The 'Life in the UK' test

This page explains how you can take the 'Life in the UK' test to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life in the UK before you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.

If your English skills are at or above English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry 3 level or Scottish Intermediate 1 level, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test before you apply. If your English skills are below that level, you must take and pass an ESOL course in English and citizenship.

The Life in the UK test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, based on the information in the handbook 'Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship' (ISBN: 9780113413133).

The handbook is available from many bookshops or from The Stationery Office. If you have a visual impairment, an audio CD version of the handbook is available. The handbook was last updated in March 2007, so you should ensure that you use the second edition when preparing for the test.

The Home Office has also endorsed an official study guide. 'Life in the United Kingdom: Official Citizenship Test Study Guide' (ISBN: 9780113413249) is available from many bookshops or from The Stationery Office. Please note that the study guide does not contain the learning materials for the test, and should be read in conjunction with the handbook.

You can take the test at one of approximately 65 Life in the UK test centres around the UK. The Life in the UK test website explains how to prepare for and book your test. If you have a visual impairment, you can take the test in large print or the computer can read out each question for you. If you have special needs, you should contact your nearest test centre for details of the support it can provide.

The test costs £50.00 including VAT. You must pay this fee at the test centre before you begin the test.

You will also need to show photographic identification. The Life in the UK test website lists the suitable forms of identification.

If you pass the test, you will receive a pass notification letter. You will need to include this letter as part of your application. The test centre will also notify us electronically within two working days that you have passed the test. This notification will take at least two days. If you pass the test, you will not need to provide any further evidence of your language skills.

Taking the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic

The test is usually taken in English. If you are taking the test in Wales, you can ask to take the test in Welsh. If you are taking the test in Scotland, you can ask to take the test in Scottish Gaelic. You should contact your nearest test centre for further details.

If you are in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

You will need to pass a test similar to the Life in the UK test, or successfully complete an ESOL course that contains citizenship materials, before you apply for British citizenship. Tests taken on these islands are paper-based and consist of 25 questions, with six questions based on local information about the island where the test is being taken.

If you are overseas

You cannot take the Life in the UK test overseas. If you are not in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you will need to return here to take the test.