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Citizenship Test

If you’re applying for British Citizenship, you must take the Life in the UK test.

Language and Life in the UK Testing

This test shows applicants have:

• suitable language skills;
• practical knowledge about the United Kingdom (UK);
• an active role in society both economically and politically;
• a sense of belonging to the wider community.

Do children have to take the tests?

No. The tests are only for those seeking naturalisation (to become a British Citizen).

You must be 18 before you can be naturalised.

Are there different sorts of test?

Yes. There are two routes:

• Those with good English language skills can take a quick test on computer at a Life in the UK Test Centre.  This will satisfy language and citizenship requirements
• Those with English language skills that need improving can attend an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course at a local college.  These courses will cover the English language and citizenship requirements.

Successful completion of one of these courses will satisfy the requirements.

How do I know what my level of language ability is?

You can get an initial assessment at your local Further Education College or any other ESOL provider.

To find your nearest college or for details of other ESOL providers, call Learn Direct on 0800 100 900.

Is the test only available in English?

Yes.  The British Nationality Act 1981 states that all applicants should have a sufficient knowledge of English. Therefore, tests will not be made available in ethnic minority languages.

Welsh and Scottish Gaelic are also acceptable under the legislation. The test will be offered in these languages in the future.

Why have these tests been introduced?

We want to encourage individuals settling here and becoming citizens to play a full part in their wider community.

Using a common language and understanding life in the UK is important for:

• successful integration
• good race relations
• uniting the community.

How can taking these tests promote integration and participation in UK society?

We believe that:

• giving people basic knowledge about life in the UK;
• helping them with the language;

will improve:

• their prospects;
• their ability to feel part of this society.

Is it possible to be excused from taking the test? I have an elderly mother who wishes to become British?

Yes.  The Home Office can choose to excuse applicants from doing the test if they are over 60 or have a physical or mental impairment.

What about people with special needs?

Colleges and test centres will provide support for learners with special needs who want to take courses or tests.  In the case of severe difficulties, the Home Office can choose to excuse the applicant from the tests.

How do I apply for exemption from the tests?

Write to:

Nationality Enquiries Team
Managed Migration
IND
Home Office
PO Box 306
Liverpool
L2 0QN

Include in your letter the reasons for the exemption and enclose suitable documentary evidence.

Don't these tests just make it harder for people to become British Citizens?

The tests may make it a little harder to become a British Citizen.

However, the Government considers it essential that people becoming citizens should be able to communicate with fellow citizens and know the key values which underlie life in the UK.

How hard are the tests?

The tests should not be a problem for people who study the handbook or follow their course attentively.

Please note: The tests are not meant to be a barrier to successful application.

The Government welcomes applications for citizenship but wishes to see greater efforts made towards integration.

Why can't a solicitor or notary sign off suitable candidates?

This way of satisfying the language requirement was used from July 2004. However, this is no longer possible.

This is because it will not cover the requirement to have some knowledge of life in the UK.

Why can't someone whose first language is English be excused the test?

I have lived in UK for many years and been educated here. Why do I need to take this test?

The test covers two areas:

• language and
• knowledge of life in the UK.

It is not automatic proof you can pass both areas of the test if you have:

• an ability to speak English;
• some years residence in the UK.

Different treatment because of nationality, culture or education is discrimination.

Everyone seeking to become a British Citizen will benefit from the studying needed to pass these tests.

When can I take the test?

Within one to four weeks of requesting a test from your nearest Test Centre.  There is a minimum waiting period of seven days between booking and taking the test.

At what stage in the application process do I take the test?

Before making your application for citizenship to the Home Office.

I urgently need to become British for compelling or compassionate reasons, is there any way of fast tracking the test or ESOL training?

Tests at a Life in the UK Test Centre can be arranged at short notice. However, you’ll still need to have:

• studied the handbook carefully;
• the necessary knowledge to pass the test.

For the ESOL route:

You may still have to complete a full course before you qualify.

Can I apply to register my children as citizens while I am awaiting the test or undertaking an ESOL course?

If the children have an entitlement to citizenship we will consider them in advance.  If the children do not have an entitlement to citizenship:

• We consider family applications together.
• The outcome for the children will depend on whether their parents are successful in getting citizenship.

Will these tests be the same as the ones being introduced for those seeking settlement?

People applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement have to take Life in the UK tests.  This is in addition to meeting the usual requirements for settlement.

Last Updated: 24 October 2007