The Life in the UK Exam

People call it the Life in the UK exam; its official name is the Life in the UK Test. They are the same thing — the knowledge test most people must pass for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or British citizenship. This page explains the exam itself; the free practice starts one click away.

The exam at a glance

• 24 multiple-choice questions, taken on a computer at an official test centre.
• 45 minutes to answer them.
• Pass mark: 75% — you need at least 18 out of 24.
• Fee: £50 per attempt, paid when you book. The exam is booked only on GOV.UK, at least 3 days (72 hours) ahead.
• Result the same day, at the centre. Passing gives you a unique reference number for your application — a pass never expires.
• If you fail: wait at least 7 days, then book and pay again. There is no limit on attempts.

Try a free mock exam now — Exam 1

What the exam covers

Every question comes from the official handbook, across five chapters: the values and principles of the UK; what the UK is (its countries, symbols and geography); a long and illustrious history; a modern, thriving society; and the UK government, the law and your role. History carries the most dates, names and numbers — and catches the most people out. Learn chapter by chapter with the interactive topics, or drill the chapter practice sets.

How booking the exam works

You choose any of the 38 test centres on the official published list when you book on GOV.UK — the name on the booking must exactly match the ID you take on the day (an eVisa share code, passport, EU/EEA/Swiss ID card, photo travel document, or BRP/BRC). The full walkthrough, refund rules and the third-party booking-site trap are in how to book the Life in the UK test.

How to pass it

Most people pass with two to four weeks of steady practice: learn the material, then sit timed papers until you score 22 or more out of 24, twice running, on papers you have not seen before. The Exam Series gives you 24 fixed papers in the real format; the study plan guide lays out the routine; and the free app tracks your readiness as you go.

Questions people ask about the exam

• How much is the Life in the UK exam fee? £50, every attempt — booked on GOV.UK. Sites charging more are adding their own fee; the test itself is never sold for less.
• What is the pass mark? 18 out of 24 (75%).
• What happens if I fail the exam? You are told which subject areas to study, you wait at least 7 days, and each retake costs another £50 — see what happens next if you fail.
• Do I have to take it? Most settlement and citizenship applicants do; under-18s, over-65s and some medical cases are exempt — check who must take the test and who is exempt.
• Where do I take the exam? At an official test centre — find yours on the test centre map.
• Is this the official exam site? No — CitizenReady is independent practice. The real exam is booked only on GOV.UK.