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Why has the test been introduced?
Becoming a British citizen or deciding to settle permanently in this country is an important event in your life. If you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen or for indefinite leave to remain, you will need to show that you know about life in the UK. If you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can do this in two ways: by taking the Life in the UK Test or by taking combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes.
Who has to take the test?
You should take the test if you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen or indefinite leave to remain (settlement) and your level of English is ESOL Entry 3 or above. If your level of English is lower than ESOL Entry 3 and you wish to apply for naturalisation or indefinite leave to remain, you will need to attend combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. Most local further education or community colleges run these courses.
If you are unsure about whether you need to take the test, you can contact the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766.
What are ESOL and citizenship classes?
ESOL and citizenship classes help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. You can take these classes at your local further education or community college. To find out more about ESOL and citizenship classes, contact your local college, or call the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154245.
How do I know what my level of English is?
If you are not sure what your level of English is, your local further education college or learndirect centre can give you an initial assessment. If you need help finding somewhere near you to take an initial assessment, then call the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154245.
Is the test only available in English?
The test is offered routinely in English. However, if you are taking the test in a centre based in Wales you may request to take a test in the Welsh language, or if taking the test in Scotland you may request to take the test in Scottish Gaelic. You can get further details from your test centre.
When do I take the test?
You should take the test before you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen or before you apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided you meet all the other requirements.
For more information on how to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen or on how to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain visit the Home Office web site. You can also ring one of the Helplines:
- For more information about British citizenship (naturalisation) applications ring 0845 010 5200.
- For more information about indefinite leave to remain (settlement) applications ring: 0870 606 7766
Where can I find out more information about the test?
This 'About the test' section of the website is designed to provide you with all the information you need about taking the test. If after reading this section you still have some questions, you can contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154245 for more help.
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