Shabana Bukhari 
In today’s blog we will be discussing how best to prepare for the British citizenship test in Reading with our expert guidance. We will help you pass the test with confidence.
Who must take the test?
Those that are applying for British citizenship (also known as naturalisation) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Those exempt from taking the test include people under the age of 18 or over 65. Including those with a long term mental or physical condition. The latter must be proved by a doctor’s letter.
Format
Applicants sit the multiple-choice style test electronically on computers. The time limit is 45 minutes in which you have to answer 24 questions. But note you only need 75% to pass which is 18 correct answers.
Booking
It costs £50 to book the test through the official website: https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. Select one of the five closest test centres to you. When applying you will need ID either in the form of a passport, EU identity card or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit).
Henleaze’s 5 essential preparation tips!
- Plan:
Firstly, figure out how much time you can dedicate to revising. This will help give structure to your work and make sure you are being productive. However, ensure you allow for breaks.
- Familiarise:
Secondly, using the official Handbook for the ‘Life in the UK Test’ read the chapters on the content you need to learn. There is a free edition which you can access before buying the full version: https://lifeintheuk.net/study-guides/life-in-the-uk-test-free-edition/.
Also, be careful that some questions require the applicant to choose more than one correct answer.
Look at the glossary in the handbook if you struggle with vocabulary used in the questions.
- Revision material:
Thirdly, produce flashcards or mind maps to divide up topics or focus on ones which you find more challenging.
Keep the revision constant and often.
- Practice:
Fourthly, it is key that you complete mock tests to get used to the language of the questions as well as the pace with which you must answer them.
Either alongside the official Handbook you can purchase the Practice Questions book, or the Smartphone app called ‘Official Life in the UK Test App’ by TSO.
YouTube videos can also be a great source of practice. Channels such as ‘UK Life Prep’ (https://www.youtube.com/@uklifeprep) go through typical questions based on necessary knowledge at a great pace.
These mock tests will allow you to further narrow your revision and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
- The night before:
Fifthly, pack your ID AND proof of address dated within 3 months of the day you sit the test which are both needed at the test centre. Additionally ensure that you have a good night’s sleep as this will help clear your mind for the test tomorrow.
Day of the test
It is key that you are on time to your booking because otherwise you will not be allowed to take the test if you arrive less than 5 minutes before the start time.
Bring the same ID which you booked the test AND proof of address with you to the test centre. This is the most common mistake that clients make as they bring photocopies instead of physical copies. Or they find out that they have entered the wrong details when booking the test.
Keep calm and remember the Henleaze’s 5 essential preparation tips above.
Read the whole question and do not stress you have plenty of time. Many clients tell us that it only takes around 10-20 minutes to complete.
You will be great!
After the test
Once you finish the test you must wait to collect your test results before leaving the test centre which should not exceed 30 minutes. You must wait otherwise if you leave earlier your test will be invalidated.
If you pass send the original Pass Notification to the Home Office along with your settlement or British citizenship application. Copies are not accepted!
FAQs
What can I take as my proof of address? – either original copies of a council/water/gas/electricity bill, UK driving license, or a letter from the Home Office. These must include both your name and address.
Or a copy of a bank or credit card statement that has been signed and stamped by the branch.
What happens if I fail the test? – although the test is non-refundable you may retake it as many times as you wish if you pay another fee of £50. But you must wait 7 days between each attempt.
How long is it valid for? – the test is valid for life.
What happens if I lose my Pass Notification? – you must call the Home Office to get a new letter.
How long do I get to study? – this is completely up to the applicant but bear in mind when you wish to apply for British citizenship or ILR as this may dictate when you need to have passed it by.
I have friends that have given me their old Handbook, but should I still buy the updated one? – Yes! Content changes with each new edition created and so it is vital that you purchase the most up to date Handbook.
I know someone that has previously taken the test. Can I rely on what they said was in it? – no! It is very important that you do not rely on this information as the multiple-choice questions you will receive will be from a randomised database. Therefore, the likelihood of you sharing the same questions is highly unlikely.
Still have more questions? Contact the official helpline on 0800 015 4245 (open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm).
Summary
In this blog we have discussed how best to prepare for the British citizenship test in Reading with our expert guidance.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance and support taking the initial steps towards gaining British citizenship or making an application for ILR.
