British Citizenship - Life In The UK Test

 

British Citizenship - Life In The UK Test

 

 

Preparing to gain British citizenship can be a lengthy process. There are several ways of going about it. Those who are applying for UK naturalization is the most common way to gain British citizenship.  It applies to those who were not born in the UK or have any ancestral background.  The first step is to make sure you meet the residency requirements.  Secondly, you must pass a ‘Life in the UK test'.  Then you need to apply for citizenship.

 

People who are applying for  British citizenship or obtaining an indefinite leave to remain (ILR), with an ESOL 3 level should take the Life in the UK test. If your English is less than ESOL 3 then you can take combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead of taking the test.

 

 

Preparation

 

If you are not up to speed on the culture of the UK, then it is advisable to read “Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”, 2nd Edition. There are a lot of facts and figures which you will need to learn in order to pass the exam.  There are many who have lived in the UK all their lives would find this test extremely challenging.  It is estimated that 1 in 3 people fail the test, about 30%.  A re-test costs around £34, so failing can be very expensive. It is advised that you join a practice test site to make sure you are fully prepared.

 

 

The Test

 

The questions can be anything from UK society, culture, law, history, government, democracy, employment issues and Europe. The computer based test lasts for 45 minutes and consists of 24  multiple choice questions, which are based on chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of ‘Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' book. The pass rate is 75%.  The main language for the test is English.  However, audio is allowed.  If you fail, you will have the opportunity to apply for another test, but you will have to pay the fee.

 

 

Who is Exempt?

 

·         If you are under 18 years old or over 65 years of age you will be exempt.

·         Those suffering from physical or mental health conditions that would affect the ability to take the test. Visual or hearing impairments are not exempt, but make sure you mention any impairments or health conditions when booking the test.

 

 

Make sure you take identification such as a passport; full or provisional UK photocard driving license; immigration status document endorsed with a UK Residence Permit, bearing a photograph of the holder; any of these Home office documents: Certificate of Identity Document, Stateless Person Document, or Convention Travel Document.  Make a note of any reference numbers if you have taken test before.

 

 

Step-by-step guide to Life in the UK Test Preparation

 

1.            Visit the UK border agency webpage for details on the exam and additional requirements (lifeintheuk.gov.uk).  Make sure you meet the criteria for British citizenship

 

2.            Book your test as it can take about two weeks. Take the test before you apply for naturalisation

 

3.            Read the official book - Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship (2007), 2nd Edition. Free ebook when you subscribe with citizenshiptests.co.uk

 

4.            Undertake unlimited online practice test questions in exam conditions at www.Citizenshiptests.co.uk

 

5.            Review your test feedback and analysis as a guide for further revision and practice. 

 

6.            If you are getting at least 75% of answers (18 out of 24) correct most of the time, then you are ready for the official test, otherwise re-arrange your test date and undertake further study.

 

7.            Apply for settlement or submit citizenship application