Your Guide to the UK Citizenship Test

In 2021, more than 190,000 people became British citizens, an increase of 46% from the previous year. If you’ve been living in the UK for some time now, you may have decided that the time has come to make it your permanent home. Acquiring British citizenship can also open many doors for you, as it is considered one of the most powerful passports in the world.

But first, you’ll need to overcome the hurdle of the UK citizenship test. Also called the Life in the UK Test, this examination asks you questions about life in your adopted home.

Let’s take a look in more detail at the UK citizenship test and how you can give yourself the best chance of success.

UK Test

How to Become a UK Citizen

There are a few different ways to become a British citizen. If you were born in the UK, you do not automatically have the right to British citizenship. It depends on your parents’ circumstances at the time of your birth and when you were born.

There are various complex rules about birthright citizenship. You will need to check the UK government’s website to find out which ones apply to you.

If you were not born in the UK, some of the other routes to citizenship include:

  • Indefinite leave to remain – available to most people who have lived in the UK for 5 years
  • Settled status – under the provisions of the EU Settlement Scheme
  • Certain Commonwealth citizens
  • Have a parent who has or had British citizenship

To qualify for indefinite leave to remain or UK citizenship, most people need to take the Life in the UK Test. But what is it for?

The Purpose of the UK Citizenship Test

The citizen test for the UK was introduced in 2002 as part of the Nationality, Immigration, and Asylum Act. The stated purpose of the test is to ensure that new citizens have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK. To pass the test, you must also demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language.

Exemptions from the UK Citizenship Test

Certain groups of people do not have to take the test. This includes:

  • Passed the test for Indefinite Leave to Remain and are now applying for citizenship
  • Are aged under 18 or over 65
  • Have medical evidence of a physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test

English Is Not the Only British Language

Here’s a fun fact – did you know that the UK has other native languages apart from English? These include Welsh and Scottish Gaelic.

If you know either of these languages, you can ask to take the test in either of those languages instead of English. But the fact remains that the vast majority of people if not all, take it in English.

What Is the UK Citizenship Test Like?

The UK citizenship test includes 24 multiple-choice questions. The test costs £50, and there are more than 30 test centers across the country where you can sit for the exam. You need to book the test at least three days in advance.

You can only book the test through the official UK government website. Don’t be taken in by any other website that claims you can book it through them. Also, check your details carefully, as they must match your ID exactly, or you will not be able to take the test.

You will have 45 minutes to complete the test. To pass, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly – a pass rate of 75%. If you pass the test, you will be able to access your results online through your LitUK account, but you will not find out your score.

If you are not successful, you can retake the test as many times as you need. Once you pass the test, you will receive a unique reference number, which you can use to move your application forward. You will not have to retake the test once you have passed it.

On the Day of the Test

Make sure you arrive early – at least thirty minutes before the start time. It’s a good idea to use the full 45 minutes and think through each question carefully.

You must bring your photo ID with you to the test center, and they will take your photograph on the day. You should arrive for the test on your own. Do not talk to other people during the test.

What Topics Are Included in the Test?

The test covers various aspects of British life, including traditions and customs. The goal is to make it easier for you to integrate and feel settled in the UK, as you will be familiar with its history and the way people live. It also asks you about the laws of the UK and its political system.

How to Study for the UK Citizenship Test

If you prepare well, you will not find the UK citizenship test to be too difficult. The questions they ask are based on the Life in the UK study guide. You should read this as part of your UK citizenship test preparation.

But apart from this, there are lots of online resources that can help you. It’s particularly helpful to take an online preparation course. This makes studying for the test enjoyable and can help you to remember the facts you need to know.

You can also take lots of practice tests that are just like the real thing. This can help you get used to the format of the questions. You can review your results and see what subjects you need to study further.

Study With Citizenship British

Citizenship British makes it easy to learn everything you need to know to pass the UK citizenship test. It guides you through all the information you need to know using a specially prepared theory. You will go through exam-style questions and test simulations.

Finally, you’ll have the confidence to take the test for real and achieve the result you need. Find out more about our online citizenship test preparation classes and how they can help you today!