Life in the UK test

Image by jayneandd
Jayne kindly wrote up these crib sheets to help me study for the Life in the UK test that will be my first step on the road to UK Citizenship.

Life In The UK Test – Preparing to Pass

Preparing to gain British citizenship can be a lengthy process. There are several ways of going about it. Those who are applying for UK naturalization is the most common way to gain British citizenship.  It applies to those who were not born in the UK or have any ancestral background.  The first step is to make sure you meet the residency requirements.  Secondly, you must pass a ‘Life in the UK test‘.  Then you need to apply for citizenship.

People who are applying for  British citizenship or obtaining an indefinite leave to remain (ILR), with an ESOL 3 level should take the Life in the UK test. If your English is less than ESOL 3 then you can take combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead of taking the test.

Preparation

If you are not up to speed on the culture of the UK, then it is advisable to read “Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”, 2nd Edition. There are a lot of facts and figures which you will need to learn in order to pass the exam.  There are many who have lived in the UK all their lives would find this test extremely challenging.  It is estimated that 1 in 3 people fail the test, about 30%.  A re-test costs around £34, so failing can be very expensive. It is advised that you join a practice test site to make sure you are fully prepared.

The Test

The questions can be anything from UK society, culture, law, history, government, democracy, employment issues and Europe. The computer based test lasts for 45 minutes and consists of 24  multiple choice questions, which are based on chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of ‘Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship’ book. The pass rate is 75%.  The main language for the test is English.  However, audio is allowed.  If you fail, you will have the opportunity to apply for another test, but you will have to pay the fee.

Who is Exempt?

• If you are under 18 years old or over 65 years of age you will be exempt.

• Those suffering from physical or mental health conditions that would affect the ability to take the test. Visual or hearing impairments are not exempt, but make sure you mention any impairments or health conditions when booking the test.

Make sure you take identification such as a passport; full or provisional UK photocard driving license; immigration status document endorsed with a UK Residence Permit, bearing a photograph of the holder; any of these Home office documents: Certificate of Identity Document, Stateless Person Document, or Convention Travel Document.  Make a note of any reference numbers if you have taken test before.

Step-by-step guide to Life in the UK Test Preparation

• Visit the UK border agency webpage for details on the exam and additional requirements (lifeintheuk.gov.uk).  Make sure you meet the criteria for British citizenship

• Book your test as it can take about two weeks. Take the test before you apply for naturalisation.

• Read the official book – Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship (2007), 2nd Edition.

• Undertake unlimited online practice test questions in exam conditions at www.citizenshiptests.co.uk

• Review your test feedback and analysis as a guide for further revision and practice. 

• If you are getting at least 75% of answers (18 out of 24) correct most of the time, then you are ready for the official test, otherwise re-arrange your test date and undertake further study.

•  Apply for settlement or submit citizenship application

Before you can take the Life in the UK Test, you will need to do some things first.

First, you have to have a basic command of the English language. This is VERY important, as the test will be based on the English language, and you might have a hard time answering the questions if you can’t understand it. If you don’t have knowledge of the English language, or felt a need to improve your vocabulary, do hire an English teacher or alternatively, you can attend English classes on universities.

Next is to have basic computer knowledge, since the Life in the UK Test is a computer-based test. You just need to have knowledge of basic typing, and on how to use the mouse. Ask your local test center to provide assistance should you have no knowledge of the computer and they will gladly assist you.
Now that you have mastered a bit of the English language and some computer skills, the next thing to do is to book the exam.

Contact the Life in the UK Test offices to know the nearest test centers in your area. Once you find the nearest test center, prepare £34.00 and some documents to prove your identity. Book for an exam date that you think is the most convenient to you. It is recommended, however, that you book at least a week, or even a month, to provide you with some time to study and review.
A test center representative will then ask you for some contact details. This is to verify that you have booked for the test, and will be checked again once you take the test.

After you have registered for the test, the next thing to do is to study. Get the official handbook, “The Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship”. Be sure that it is the latest revision. Read and understand the books contents, as the Life in the UK Test will draw out questions from that handbook. Make it a habit to take down notes should you find some vital information.

This material is relevant for those that are applying to obtain Indefinite Leave or British Citizenship in the UK. This book is ideal for those that are on a budget. You can read this book and practise online with the many free online practise websites. The Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this book is the same as the chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the official Life in the UK A journey to citizenship. This book simply covers the Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 required to be studied for the Life in the UK test. For what the test is all about and for more in-depth information visit: www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk There is also a section that list what areas you must understand in order to pass the life in the UK test. This helps you to understand what is expected of you in order to practice the test.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

If you feel that the official handbook isn’t complete, or you need some verification on some areas, you can opt to buy additional study materials on the bookstores. If you have no money to spend, you can search some websites, namely the official Life in the UK Test website, that provide free information (about the test) on the Internet. Be advised, however, that these websites, save the official one, are not endorsed by the Home Office or by the Life in the UK Test committee.

On the day of the test, bring your notes, a pen and the documents you have brought when you booked for the exam. Be sure to arrive an hour before, so you can still read your notes and do some final reviews. Once the proctor calls your name, present them the documents and tell them your name, as they need to verify that you have indeed registered for the exam.

Good luck on your test!

The Secret to passing any exam is the study material you use. Especially for the Life in the UK test
there are so many resources out there, which makes selecting a single resource for this exam even more confusing.
The easiest way to pass this exam is as simple as 1 and 2:
1. Read the Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship (2007), all questions in the exam will be from this book!
2. Try all questions in Life in the UK test Questions.

Three in a row: British Nucleur Test Veterans

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BRITISH NUCLEUR TESTS
VETERANS ASSOCIATION
Dedicated To The Memory Of
Test Veterans Who Died
Since The British Tests At
MONTE BELLO, EMU FIELDS,
MARALINGA, MALDEN ISLAND
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
1952 – 1962
Not Forgotten
3rd October 1996

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