Here are the frequently asked questions about the British Citizenship test or Life in the UK test:

Is the test available in other languages that I might be more comfortable with than English?

The test is only available in English and, if requested before the exam date, candidates may take the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.

When can I take the exam?

An applicant can apply for the test when he/she is decided to live in the UK or to apply for naturalisation. The results are valid indefinitely but the Home Office keeps them for a justifiable period and if an applicant takes the exam too early and decides to apply for naturalisation in a much farther date, then it might cause problems.

Do I need to retake the test for my naturalisation application even if I’ve already passed the test when I applied for settlement?

No need to retake. The test result for the settlement application can be applied to the naturalisation application but you have to tick the corresponding box in the naturalisation form that states you have already passed the test for settlement application.

Where can I take the test?

Test centres are conveniently located throughout the UK. Click on the link for the complete list of test centres (Life in the UK Test Centres).

How much is the test fee?

An applicant should pay £34 everytime he/she takes the exam. Each test centre has their own available mode of payment which you should check first before scheduling an exam.

What IDs or identification forms do I need to show or have during the test day?

You can check all the valid forms of identification and other requirements from your test centre or from http://www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk/htmlsite/booking_10.html.

What form will the test be?

The exam can only be taken on a computer based format. If incase needed, the computer or the test is programmed so you have the option of having the computer read out the test questions and options. If you need assistance on using the computers, you can try mouse training and keyboard training which is available in the Life in the UK Test website.

Where are reference materials available?

You can prepare for the exam by reviewing reference materials and practice tests at the Prepare: Life in the United Kingdom Test site that only requires free registration for you to access them.

What should I be reviewing?

You can study or review the following chapters from the official Life in the UK book (2nd edition):

Chapter 2 (A changing society)

Chapter 3 (UK today: A profile)

Chapter 4 (How the United Kingdom is governed)

Chapter 5 (Everyday needs)

Chapter 6 (Employment)

Does everyone have the same test questions?

No. The test questions or combination of questions are randomly chosen by the computer from a database. There are 30 known sets of questions so far.

Are the test questions from other sources (online, etc) the same with the actual test?

No. The test questions for the actual exam are never discussed or disclosed. If there is indeed a site or a source that claims they have the actual test questions, please be aware that it is illegally obtained and if you pursuit, it might affect your status in the UK.

Do I still need to study if I have already lived in the UK for many years now and have experienced life here?

It is still highly recommended for everyone to study or review the book which has indepth information that may not necessarily be known through some years of experience. People mostly fail the exam because they have not devoted some time to study or prepare for it. The chapters listed on the previous question will be very helpful especially to increase your confidence level when taking the exam.

What will we be asked to do on the actual day?

You will be asked to register or login using your personal and test details. Once you have logged in, you will be asked to sit in front of a computer which is linked to a server. At first, the test personnel will instruct you or give you directions and simple steps regarding the test and will recommend that you answer sample questions. The sample question/s isn’t part of the test so it’s ok if you get it wrong. Once all the test takers are ready, the test will commence. The test has a total of 24 questions, in which 18 should be answered correctly for the applicant to pass. The test lasts for 45 minutes and if you finish earlier than the time, you can still review your answers. You can try visiting the official Life in the UK Test website and try the Navigation tutorial.

When will we know the results of the test?

The test results will be available immediately after everyone has finished the exam.

Will I get a proof that I passed the exam?

A pass notification letter will be given to you and will also be available at the Home Office online.

Can I ask for duplicates or replacement copy of the notification letter if I lose the original or damage it?

No. You have to take care of the letter or else you’ll need to take the exam again to receive another pass letter.

Can I take the exam again if I failed it?

Yes, and there is no limit to the number of times you wish to retake it. Just make sure that you’re ready with the fee everytime you want to retake the exam.

Where can I find more information about the exam?

You can call the UK Test Helpline at 0800 0154245 or go online and submit your questions to Life in the United Kingdom Forums.

If there are questions not mentioned in the book, go to : http://lifeuk.info/blog/