Key Takeaways
The Life in the UK Test is mandatory for individuals applying for British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain, except for those exempt due to age, disability, or medical conditions.
It consists of 24 multiple-choice questions on UK history, culture, and government, with a passing score of 75%. The test is available in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.
The test costs £50 and must be booked at least three days in advance. Special services, such as short-notice bookings or private sessions, are available for additional fees.
Official study materials, including guides, practice tests, and e-learning subscriptions, are available from the Home Office. Continuous practice, especially scoring above 75% in mock tests, is recommended for success.
Table of contents
What is the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test was introduced in 2005 for British citizenship applications and later in 2007 for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications. It is a mandatory test for anyone applying for British citizenship or settlement. It is designed to assess your knowledge of British culture, history, customs, and aspects of life in the UK.
The topics covered in the test are:
- Historical UK events
- UK Political system
- UK Government structure
- British culture and traditions
- Rights and responsibilities of UK citizens
Who is Required to Take it?
Anyone applying for British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain is required to pass the test. Some exemptions apply, such as individuals under 18 or over 65 or those exempted due to a physical or mental condition. Any exemptions need to be supported by documentation, such as a document from your doctor or appropriate medical professional.
Test Format
The Life in the UK Test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions. You will get 45 minutes to complete the test. You must score at least 75% to pass, meaning you need 18 correct answers or more. The test is entirely computer-based and must be taken at an official test centre. No notes or study materials are permitted during the test.
Language
The test is available in English, with additional options to take it in Welsh at test centres in Wales or in Scottish Gaelic at test centres in Scotland.
Preparing for LITUK Test
The amount of time required to prepare for the test varies depending on prior knowledge and test-taking approach. Typically, a non-intensive study approach within a month is sufficient.
Official Training Resources
All test questions are derived from the official study materials provided by the Home Office. The Home Office offers various training resources to help you prepare and practice for the Life in the UK test. These resources are designed to guide you through the necessary material and ensure you're ready for the exam.
We recommend purchasing the official study book for the Life in the UK Test and using official practice tests or e-learning materials. You can feel confident about taking the test once you consistently achieve above 75% on practice tests.
Product Name | Price | Description | Available Formats |
---|---|---|---|
Official Life in the UK e-Learning Subscription | £10.99 | Official e-Learning subscription with content from the Home Office, includes 'Guide for New Residents' and 'Practice Q&A'. | 3, 6, 9 months, 1 year |
Official Guide for New Residents book | £12.99 | The official guide with essential knowledge to pass the test. | Book, eBook, mp3, Audio CD |
Official Guide for New Residents book | £12.99 | The official guide with essential knowledge to pass the test. | Book, eBook, |
Official Practice Questions & Answers book | £7.99 | Contains 400+ questions to test knowledge from the 'Official Guide for New Residents' book. | Book, App |
Official Study Guide book | £8.99 | Guide with activities for test preparation and post-test learning. | Book, eBook |
Official Three Book Pack: Everything you need | £24.99 | Comprehensive pack with all the essentials for passing the Life in the UK test. Saves £5.98. | Book |
QC Immigration Practice LITUK Test
We have developed our own free Life in the UK practice test. The test questions draw from our experience and feedback from clients. Our database is designed to help you practice with questions similar to those you'll face in the actual test. Each test is unique, simulating the exact exam environment to help you prepare effectively.
How to Book
You can book the Life in the UK Test directly via the gov.uk website. The test must be scheduled at least three days before the desired test date. Booking within 24 hours is possible but incurs an additional fee of £15.
The test costs £50. To book your test, you will need:
- An email address
- A debit or credit card
- An accepted form of ID that exactly matches the name on your test:
- Valid passport
- Valid travel document
- Biometric residence permit or biometric residence card
If you need to change or cancel your Life in the UK test, you must do so at least 3 days in advance. To qualify for a refund, the cancellation must also be made 3 days or more before your scheduled test date.
Special Requests
If you have a disability, you can request accommodations when taking the test, such as additional equipment or an audio version. For more information on available options, contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline at 0800 015 4245. This helpline will guide you on the accommodations or exemptions you may be eligible for and assist with your special requests.
Additional Services
Additional services are available, such as booking a Sunday test or reserving a test centre for additional privacy. These options incur extra fees.
Optional Service | hat You Get | Additional Fee | How to Book |
---|---|---|---|
Book a short notice test | Take the test at short notice, within 24-72 hours. | £15.00 | Available as an additional option during the |
Book a Sunday test | Take the test on a Sunday at select test centers. | £15.00 (If booked within 72 hours, only | Available as an add |
Book a test centre for additional privacy | A private test session can be arranged for those needing additional privacy | Price on applicatio | Contact 0800 015 4245 for arrangement |
Test Centers
There are over 30 Life in the UK test centres across the country. During the booking process, you will be given a choice from the test centres closest to your home, allowing you to select the most convenient location. Below is a summary of the current test centres to help you plan ahead before booking.
