The test is notoriously difficult, with applicants required to commit to memory a wealth of facts, figures and statistics of varying degrees of relevance to day-to-day UK life. Statistics show that in 2009 just under a third of those taking the test failed, although these failed to show how many of these were first time or repeated tests. There was no official reason given for allowing applicants to sit the test as many times as needed. Perhaps it sends out a positive, welcoming message to would-be applicants. Or by making the questions difficult and drawing all the questions from government-produced material is it a case of money-spinning? Those applying for citizenship or settlement will already have spent many hundreds of pounds in application fees, what would a few more hurt?

There is little doubting that tighter immigration controls, such as the mandatory Life in the UK Test, were introduced to alleviate the burgeoning immigration levels that the UK has experienced in recent years. There seems little point then, in introducing the requirement of passing a difficult test, peppered with statistics to be committed to memory and regurgitated if the exam then becomes little more than a memory test, one which those who fail can take over and over again. Detractors could argue that this sends out a confused message to would-be immigrants, that the government is attempting to take a bold stance on immigration, without upsetting too many people – seeming to say, ‘We want to make it tougher for you to come here, but not that tough’. Indeed at times, the guide can seem more like a brochure promoting the benefits of British political correctness and multi-culturalism than the study material for a citizenship test. Perhaps the British authorities should look to Canada, which offers those who have failed the citizenship test the chance to undertake a brief interview with a specially appointed immigration judge. A more personal approach, with oral interaction and a chance to show off understanding and intelligence might prove a more appealing option than a banal computerised test, and might giver those applying a greater incentive to study and pass first time.

Note that this change does not affect Northern Ireland.

For more information about the change in the tobacco law, visit Smokefree.

* Where have migrants come from in the past and why? What sort of work have they done?

The changing role of women

* Do women have equal rights and has this always been the case?
* Are there as many women in education or work as men?
* Do women get the same pay as men? Do women with children work?

Children, family and young people

* Do many children live in single parent families or step-families?
* When do children take tests at school? How many go on to higher education?
* What are the minimum ages for buying alcohol and tobacco? What drugs are illegal?

Population

* How many people live in the countries of the UK?
* What is the census and how is census data collected and used?
* How many people belong to an ethnic minority and which are the largest minority groups? Where are there large ethnic communities?

Religion and tolerance

* How many people say they have a religion and how many attend religious services? What are the largest religious groups?
* What is the Church of England and who is its head? What are the main Christian groups?

The regions of Britain

* Where are Geordie, Cockney and Scouse dialects spoken?

Customs and traditions

* Do people tend to live in the cities or in the country?
* What and when are the national days of the four countries of the UK? What are bank holidays?
* What and when are the main Christian festivals? What other traditional days are celebrated?

The working system of government

* What are MPs? How often are elections held and who forms the government?
* What is the role of the Prime Minister? Who advises them and what are the main roles in the Cabinet?
* What type of constitution does the UK have? What is Her Majesty’s Opposition and what is the role of the Leader of the Opposition?
* How is political debate reported? Are newspapers free to publish opinions or do they have to remain impartial?

The formal institutions

* What is the Queen’s official role and what ceremonial duties does she have?
* How do elections for the House of Commons work? How are candidates selected? What do the Speaker and Whips do?
* What is the House of Lords and who are its members?
* How can you visit Parliament?
* How are judges appointed and how do they apply the law?
* How are the police organised and who controls their administration?
* What is the civil service and how do civil servants work with government?
* How are local services managed, governed and paid for?

Devolved administration

* What is proportional representation and where is it used?
* What are the powers of the devolved administrations? Which areas of policy remain under the control of the UK government?
* What are quangos and non-departmental public bodies?

Britain in Europe and the world

* What are the roles and powers of the main institutions of Europe? How is European law organised?
* What rights do citizens of European Union states have to travel and work?
* What is the Commonwealth? What is the United Nations and what is Britain’s role within it?

The ordinary citizen

* What rights and duties do UK citizens have?
* Who has the right to vote and at what age? How and when do you register to vote?
* Who can stand for public office? How do you contact an elected representative?

If you fail the test, you will have to wait at least 7 days before you can try it again. Your results notification letter will mention the areas that you shouls review. Once you are confident that you are ready, book a new test date.

If you think that you may have failed because of insufficient English, you may consider taking English classes and your local learndirect centre.

You will get your test results at the end of your test session. The test supervisor will inform you of the result. The passmark is around 75%.

If you pass the test, you will receive a “Pass Notification Letter”. This document will mention your test date, supervisor, centre location, and a unique reference number.This letter should be attached to your application for citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Keep your Pass Notification Letter in a safe place until mailing it to the Home Office with the rest of your documents. This letter cannot be replaced, meaning that you will have to pass the Life in the UK test again to obtain a new Pass Notification Letter.

Read the manual “Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”. Everything you need is there. If you wish to make sure that you memorized all the information correctly, you may want to consider private training. Several companies provide training for the Life in the UK test online, usually charging a fee. We prepared a comparison chart for several providers, which can help you choose.

If you are tested between APril 2, 2007 and July 1, 2007, you can still take the test based on the 1st Edition of the official manual. When you arrive at the centre, let the supervisor know which edition you studied. Starting July 1, 2007, you will only be able to take the test based on the new edition.

You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions, which means less than 2 minutes per question. You may be given more time if you have a disability or a certain medical condition. You should inform your test centre of your disabilities or medical conditions when you make the booking.

Life in the UK Test has 24 questions. All the questions are based on the book called “Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”, 2nd Edition, Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Note that you should get the NEWEST edition of the book. You may find very cheap books online, for example on eBay, but be careful and don’t buy the old edition.

Most questions will be about the United Kingdom in general, but some questions might be asked about the region where you live – England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The Life in the United Kingdom test was launched by Tony Blair’s government in November 2005. Since that time, thousands of people took this test and became British Citizens. To settle in a new country is a major change. The UK Government wants to make sure that candidates for settlement and eventually citizenship fully embrace British values, or – since this is quite hard to establish – that they at least are aware of what these values are. It is also the purpose of this test to make sure the newcomers know Britain’s basic history, culture, traditions and political structure.

If you are elegible, and intend to become British Citizen, OR if you are elegible, and intend to settle in the United Kingdom on a permanent basis (ILR), you will have to take the Life in the UK test.

If your level of English is not high enough (ESOL 3 Minimum), you will have to take English classes combined with citizenship classes instead of taking the test.

How to test the level of your English? Your nearest local further education college or learndirect centre can evaluate your knowledge. To find your nearest learndirect centre, click here.

You can always call the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Office at 0870-606-7766 for further information on whether or not you need to take the Life in the UK test.

Throughout UK, the test is offered in Engish, but in Wales and Scotland you can also take it in Welsh and Gaelic respectively. No other languages are supported.

The test should be passed by the candidate BEFORE applying for citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Make sure you satisfy all other requirements before applying.

Useful telephone numbers:

British Citizenship Helpline: 0845 010 5200
ILR Helpline: 0870 606 7766
Life in the UK Test Helpline: 0800 0154245