If you want to settle in the UK, you’ll need to take the Life in the UK test. The Life in the UK test is a 24-question machine-generated multiple-choice test meant to assess an individual’s understanding of life in the United Kingdom.
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Who is eligible for the test?
As part of their naturalization or indeterminate permission to stay (ILR) application, everyone between the ages of 18 and 64 must meet that standard and pass this test. If you’re wanting to become a British citizen and have already completed the life in the UK test as part of your settlement (ILR) application, you don’t need to do it again.
You only need to pass this test once in your life. The Life in the UK certificate does not have an invalidation date. The purpose of the testing is to assess that the applicants are familiar with the United Kingdom’s history, customs, and society as a whole.
How do you book the test?
To schedule the exam, you must go to the official website. From a list of available test centers, you must choose your chosen test location. There is no distinction in exam difficulty across the test centers, so choose the one that is nearest to you.
When you’re making a profile and scheduling your test, double-check that the information on your ID matches what you’re entering as your online handle. When you arrive at the assessment center, they will compare the information on your ID with the information on your reservation. If you don’t have this properly recorded or give the ID you booked with, you may be unable to take the exam and your cash may be forfeited.
To reschedule the exam, simply sign in back into your profile on the official site and select a new date. This may only be done three days before the test date; if you do not do so, you will forfeit your test cost.
How do you prepare for the Life in the UK test?
Many test-takers who have already passed the exam say that taking as many practice exams as possible is beneficial. The finest source of the sorts of questions you’ll face, according to most pass-outs, is the Home Office’s own document, ‘Life in the United Kingdom Official Practice Questions & Answers.’
We strongly recommend you to practice the Life in the UK mock test for free. The practice pattern will help you a lot for the real exam.
In addition to the handbook and the mock test, YouTube is also a great source of tips for the test. However, make sure that the video producer is a trustable source. Furthermore, Facebook groups are also a good source of first-hand experience information.
The most important thing is that you set aside some time to examine and go over some mock tests. This will give you an understanding of what’s coming your way and will aid with your recall of facts that may be asked on the test.
The practice exams have approximately 1,500 questions, while the exam will only contain 24 questions. Something to think about.
Aftermath
To pass the test, you must achieve a score of 75%, which means you must correctly answer 18 of the 24 questions. If you fail the test, you can give the test again after seven days. But the best part is there is no limit on the number of possible attempts. You will, however, be required to pay the booking charge each time.
The result will be available on the same day; you will be instructed to stay in the waiting area following your exam, and the receptionist will contact you to inform you if you passed or failed. Only one copy of your pass certificate will be issued by the testing center, so keep it securely! If you misplace that copy, you must contact the Home Office to obtain a replacement.
After passing the test, you’ll be given a unique reference number, which you’ll need to finish your residency or citizenship registration. It will be used by the Home Office to determine whether you succeeded or failed the Life in the UK test. If you misplace the letter with the unique reference number, you must notify the Home Office by writing a letter describing your situation.
What the test center will be like
As soon as you arrive at the test center, the security guard of the venue will greet you and ask you if you need to use the bathroom. This is to avoid any kind of cheating. As soon as you sign in at the front desk you are prohibited from using the bathroom.
The test center will also hand you a sheet of paper explaining all the procedures. The sheet will likely state that the total time could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, ignore this statement as that rarely happens.
Regardless of what resource you use to prepare for the test, the most important thing is to prepare well and be well-versed.
