Updated 01 Feb 2026
If you have been granted Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you would not have been required to pass the Life in the UK Test. However, the test is a mandatory step if you intend to apply for British Citizenship, unless an exemption applies. This post provides an overview of the Life in the UK Test for those with Settled Status who are applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation in 2026.
What is the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test is an exam for prospective citizens to understand the UK’s history, democratic values, law and customs.
The test is a computer‑based multiple‑choice exam with questions covering topics such as the monarchy, important historical events, the UK’s four nations, governance and everyday life.
The test consists of 24 questions and you have 45 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 75 percent (18 correct answers) to pass. You cannot refer to books or notes during the assessment, so adequate preparation is vital.
Passing the test is a mandatory requirement for naturalisation under the Knowledge of Language and Life (KoLL) rules.
Who needs to take the Life in the UK Test?
Most applicants aged 18 to 64 who are applying for British citizenship must take the test.
You are not required to pass the test if any of the following applies:
- Children under 18 and adults aged 65 or over.
- Individuals with a long‑term physical or mental condition that significantly impairs their ability to prepare for or take the test. They must provide medical evidence or a form completed by a doctor confirming the condition.
How do I book the Life in the UK Test?
- Visit the official Life in the UK Test booking service
Create an account on the official government website with your email address and password
- Select a test centre and date
You can see available time slots, dates and locations. There are over 30 Life in the UK test centres across the UK.
- Enter your personal details
These must be exactly as they appear on your identification document (valid passport or travel document with a photo). The booking system will reject differences in spelling or arrangement of names, and test staff may refuse entry if your booking name does not match your ID.
- Pay the £50 fee
Payment is by debit or credit card.
- Receive a confirmation email
This contains your booking reference and details of what to bring
Visit: Book the Life in the UK test
What happens on test day?
On the day, arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes early with your appointment confirmation and original identification document. Security staff will check your ID and ensure your details match the booking.
The test is administered on a computer. You will have a short introduction explaining how to navigate through the questions and use the onscreen tools. Some questions may require choosing more than one correct answer. You can flag questions for review and return to them before submitting. When the time is up, you will be asked to leave the testing room and wait for your result.
How should I prepare for the test?
All questions in the Life in the UK Test are drawn from official publications produced by the Home Office. The test covers four main topics:
- UK History
- Local Culture
- The British Government
- UK Geography
To prepare thoroughly we recommend taking practice tests that are available online.
You can purchase the official guidance at: The Official Shop
How do I get a refund for the Life in the UK test?
The fee will be refunded if you cancel your test at least three days in advance. The fee is not refunded if you do not pass the test, and you will need to pay again if you need to retake the test.
To cancel your test and get a refund, you will need to:
- Sign in to your Life in the UK account
- Select ‘Confirmed tests’.
- Select ‘Cancel tests’.
If you are eligible for a refund, your £50 fee will be refunded to the same card you used to book the Life in the UK test.
What happens if I fail the test?
If you do not achieve the required 75 percent, you will receive a fail notification. You can book another test, but there is a minimum seven‑day waiting period before you can sit again. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, though each attempt requires a separate £50 fee as the fee is non-refundable.
What should I do after passing the Life in the UK Test?
After receiving your pass reference number, you can then proceed to apply for Naturalisation. Passing the test does not guarantee your application will be approved; you must still meet all other requirements relating to your immigration status, UK residence and English language.
For the full requirements, visit British Citizenship by Naturalisation
How We Can Help
Navigating the British citizenship process can be complicated. Our experienced immigration team offer’s clear, tailored advice on each step of your application, from determining your eligibility to preparing documents and submitting forms.
For professional support, contact our friendly team on 0208 757 5751 or use our Contact Form.
Frequently asked questions
You must get a pass reference number before applying for British citizenship. The reference number must be included in your application.
The Life in the UK test does not have an expiry date.
Passing the Life in the UK Test is only one part of the knowledge of language and life requirement. Most citizenship applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or higher.
Log in to the official Life in the UK test website, click the results tab, and your results will be shown.
