British citizenship · naturalisation
The handbook assessment is a required step on most naturalisation routes — unless you already passed it for settlement. Work out which applies to you, then practise free on the web.
Two separate requirements for most citizenship and ILR routes — we help with the handbook test.
24 multiple-choice questions on British values, history, and government — based on the official handbook.
Most citizenship and ILR routes also require proof of English at B1 speaking and listening level — this is separate from the Life in the UK test.
A lot of people applying for naturalisation have already passed this assessment years earlier and are preparing to take it a second time unnecessarily. Check which of these you are before you book anything.
You passed it when you applied for ILR
It is the same test for settlement and for naturalisation: the same handbook, the same 24 questions, the same 75%. A pass is not tied to a single application. Confirm against current GOV.UK guidance before you rely on it, but most people in this position do not retake it and do not pay again.
You have never taken it
You will need to pass before you submit your naturalisation application. Most people need several weeks of preparation — the history chapter alone spans two thousand years.
You are under 18, or 65 or over
Age is assessed at the date of application, so if you are close to 65 it is worth checking before paying for a test you may not need. There is also an exemption for long-term physical or mental conditions, which requires supporting evidence.
You passed it a long time ago
The handbook has been revised since — the third edition landed in March 2013 and made the test noticeably harder — but a pass you already hold is a pass. You are not expected to retake it because the syllabus moved on.
24 questions per round with instant feedback and a 75% pass tracker — no signup.
Timed 45-minute mock tests that match the official format.
Structured summaries across all 5 handbook chapters, with chapter-by-chapter practice.
Mistake review, streaks, and charts so you know when you are ready to book.
24
Questions
per official test
45 min
Time limit
at the test centre
75%
Pass mark
18 of 24 correct
£50
Retake cost
if you fail
Most applicants aged 18 to 64 need to pass before naturalisation. If you already passed it for indefinite leave to remain, you should not need to sit it again — it is the same test. Exemptions apply for age and for long-term medical conditions; check GOV.UK for your situation.
Normally no. Settlement and naturalisation use the same assessment, the same handbook and the same 75% pass mark, and a pass is not tied to one application. This catches a lot of people out, because they assume each application needs its own test. Confirm against current GOV.UK guidance, but most people do not retake it.
Yes — these are all names for the same thing. You will see it called the Life in the UK test, the British citizenship test, the naturalisation test (spelled naturalization in American English) and the British citizenship assessment. There is one test, taken at an approved centre, with 24 questions and a 75% pass mark.
A pass you already hold remains a pass. The handbook has been revised — the third edition took effect in March 2013 and made the test harder, which is why pass rates fell from 86% to around 69% — but you are not expected to retake it because the syllabus moved on.
No. They are separate requirements. The Life in the UK test covers British values, history, and government. B1 English proves speaking and listening ability. UK Companion helps you prepare for the Life in the UK test only.
You usually need a valid pass certificate when you submit your application. Many people prepare for several weeks, pass the test, then apply — give yourself time in case you need a retake.
You can retake after seven days. Each attempt costs around £50. Practising until you consistently score above 75% reduces the risk of paying twice.
Yes. Start a full 24-question round on our practice page — no account, no ads. Download the app when you want exam mode, study notes, and the full question bank.
Yes. Questions cover all 5 chapters of Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents — values, geography, history, society, and government.
Citizenship and ILR usually require both B1 English and the Life in the UK test. They are different exams with different rules — here is what each covers, who is exempt, and how to plan for both.
Planning naturalisation? Learn when to take the Life in the UK test, how it fits your citizenship application, and how to prepare without wasting a £50 attempt.
Try a free practice round now. Download the app for timed exams and study notes when you are ready to go deeper.
UK Companion