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Home Citizenship and living in the UK British citizenship

Life in the UK Test

Contents
— Book the Life in the UK Test
— What happens at the test
— Cancellations, refunds and complaints

Book the Life in the UK Test Related content

Check if you can become a British citizen
This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test.
You need to take the test as part of your application for British citizenship or Prove your knowledge of English for
citizenship and settling
settlement in the UK.

You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. It
costs £50.

There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your
test when you book.

Prepare for the test

You’ll be tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK
Test. You should study it to prepare for the test. The handbook is available as
a book, an eBook, an e-Learning subscription or in audio formats.

You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and

customs.

Book the test

You need all of the following to book a test:

email address
debit or credit card
an accepted form of ID

Start now

Accepted forms of ID

You can use one of the following as ID to book the test:

valid passport
valid travel document with a photo (you cannot use an emergency travel
document)
biometric residence permit
biometric residence card

Check the ‘Identification requirements’ document to make sure the ID you

have is acceptable.

Email nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk for help if you do not have any

of these documents.

The name you give on your test booking must be an exact match with the
name on the ID you use to book the test.

If you have a previous gender (including a different name) that you do not
want the test centre staff to see or for it to show on your test result,
email sensitivebookings@homeoffice.gov.uk before booking your test.
They’ll tell you what you need to do.

If you have a disability

You can make special requests when you book your test, for example if you
have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the centre.

Get help
Contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline if you need help with your booking.

Life in the UK Test Helpline

Telephone: 0800 015 4245
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Find out about call charges

When you do not need to take the test

You do not need to take the test if you:

are under 18
are 65 or over
have passed it before - for example, if you’re applying to become a citizen
and already passed it as part of your settlement application
have a long-term physical or mental condition - you must provide either a
form or letter from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition

Next
What happens at the test

View a printable version of the whole guide

Explore the topic

British citizenship

Live permanently in the UK

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