by taking combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes.

Who has to take the test?
You should take the test if you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen or indefinite leave to remain (settlement) and your level of English is ESOL Entry 3 or above (or, in Scotland, Intermediate Level 1 or above). If your level of English is lower than ESOL Entry 3 (or lower than Intermediate Level 1 in Scotland) and you wish to apply for naturalisation or indefinite leave to remain, you will need to attend combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. Most local further education or community colleges run these courses.

If you are unsure about whether you need to take the test, you can contact the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766.

What are ESOL and citizenship classes?
ESOL and citizenship classes help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. You can take these classes at your local further education or community college. To find out more about ESOL and citizenship classes, contact your local college, or call the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154245.

How do I know what my level of English is?
If you are not sure what your level of English is, your local further education college or learndirect centre can give you an initial assessment. If you need help finding somewhere near you to take an initial assessment, then call the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154245.

Is the test only available in English?
The test is offered routinely in English. However, if you are taking the test in a centre based in Wales you may request to take a test in the Welsh language, or if taking the test in Scotland you may request to take the test in Scottish Gaelic. You can get further details from your test centre.

When do I take the test?
You should take the test before you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen or before you apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided you meet all the other requirements.

For more information on how to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen or on how to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain visit the Home Office web site.