The Life in the UK Test for British citizenship
If you are applying for British citizenship by naturalisation, you usually need to pass the Life in the UK Test, often called the British citizenship test. It is the same test used for settlement, so if you already passed it for indefinite leave to remain, you do not take it again. People under 18 or aged 65 and over are exempt.
When people search for the British citizenship test or the naturalisation test, they almost always mean the Life in the UK Test. This guide explains when you need it for citizenship, how it differs from the separate English language requirement, and what to do if you already sat it for settlement.
Do you need the Life in the UK Test for British citizenship?
For most adults applying to naturalise as a British citizen, yes. The Life in the UK Test is a standard requirement, alongside the residence rules and the good character and other conditions for your application. Confirm the full requirements for your situation on GOV.UK. Unless you are exempt, the test is part of the application.
British citizenship test and naturalisation test both mean the Life in the UK Test
There is no separate exam called the British citizenship test or the naturalisation test. Those are everyday names for the Life in the UK Test, the official test taken by people applying for citizenship and for settlement. So whichever term you have seen, you are looking for the same 24-question test.
The Life in the UK Test is not the English language test
This trips many people up. Citizenship by naturalisation usually has two separate language-and-knowledge requirements. The Life in the UK Test checks your knowledge of British life and is taken at a test centre. The English language requirement is met with a different qualification, such as an approved speaking and listening test at the right level, or a degree taught in English. They are separate things, booked and met separately. Our cost guide explains the English test alongside the Life in the UK Test.
If you already passed it for settlement
You take the Life in the UK Test once. If you passed it for your indefinite leave to remain (settlement) application, you do not sit it again for citizenship. A pass does not expire and counts for both stages. Our guide to the Life in the UK Test for ILR and settlement explains how the two applications connect.
Who is exempt
You are exempt from the Life in the UK Test if you are under 18 or aged 65 and over at the time of your application. A long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test may also qualify, with medical evidence. See our guide to who is exempt for the details.
The test itself, in brief
The Life in the UK Test is 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 18 out of 24, or 75 percent. Every question is based on the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. It costs £50 per attempt and is booked on GOV.UK. See our guides to the pass mark and the cost for more.
How to prepare
The test is very passable when you practise. Answering realistic questions until the facts feel familiar works far better than only reading the handbook. Our 14-day plan gets most people to a confident pass in about two weeks, and you can try a free practice test now to see how ready you are.
Quick questions
Is the British citizenship test the same as the Life in the UK Test?
Yes. The British citizenship test and the naturalisation test are everyday names for the Life in the UK Test. There is no separate citizenship exam.
Do I need the test again if I took it for ILR?
No. You take the Life in the UK Test once. A pass for your settlement application also counts for citizenship, and it does not expire.
Do I also need an English language test for citizenship?
Usually yes, and it is separate from the Life in the UK Test. The English requirement is met with a qualification such as an approved speaking and listening test or a degree taught in English. Check the rules for your route on GOV.UK.