Life in the UK test: Everything you need to know

If you’re a foreign resident in the UK and wish to obtain settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or citizenship in the country, you’ll have to take the Life in the UK test. Passing the test is one of the requirements you’ll need to have a successful settlement or citizenship application. To help you with your journey, we’ve laid out some information about the Life in the UK test that might be helpful for your preparation, including the following:

• What is the Life in the UK test
• How to prepare for the Life in the UK test
• How to book the Life in the UK test
• What to expect after taking the Life in the UK test

The Life in the UK test is a requirement under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, which foreign residents must meet to obtain settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen. The exam is used to demonstrate the applicants’ knowledge about the British way of life, culture, and the English language. 

The Life in the UK test is a computer-based exam that consists of 24 multiple-choice questions. The exam is 45 minutes long, and it covers various topics, including but not limited to British history, government, traditions, customs, values, society and lifestyle.

To pass the exam, you will need to answer 18 out of 24 questions correctly or a grade of at least 75%.

Preparing for the Life in the UK Test may vary from one person to another, as it’s almost the same as studying for any other exam. However, it’s essential to know that all the questions that will appear on the test will come from the Life in the United Kingdom handbook. 

It’s best to have a copy of the handbook to prepare yourself for the exam. You can either get the hard copy, but you can also access it online on the website or mobile app (iOS or Android) or even as an audiobook. 

Though some people find it easier to study with a book, some find it more convenient to review digitally using their laptop or mobile phone. It all depends on what works best for you. If you have an active lifestyle and are always on-the-go, the mobile app or e-book would be more helpful.

What matters the most is that you allot some time reviewing and going through some practice questions. Doing so would give you an idea of what to expect and help you remember information they might ask on the test. There are over 1,500 questions on the practice tests, but they will only include 24 questions in the exam.

The key takeaway is that it’s best to come prepared!

The only official way to book the Life in the UK test is through the Home Office website. Avoid getting scammed and only book with the official site. 

Depending on where you live, you can choose to book your exam from over 30 test centres across the UK.

You must book your test at least 3 days in advance, but you can book even earlier. The test will cost you £50, and is only reimbursable if you cancel at least 3 days or 72 hours before the exam. You will not be eligible for a refund if you cancel within 72 hours of the test.

You only need the following to book a Life in the UK test:

• Email address
• Debit or credit card
• Valid proof of identification

Here’s a list of acceptable proof of IDs they accept when booking the exam:

• Passport
• Travel document with a photo (you cannot use an emergency travel document)
• Biometric residence permit (BRP)
• Biometric residence card

For more information on the identification requirements, click here. Alternatively, you can also email [email protected] for any other questions or if you cannot provide any of the listed documents. 

Keep in mind that the name you provide on the test booking must match the name on the ID you used when booking the exam. If there is any sensitive information, such as a different name or former gender, that you wish to keep confidential, you may email [email protected] prior to booking your test. 

If you have a disability or require extra help accessing the test centre, make sure to state your special requests when booking the exam.

To take the test, you need to present the ID you used to book it. On the day of the test, your photo will be taken to confirm your identity. If you fail to provide the correct ID or refuse to get your picture taken, you will not be allowed to sit the exam nor get a refund for the payment.

To pass the test, you need to get a score of 75%, which means that you’ll need to get 18 out of 24 questions correct.

If you fail the test, you need to wait for 7 days to retake it. What’s great though is that you can take the test as much as many times as you need to. However, you will need to pay the booking fee every time.

After taking the test, you’ll receive a unique reference number, which you will need to complete your application for settlement or citizenship. The Home Office will use it to check whether you passed or failed the Life in the UK test. If you lose the letter containing the unique reference number, you’ll need to send a letter to the Home Office explaining that you’ve lost it. 

Once you obtain your British settlement or citizenship, you may still wish to stay connected and send money to your loved ones in the Philippines.

We, at Kabayan Remit, understand how important it is for every overseas Filipino to stay in touch with their family and friends back home. That’s why we offer a convenient and affordable money transfer solution to help our kababayan send their hard-earned money back home.

Here’s why it’s best to send money from the UK to the Philippines with Kabayan Remit:

• High exchange rates and affordable service fees
• Instant delivery 
• Variety of payment and delivery options
• 24/7 bilingual customer support
• Accessible online via the website and mobile app

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our customer service specialists at any time of the day.