What If You Fail the UK Citizenship Test?

If you fail the UK citizenship test, you have to re-sit for it. But, you’ll have to wait at least seven days before booking another test. While there are no limits on how many times you can retake, bear in mind that every time you sit for it, you’ll have to pay. Note that one can still stay in the United Kingdom until their Leave to Remain expires even if they fail this test.

Now that we know what happens if one fails the test, let’s get to understand what this UK citizenship test is all about. If you’re planning to settle in this nation, you must take the Life in the UK test. This exam tests your knowledge about this country’s history, government, traditions, values, society, culture, monarchy, etc.

Who Can Take This Test?

Everyone aged between 18-65 years and is applying for settlement (indefinite leave) or British citizenship, that is, if they haven’t taken the test during their settlement process, should do this exam. But, there are some exceptions. Those under 18 years, over 65 years, have passed it before or have a long term mental/physical condition as supported by a doctor’s note, shouldn’t sit for this citizenship test.

When Can I Take the Test?

The pass certificate has no expiry date. Therefore, individuals can do this exam anytime. However, we advise not to do it last minute when your Leave to Remain is almost expiring. Note that you need to study for it. Plus, there are also other preparations that you should do. To avoid unnecessary stress, please take it early enough.

How to Book Your Test for Life in the UK

This test is booked using the government official website https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. Simply go to this site and create an account. One is then given options for choosing a test centre and you can book with 1-5 centres that are close to your home address. Please choose a centre that’s closet to you so that you don’t inconvenience yourself. After one should indicate date and time then they’ll be asked to pay for the exam.

When creating an account and booking this test, ensure that you write your names exactly as they appear on your ID. They’ll compare your ID against your booking details when you turn up at the test centre. If these details don’t match, you’ll not be allowed to sit for this test and you’ll lose your money.

How Many Questions Are There?

The UK citizenship test questions are 24 in number and all have multiple choices to choose from. Questions are different for each test. But, they are all from the Life in the United Kingdom book. Examinees are given 45 minutes, in general, to do this test, although most usually finish within 10-20 minutes. To pass this citizenship, you must answer at least 18 questions right since the pass rate is 75%. But if you fail, you’ll need to retake it again. Results are not immediate. But, you’ll be told in the waiting room on which day you will receive them. A receptionist will call you with your results. If you pass, you’ll get a pass certificate as issued by the test centre.

What Happens If I Decide to Take the Test Again?

You’ll follow similar steps as someone who’s applying it for the first time. One will register, pay and redo it. Each time you retake these exams, you’ll pay £50. And you can take it not earlier than seven days from when you book your test. Also, note that one can change the date and time of their test up to seven days prior without having to pay again. We advise that you ensure that you have nothing else scheduled on your test day.

Preparing for the UK Citizenship Test

Like any other test, reading is essential for success. Now since all questions asked in these exams are from the Life in the United Kingdom Handbook, you should make sure that you purchase a copy and read it. This way, one will have an idea of which questions will be asked. This book enlightens you about which questions are asked as well as their structure.

What to Carry with You to the Test Centre

Examinees should carry with them two identification forms, that is, the ID they booked with and a document showing their address. Note that the photo ID that you registered with is your main identification. So it can be a passport from your country of origin, a United Kingdom photocard driving license, or a biometric permit of residence.

Proof of your address must be originals and not older than 3 months before your testing date. It should include a council tax bill, water/gas/electricity bill, bank statements, driving license, and a letter from the Home office stating your name as well as address.

Final Thoughts

Citizenship tests aren’t something that should worry you. They usually test your knowledge of a country’s history, government, people, and culture. All this information you can get by reading or exploring.