Name | Address Line 1 | Address Line 2 | City | Postcode | Country |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aberdeen | PSI at Aberdeen College | North East Scotland College, Ground Floor | Aberdeen | AB25 1BN | UK |
Belfast | People 1st Belfast | Ormeau House, Suite 1 | Belfast | BT7 1SH | UK |
Birmingham | PSI Birmingham | Gateway House, 3rd Floor | Birmingham | B4 7SY | UK |
Blackburn | Community Training Portal Blackburn (Kings Court) | Kings Court, 33 King Street, Suite 14/15, 2nd Floor | Blackburn | BB2 2DH | UK |
Brighton | MTS at VP Brighton | Vantage Point, 7th Floor | Brighton | BN1 4GW | UK |
Bristol | PSI Bristol | Creswicke House, Ground Floor | Bristol | BS1 1DB | UK |
Cardiff | PSI Cardiff at Bizspace Trafalgar House | 5 Fitzalan Place, 5th Floor | Cardiff | CF24 0ED | UK |
Coventry | PSI Coventry | 101 Lockhurst Lane, 3rd Floor | Coventry | CV6 5SF | UK |
Croydon | PSI Croydon | Grosvenor House, 8th Floor | Croydon | CR0 9XP | UK |
Edinburgh | MTS Edinburgh | 40 Sciennes, Newington, Ground Floor | Edinburgh | EH9 1NJ | UK |
Exeter | PSI Exeter | Brittany House, 2nd Floor | Exeter | EX4 4EP | UK |
Glasgow | PSI Glasgow | Adelphi Centre, 1st Floor | Glasgow | G5 0PQ | UK |
Hounslow | Computer Learning Centre | 65 Kingsley Road | Hounslow | TW3 1QB | UK |
Ilford | PSI Ilford | 2 Caxton Place, 2nd Floor | Ilford | IG1 2AH | UK |
Ipswich | PSI at The Hub Business Centre Ipswich | 2 Civic Drive, Room 16a, 2nd floor | Ipswich | IP1 2QA | UK |
Iranian Association | 222 King Street | London | W6 0RA | UK | |
Leeds | PSI Leeds | Oxford House, Part 4th Floor, Oxford Row | Leeds | LS1 3BE | UK |
Leicester | PSI Leicester | 60 Charles Street, 5th Floor | Leicester | LE1 1FB | UK |
Lewisham | PDA (Training) Ltd Lewisham | 107 - 109 Lewisham High Street | Lewisham | SE13 6AT | UK |
Liverpool | PSI Liverpool | 1 Union Court, 4th Floor, Cook St | Liverpool | L2 4SJ | UK |
Luton | Community Training Portal Luton | 378 Leagrave Rd | Luton | LU3 1RG | UK |
Maidstone | Synod Solutions Ltd | 114 Kestrel House, First Floor, Knightrider Street | Maidstone | ME15 6LU | UK |
Manchester | PSI Manchester | Boulton House, 6th Floor, 17-21 Chorlton Street | Manchester | M1 3HY | UK |
Milton Keynes | MTS at Gloucester House | Gloucester House, MTS Ground Floor, 399 Silbury Boulevard | Milton Keynes | MK9 2AH | UK |
Newcastle | PSI Newcastle | Arden House, 4th Floor, Regent Centre, Gosforth | Newcastle | NE3 3LU | UK |
Norwich | PSI at Sackville Place Norwich | Sackville Place, Ground Floor, Room 23-24, 44-48 Magdalen Street | Norwich | NR3 1JU | UK |
Nottingham | CTP Nottingham | 6 Sherwood Rise | Nottingham | NG7 6JF | UK |
Oxford | PSI Oxford | Unit A, Watlington House, Watlington Road | Oxford | OX4 6NF | UK |
Peterborough | PSI at Online Exams Peterborough | Sefton House, Adam Court, Newark Road | Peterborough | PE1 5PP | UK |
Plymouth | PSI Plymouth | Cobourg House, 3rd Floor, 32 Mayflower Street | Plymouth | PL1 1QX | UK |
Portsmouth | PSI Portsmouth | 102 Clarendon Road | Portsmouth | PO4 0SY | UK |
Preston | Preston Test Centre | 38-40 Ormskirk Road | Preston | PR1 2QP | UK |
Reading | PSI Reading | Highline, 6th Floor, 30 Greyfriars Road | Reading | RG1 1PE | UK |
Sheffield | PSI at Bank Street Sheffield | The Synergy Building, Bank Street Entrance, Bank Street, Hartshead | Sheffield | S1 2EL | UK |
Stratford | PSI Stratford | Boardman House, 2nd Floor, 64 Broadway | Stratford | E15 1NT | UK |
Swansea | PSI at Computeraid Swansea | 11 - 12 Wind Street, 4th Floor | Swansea | SA1 1DP | UK |
Watford | CTP Watford | 45-47 Vicarage Road | Watford | WD18 0DE | UK |
Workington | PSI at CPTT Workington | High Street | Workington | CA14 4ES | UK |
There are arrangements in place for armed forces personnel and their dependants to take the Life in the UK test in Germany and Cyprus.
