Do You Need to Retake the Test for Citizenship?

One test, two applications

The Life in the UK Test is a single exam: 24 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, 18 correct to pass, drawn from the 3rd edition of the official handbook. It is booked on gov.uk for £50 and sat at an official test centre.

GOV.UK lists having passed before as an exemption from taking the test again. Keep your reference for your settlement or citizenship application and check the official instructions for your route.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test

• Understand the test format

Why people think there is an ILR version and a citizenship version

GOV.UK lists a previous pass as an exemption from taking the test again. Check the official instructions for your settlement or citizenship application and keep your reference accessible.

Keep your existing reference accessible when you complete your application.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test

What to keep after you pass

After passing, keep your unique reference number (URN) for your application.

Tests before 17 December 2019 used a letter with a test reference ID. If you lose that old letter, GOV.UK says to send a letter explaining that you lost it with your application.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test; Official booking service: frequently asked questions

• Results and your reference number

If you have not passed yet: one preparation covers both

Use the official handbook to prepare. The app has 10 study chapters and 66 lessons covering the handbook, with 550 practice questions and 22 timed mocks. The first four chapters and two mocks are free in the app.

Aim for a margin above the pass mark on fresh timed mocks and revise topics you miss; no practice score guarantees a pass.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test

What the test covers, whichever route you are on

The content does not change with the application. The same handbook chapters on British values, history, government, law and everyday life supply every question, and the lesson on active citizenship shown below is the kind of material that appears in both an ILR candidate's test and a naturalisation candidate's test.

That is worth remembering when you plan your study. You are not learning settlement facts and citizenship facts; you are learning one syllabus.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test

Timing: when to sit it if you are heading for both

Allow time to prepare and find an available appointment before your application deadline.

GOV.UK sets no waiting period between attempts: you can rebook as many times as you need. Each attempt costs £50, and you must book at least 3 days in advance.

• Passed already: keep the reference and check your application instructions
• Not yet passed: prepare using the official handbook
• Allow time to study before choosing an appointment

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test; Official booking service: frequently asked questions

• Results and your reference number

Exemptions apply to both routes too

GOV.UK lists exemptions for people under 18, aged 65 or over, or who have passed before. A long-term physical or mental condition can also support exemption with an exemption form or a doctor’s letter. Check the official guidance for your circumstances.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test; GOV.UK: book the test; GOV.UK: results and retakes; GOV.UK: prepare for the test

• Read the test-day guide

Frequently asked questions

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