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Citizenship route

The British citizenship test, explained

The "British citizenship test" is the Life in the UK Test — a 24-question, 45-minute exam you must pass to get Indefinite Leave to Remain or to naturalise as a British citizen. You sit it once; the same pass covers both stages.

The route from test to citizenship

1. Pass the Life in the UK Test

24 questions, 18/24 to pass, £50. You receive a Unique Reference Number (URN) that does not expire.

2. Prove English at B1 level

Required for both ILR and citizenship. Either an approved B1 SELT, a degree taught in English, or coming from a majority English-speaking country.

3. Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Usually after 5 years' lawful residence in the UK on a qualifying visa. £2,885.

4. Apply for naturalisation

12 months after ILR (or immediately if married to a British citizen). £1,630, plus an £80 citizenship ceremony.

What the test actually covers

All questions come from the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. Five chapters:

  • British values and principles
  • What is the UK? (geography and people)
  • A long and illustrious history
  • A modern, thriving society
  • The UK government, the law and your role

Nothing on the exam comes from outside the handbook. The syllabus is fixed — every answer is knowable.

Start with a free mock test

See where you stand today. The same 24-question, 45-minute format as the real exam, with explanations after every question.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the British citizenship test the same as the Life in the UK Test?

Yes. The 'British citizenship test' is the informal name for the Life in the UK Test — a 24-question, 45-minute computer-based exam. There is only one official test and it is used for both Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and naturalisation as a British citizen.

What's the route from the test to British citizenship?

Step 1: Pass the Life in the UK Test. Step 2: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / settlement) — usually after 5 years' lawful residence. Step 3: After 12 more months on ILR (or immediately if married to a British citizen), apply for naturalisation. The same test pass certificate covers both ILR and citizenship — you only sit it once.

Do I need to take an English test as well?

Yes — most adults must prove English at CEFR B1 (intermediate) level for both ILR and citizenship. You meet this if you're from a majority English-speaking country, have a degree taught in English, or pass an approved B1 Secure English Language Test (SELT). The Life in the UK Test does not replace the English requirement.

How much does British citizenship cost in total?

Roughly: Life in the UK Test £50 + B1 English test ~£150 + ILR application £2,885 + naturalisation application £1,630 + citizenship ceremony £80. So around £4,800 in government fees alone, before legal advice.

Who is exempt from the test?

Anyone under 18 or 65 and over. People with a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents them from taking the test can apply for an exemption with a doctor's letter.

How hard is the British citizenship test?

Around 1 in 4 people fail on their first attempt. The test is fact-heavy — dates, names, percentages — drawn from the official handbook. Most failures come from reading the book once and skipping timed practice.

Can I retake it if I fail?

Yes, as many times as you need. You wait 7 days between attempts and pay £50 each time.