LITUK Exam Day
What to Bring
You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test. You cannot bring children or other family members with you to the centre. If you do not arrive at the correct time, the test centre may cancel your test, and you will not get a refund.
What to Expect
Expect to be at the test centre for up to 2 hours in total. On the day, you will be asked for your consent to have a passport-style photograph taken to confirm your ID, which is required to take the test.
Before the test begins, you can take a practice test consisting of 4 questions to familiarize yourself with the software. The test lasts 45 minutes, and if time runs out, it will automatically end, preventing you from selecting any further answers.
After the Test
Receiving Your Test Result
You will receive your test result immediately after completing the Life in the UK Test, with the test centre providing either a pass or fail result. Previously, applicants had to submit a pass notification letter with their application, but now only the reference ID is required, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork.
If you pass, you will be given a unique reference number, which you will need for your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will use this number to verify that you’ve passed the test.
What Happens If You Fail
If you don’t pass the Life in the UK Test on your first attempt, you can retake it after a 7-day waiting period. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, so you can continue trying until you pass. However, each time you retake the test, you will need to pay the £50 test fee again.
LITUK Pass Rate
Home Office Data from the second quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2014 shows that a total of 748,613 Life in the UK tests were taken during this period. Of these, 185,863 tests were failed, resulting in a pass rate of 75.17%.
Additional Advice
Individuals have attempted to assist anxious candidates or encourage cheating during the Life in the UK test. For example, a BBC investigation uncovered cases of cheating in the exam. The Home Office takes such actions very seriously, so it is crucial to sit the test honestly and lawfully.
If you're feeling anxious about the test, focus on practising until you consistently pass sample Life in the UK tests. We've developed this resource to help you prepare efficiently and confidently.
10 Tips to Prepare for LITUK
- Plan Your Journey: Make sure to plan your route to the test centre in advance. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow check-in time and settle your nerves.
- Rest Well: Get a whole night’s sleep before your test day. A well-rested mind improves concentration and memory retention, giving you the best chance for success.
- Eat and Hydrate: On the day of the test, eat a light and healthy meal to keep your energy up, but avoid large or heavy meals. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and bring a bottle if allowed.
- Prepare Documents: Don’t forget to bring the required documents, such as ID, as you'll need to present them to the test supervisor before taking the exam.
- Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions given by the supervisor before the test begins. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- Answer Every Question: Make sure to select an answer for each question, even if you're unsure. A guess still gives you a chance of getting it right.
- Use Elimination: If you're uncertain about an answer, try using the process of elimination to narrow down your choices.
- Manage Your Time: The test lasts 45 minutes, so you have enough time to answer all questions without rushing. Use the timer on the screen to keep track of your pace.
- Skip and Return: If you find a question particularly difficult, skip it and return to it later. This way, you can focus on answering the questions you’re confident about first.
- Stay Calm: If you start feeling nervous, take a deep breath, refocus, and keep going. Remaining calm helps you think clearly and perform your best.
Prepare to Pass the LITUK Test
Passing the Life in the UK Test is mandatory for anyone seeking British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Proper preparation and familiarizing yourself with the content are crucial to success.
The best way to prepare is to use the official study guide and practice with mock tests and online materials. To speed up your preparation, be sure to try the free practice Life in the UK tests provided by QC Immigration.
We assist clients throughout their entire UK immigration journey, so if you have any questions, please contact us to arrange a consultation.
FAQ
Author
Qiyin Chuah
Founder & Principal
Qiyin is a globally-recognised immigration law expert:
- Hong Kong iMoney Magazine interview on Business Immigration from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI), 2016
- ITV News interview about the Tier 2 Work Visa quota and NHS staff shortages, 2018
- The LegalTech Book: The Legal Technology Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs and FinTech Visionaries on the subject of ‘Humanise with Lawtech Lawyering’ (publisher: Wiley, 2020)
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK National cohort alumni, 2021
Qiyin is an industry expert with more than 15 years of legal experience. She graduated from the University of Manchester with an LL.B (Hons) in Law and an LLM in International Business Law. Initially trained in Corporate Law, she was inspired to pursue Immigration Law following a personal Visa experience. In 2011, Qiyin founded QC Immigration from frustration of the quality of client service in the market, plus the desire to build a healthier company culture. As a highly-skilled migrant herself, Qiyin fully understands the complicated circumstances and high expectations of our clients. She has proven victories in defending our clients’ businesses, children’s best interests, women’s rights, LGBT rights and challenging Home Office refusals. Our returning clients typically stay with us for over 6 years from obtaining their very first visa until British citizenship. Qiyin regularly provides mentoring, training and supervision to other lawyers in their pursuit for similar successes.