Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom
This page contains details of the knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom that you need to have before you make an application for British citizenship. You can demonstrate your knowledge of language and of life in the United Kingdom in two ways.
If you speak English to a reasonable standard, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test. If you are not an English speaker, you will need to take and pass a course in English and citizenship.
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
If English is not your main language, you can do an ESOL course to help you improve your English. ESOL has three entry level courses:
- ESOL Entry 1;
- ESOL Entry 2;
- ESOL Entry 3.
Details of what is covered in each of these courses are available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. ESOL courses are available throughout the United Kingdom; the Directgov website can help you find a course being run in your area.
Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom for non-English speakers
If you do not have English skills at ESOL Entry 3 or above, you need to take an ESOL course to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.
You must take a course which includes citizenship materials. The course will allow you to gain sufficient knowledge of the United Kingdom at the same time as developing your knowledge of the English language. Before you apply for citizenship, you will need to show that you have moved up from one ESOL level to the next. You will need to provide evidence of this as part of your application.
Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom for English speakers
If your English skills are higher than ESOL Entry 3, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test before you submit your application for citizenship. The test consists of 24 multiple choice questions based on the information in the handbook 'Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship'. The handbook was last updated in March 2007; you should make sure you use this version of the handbook when preparing for the test. The handbook is available from good bookshops, or you can order it directly from The Stationery Office. If you have a visual impairment, there is an audio CD version of the handbook available.
If you are in the United Kingdom, the test can be taken at one of the 100 Life in the UK test centres. Details on how to prepare for and book your test are available on the Life in the UK test website. If you have a visual impairment, the test is available 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 they can provide.
The test costs £34. You will need to pay the fee at the test centre before you begin the test. You will also need to photographic ID before you take the test. The Life in the UK test website provides details of suitable forms of ID.
If you pass the test, you will receive a pass notification letter. You will need to send this letter as part of your application. The test centre will also notify us electronically that you have successfully passed the test. This notification may take up to seven days. If you pass the test you will not need to provide any other 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 request to take the test in Welsh. If you are taking the test in Scotland, you can request to take the test in Scottish Gaelic. You should ask your nearest test centre for further details.
If you are in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
You will be required pass the test or successfully complete an ESOL with citizenship course before you apply for British citizenship. Tests taken on the islands are paper based and consist of 25 questions, with six questions being based on local information about the island where the test is being taken.
If you are outside the United Kingdom
It is currently not possible to take the Life in the UK test overseas unless you are in Crown or designated service or the spouse or civil partner of someone in Crown or designated service. If you are outside the United Kingdom you will have to return to the United Kingdom to take the test.
Exemption from meeting the language and knowledge of life in the United Kingdom requirements
If you are aged 65 or over, or have a long term physical or mental condition that prevents you from learning English or being tested on your knowledge of life in the United Kingdom, you may not have to meet either the language requirement or the knowledge of life in the United Kingdom requirement. You may apply for exemption by ticking the appropriate box at section 1.20 on the application form.
Physical or mental illness will not automatically exempt you from this requirement. If your illness responds to treatment then we will expect you to prepare yourself to meet these requirements. Only if your condition prevents you permanently from learning English or about knowledge of life in the United Kingdom would we consider exempting you from these requirements. Temporary illnesses, such as depression or stress, would not normally be grounds for exemption. You will need to provide proper evidence from your doctor. You will not be exempted on grounds of illiteracy.
Long residence is not a reason for exemption. People often ask if they can be exempted from the test on the basis of their qualifications, or the fact that they are from an English speaking country. The requirement to demonstrate knowledge of life in the United Kingdom is specified in law and these are not grounds for exemption.
Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom became a requirement for settlement in 2007. If you were exempted from this requirement to obtain settlement you must pass a test or take an ESOL course before applying for naturalisation unless you are exempted on grounds of age or physical or mental impairment. If you have already satisfied the requirements to have sufficient knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom you do not have to do it again. Simply tick the appropriate box in section 1.20 of the application form.