Life in the UK: Citizenship
Immigrants who are applying for UK citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK are required to take the Life in the UK test. The test was formally introduced by the Home Office, UK Border Agency on April 2, 2007 and prepares applicants for settlement by requiring them to learn about UK life, history and culture.
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Who Needs to Take the Test
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Applicants who have Entry 3 level English or higher are required to take the test. Applicants who have lower than Entry 3 level English may need to attend English language and citizenship classes. The Home Office website says "If you are unsure about whether you need to take the test, you can contact the Immigration Enquiry Bureau."
About the Test
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The test is comprised of 24 randomly chosen, multiple choice questions. It is computerized and takes 45 minutes to complete. The passing mark is 75 percent and around a third of applicants pass the first time.
What You Need to Know
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Test takers are advised to read "Life in the United Kingdom, A Journey to Citizenship." This book outlines the information covered in the test such as how British society has changed in recent times, British society today, UK government, UK services and employment. The Home Office website says "You should study chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the second edition 'Life in the United Kingdom' handbook very carefully."
Study Guides and Practice Tests
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After reading the handbook, it is advisable to get a copy of a study guide such as "Life in the UK Test, Study Guide." The study guide gives an overview of each chapter in the book and provides a series of revision questions and official study materials. The Stationary Office website also provides the "Official Practice Citizenship Test". The service is free and users can retake the practice test as many times as they need to. On the day of the test, applicants will also have the chance to take a practice test.
Where to Take the Test
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There are around 75 test centers in the UK. The Home Office website provides a comprehensive list of locations and telephone numbers. Applicants are advised to call and make an appointment at their centre of choice one to four weeks before they would like to take their exam. The test currently costs 34 GBP and there is a 10 GBP administration fee for cancelled or rescheduled appointments.
Identification
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The Home Office website says, "On arrival at your test centre, the test supervisor will record your full name, date of birth, nationality, country and place of birth, postcode, Home Office reference, and your purpose for taking the test." You will then be asked to present two forms of identification such as a passport, driver's license or immigration card.
After the Test
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Applicants are given their results right after completing the test. A notification letter is given to those who have passed and should be included with their application for citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain the UK. Those who have failed will have to wait for at least seven days before retaking the test. They should not submit an Indefinite Leave to Remain or citizenship application to the Home Office and may have to request additional stay until they have passed the test.
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