Nancy Smith
January 25, 2023 Life in the UK Test 0 Comment

What is Life in the UK Test For?

The Life in the UK test is a mandatory requirement for anyone applying for British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain. The Life in the UK test is also known as the British Citizenship test, which is taken to ensure that the applicant has adequate knowledge about British life, customs, traditions, political system and laws under the immigration rules of the UK. You can only apply for citizenship or settlement once you have cleared the Life in the UK test.

As stated by the UK immigration law, every applicant for UK settlement or British citizenship must meet the KoLL requirement to prove their sufficient knowledge of English and Life in the UK. And to meet the KoLL requirement, each applicant is required to pass the Life in the UK test and the English language requirement assessment.

Passing this test is immensely important because, without that, you can’t apply for citizenship, and if you fail the test, you’ll lose your test fee and also have to reattempt the test. Therefore, with so much risk, it is crucial to be fully prepared for the test to pass it in one go and save yourself from so much trouble and stress. This blog will provide you with the information you need to know before the test, including a comprehensive guide to apply for the Life in the UK test.

Who is Exempted from the Test?

The Life in the UK test is compulsory for anyone applying to naturalise British citizenship. Even if you hold EU-settled status and apply for British citizenship, you will still need to take the test. There are only a few cases where exemptions to the test are applied:

  • Applicants under 18 or above 65
  • Have already taken and passed the Life in the UK test before (for example, as the part of ILR application)
  • Suffering from chronic physical or mental conditions (long-term illness or disability that restricts a person’s ability to learn language or condition that prevents them from speaking English as per standard)

Note: You need an exemption form by a qualified medical professional to claim an exemption from the Life in the UK Test on medical grounds, and medical exemptions is assessed case by case.

What is the Format of the Test?

  • Life in the UK test is a 45 minutes assessment.
  • Computer-based assessment at an authorised test centre.
  • 24 multiple-choice questions
  • All the questions are about British customs, laws, history, geography, traditions and the political system, which are randomly selected from their databases
  • The pass percentage for the Life in the UK test is 75%, which means to pass the assessment, you need to answer at least 18 questions correctly
  • You’ll get the result at the end of your test.
  • You must pass the test successfully and Pass Notification Certificate to proceed with your application for UK citizenship or ILR.
  • Your Pass Notification Certificate is valid for life; you don’t need to renew it, irrespective of your immigration status.

Guide to Book the Life in the UK Test

Booking Life in the UK test is a simple process which only takes around 20 minutes to complete.

  • You can book the test online on the UK government website three days prior to the desired date.
  • Booking slots are taken very quickly, so plan ahead accordingly.
  • There are around 30 test centres in the UK, and you can book a slot at any of the centres
  • Required data/documents:
  1. Valid email address
  2. Fee payment details (debit card/ credit card)
  • Documents proving ID such as passport, UK photocard driving licence, convention travel document, certificate of identity document, EU ID card, biometric residence permit etc.
  • After booking an appointment online, you will get an email with all the information regarding your reference number, the address of your test centre, the time of the test etc.

Note: You are required to reach the test centre at least half an hour before the scheduled time of the test.

  • The test costs £50, and if you don’t pass the test, you will have to pay the same amount for each attempt.
  • The Home Office takes cheating very seriously; therefore, on the test day, do not take any research material or electronic device with you in the centre. Moreover, refrain from trying to communicate with anyone during the test.

Need Help With The Preparation?

Haward Trainings offer Life in the UK preparation with easy learning modules and a number of practice tests to help you prepare well and pass the test in one go. Enrol Now!