Life in the UK Test

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. If your level of English is lower than ESOL Entry 3 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.

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.

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.

About the Test

The test is computer-based, lasts 45 minutes and is a series of 24 questions. It is based on 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship'. It is important that you read the second edition of 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' as this is the only official handbook for the Life in the UK test. It is the only required preparation text for the Life in the UK test and has an RRP of £9.99.