What to expect on the day of your Life in the UK test

Are you taking your Life in the UK test soon? Find out what to expect on the day of your test and what you need to bring to the test centre.

In this blog, we share what to expect on the day of your citizenship test.

Make sure you’re ready to take your test

The first step to test success is to know what you need to know.

The Life in the UK test assesses your knowledge of information in the official Life in the United Kingdom – A Guide for New Residents handbook. The best way of preparing for the test is to use the official learning materials and keep practising until you can answer all the questions.

To help you learn more about successful study and pick up some great tips, see our Top 5 Tips for Studying for the Life in the UK Test blog.

What to know before you arrive

There’s some important information to know before you arrive at the test centre. You’ll need to make sure you bring the same identification document you used when booking the test. This will be checked by the test centre staff, and you won’t be able to take your test without it.

The identification document will have been either an eVisa share code or another form of ID, such as your passport or biometric residence permit, (BRP). Your eVisa share code should begin with an ‘S’ and you must register for the share code for ‘any other reason’, not for right to rent or work!

When to arrive

It takes time to go through the appropriate checks with the test centre staff members, so allow an extra 30 minutes before the test starts.

At the test centre

Now you’ve booked your test, read the materials, practised the official revision questions, and it’s finally your test day! Let’s go through what to expect once you arrive at the test centre:

You will be asked to remove bulky items such as caps, scarves, hoodies and jackets.

Items such as religious head and face coverings may be subject to additional security checks, but you can always request a private room with a specific member of staff for these checks to be conducted.

One final thing to remember: only test candidates are allowed in the test centre. That means you can’t bring friends or relatives in with you.

What happens during the checks

Test centre staff will need to confirm your identity against the information you provided in your booking account – which is why bringing the same identification document you used to book is a key point to remember!

You will then need to consent to a security check, where you will be checked for electronic devices using a handheld detector. During this check, you’ll also be asked to show that you have no devices or written notes on you. This means, you’ll need to follow staff instructions – such as rolling up sleeves to show your arms – to prove that you don’t have anything you shouldn’t.

It’s important to know items such as religious head and face coverings may be subject to additional security checks, but you can always request a private room with a specific member of staff for checks to be conducted. If you would like to request a private room, please make sure to ask this early in the process so staff are able to accommodate these security checks in private.

You will also need to store personal belongings in the secure lockers before your test.

Time for the test

You will then be taken into a test room by a member of staff.

You’ll be brought to a computer that has your name on the screen along with instructions to follow. The test will consist of 24 questions, and you’ll have 45 minutes to answer them.

If you find yourself stuck on a question, don’t panic! You can always use the system to flag it and come back to it later.

Something else you should note is that the test centre has CCTV video and audio throughout. This is for security purposes, so don’t be alarmed if you see cameras or other devices on the day.

Get more information

For more information, please check the FAQ document found in your confirmation of booking email or visit the LitUK test booking website.

After your test

At the end of your test, you will be presented with an anonymous satisfaction survey to complete, so feel free to fill it out if you want! It’s completely optional, but it does help to share your insight so the service can keep being improved.

You will then receive an email confirming your result. This contains the Unique Reference Number, which is specific to each test you sit. You will need this reference number for any future applications with the UK Home Office, and you can also find this number in your account page following your test.

Remember, your pass does not expire, so once you’re successful, you do not need to take the test again.

Even if you’re unsuccessful, your test result will be sent to you via your email address. If this happens, it’s okay! You can take the test as many times as you need, but to check you really know the material we’d recommend reading the official handbook and taking practice mock tests on the app or e-learning course to really build your knowledge and understanding.

You can get the Official Guide for New Residents handbook in our shop and prepare for your test with the official e-learning course or app. Use the official learning materials for the best chance of passing your test first time!

We hope you found this helpful. If you want to learn more, watch our What to Expect on the Day of Your Test video here.