The British citizenship test explained

The British citizenship test is the Life in the UK test

There is no test with the exact name "British citizenship test". The test people mean is the Life in the UK test. That is the name gov.uk uses. You may need it as part of an application for British citizenship or for settlement in the UK.

It checks what you know about life in the UK. The questions come from one book, the Guide for New Residents. You can read how to prepare in our Life in the UK test guide.

Who has to take it

You take the test if you apply for British citizenship or settlement, unless you are exempt. You are exempt if you:

• are under 18
• are 65 or over
• have passed it before, for example for settlement
• cannot take it because of a long-term physical or mental condition

So the test applies to people aged 18 to 64. Before you apply, read the guidance and the form for your route. They tell you whether you need the test.

What the test is

• 24 multiple choice questions, on a computer
• 45 minutes
• 18 right answers to pass, which is 75 percent
• No phones, notes or handbook in the room

You get a unique reference number after the test. You need it for your application, so keep it safe.

What it costs

The test costs £50 each time you sit it. You pay by card when you book. If you fail, you can rebook as often as you need. You pay £50 each time.

How to book

You book online, at least 3 days ahead, on gov.uk. You need an email address, a debit or credit card, and accepted ID. The name on your booking must match your ID exactly.

We do not book tests. We are independent and we are not the Home Office. We help you practise.

The English language rule is separate

The English language requirement is not part of this test. It is a second rule. Most adults who apply for citizenship or settlement must show their English with an approved qualification at level B1 or higher, or with a degree taught or researched in English. Some people are exempt, for example people aged 65 or over.

A pass in the Life in the UK test does not prove your English. Passing an English test does not replace the Life in the UK test.

Where the test sits on the way to citizenship

The test is one step. Most people go through these steps in this order:

1. Check that you meet the residence and other rules for your route.
2. Prove your English, if you are not exempt.
3. Pass the Life in the UK test and keep your unique reference number.
4. Apply for citizenship. The adult fee is £1,709, plus £130 for the ceremony, which makes £1,839.
5. Go to your citizenship ceremony if your application succeeds.

You are not a British citizen until you attend the ceremony.

How to get ready

Most people who prepare well do three things. They read the handbook, they test themselves often, and they book only when their mock scores stay at 18 or more.

Start with the free 24-question mock. It has the same shape as the real test, so you see how it feels and where you lose marks. Then read the handbook chapters that cost you points, and sit more mock tests.

Check the test centres page to see where tests run. Then read our guide on how to book the test so your booking has no mistakes.