Make sure you select an answer for each question, even if you’re not sure it’s correct. There is a chance you will get the answer correct, even with a guess. If there are only 2 possible answers to the question, you have a 50% chance of answering correctly. Your study time should be divided into short, frequent sessions with breaks in between each session. You will find you will learn material faster and ultimately do better on your test if your learning is done in small chunks spread out of a longer period of time, rather than in a few lengthy sessions just before your test. If it’s been a while since you last studied for something, aim for 10-15 minutes for each session and gradually increase the time as you establish a routine. If you find your concentration waning, stop studying and take a break. This will allow you to recharge after processing a lot of information. It may be a good idea to plan out your breaks with alarms. Once you feel more refreshed, return to your studying. First and foremost, ensure you arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your test is due to start. If you arrive with less than 5 minutes remaining, you may be prohibited from taking the test. Give yourself some breathing space in case something goes wrong.

The name you give on your test booking must be an exact match with the name on the ID you use to book the test. You should also find a suitable studying environment. Find a comfortable, quiet place, preferably without distractions such as a television or computer. If you can’t find a suitable place to study in at home or work, try a local library or community centre. If the weather is good and you enjoy the outdoors, you could take your books to the park or another open space. Remember to take the required documents that you need to present to the test supervisor at the test centre. Ensure your personal details are entered correctly into the system; it is your responsibility to make sure these details are correct.The Life in the UK Test is available in different formats or styles to allow people with disabilities or special needs to take the test. When you’re booking the test online, you’ll be asked whether you have any special requirements. According to data based on tests taken between 2009 and 2014, the pass rate is 70%. Individuals from EU member countries have a greater pass rate (86%) than those from outside the EU (68%). Link a date or number to information from the country where you were born. So to remember that British women over the age of 21 got the right to vote in 1928, link it to the date when women could vote in that country or an event you know about that happened during that year. The test is entirely computer-based and will be conducted on a computer provided by the test centre. Plan your time wisely and refer to the timer on the screen when you need to. Keep in mind that the vast majority of people complete the test using no more than half the allotted time (about 22 minutes). The test lasts 45 minutes, so you don’t need to rush.

If you find yourself getting nervous, stop for a few moments, refocus and carry on. Know that if you prepared sufficiently, you’ll pass the test. If you don’t pass, it’s not the end of the world. If a question has 4 options and you don’t know the answer, try to eliminate the options which are obviously wrong. This will narrow down the alternatives and increase your chances of getting the answer right. You can make special requests when you book your test, for example if you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the centre. Get help If you know someone else studying for the Life in the UK Test, you could ask them to be your study partner so you could help each other learn. Having a study buddy is a great idea, providing that you’re both sensible and focused. On the other hand, you may find having a study partner is distracting and counter-productive; do what works best for you.

If you don’t know when your most productive time of the day is, try studying at different times during the day to find which time best suits you. There is no one “best” time to study; each person will have their own preference. Some people find they study better in the morning whilst others prefer studying during evening hours. Regardless of what time you prefer studying, ensure you get a sufficient amount of sleep. Your concentration will suffer if you’re tired.

Plan your journey to the test centre so that you arrive with plenty of time to spare before the test begins. Aim to arrive at least half an hour early. The best mnemonics are ones that make you laugh or that you make up when you are learning. This helps make strong connections in your brain. There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book. Prepare for the test Some people find that using different coloured pens or pencils to highlight important information – names, dates, numbers, etc. – helps them to remember facts more easily. This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test. You need to take the test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.

A supplement to the Guide for New Residents

It must be taken in the English language. However, if you are in Scotland or Wales you can request to sit the test in Scottish Gaelic or Welsh when booking. When you arrive at your test centre, you will be sat in a room with other people taking the test. The test supervisor will then proceed to register your details. If you do, you will be asked to fill in a special arrangement booking form in which you need to specify your special request and provide any additional information regarding your requirements. If you do choose to study with someone else, you can have discussions on different topics and bounce ideas off one another. As you read each section of the book, you can write down your own questions to ask your study partner and vice versa. You If I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, will there be test questions specific to those places?