Knowledge of language and life (KOL) in the UK

There have been tests of language and of UK life for British citizenship applicants since November 2005. The British government now include those people who intend staying permanently in the UK in these arrangements.

There are three ways to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life in the UK:

• If your English skills are at or above ESOL Entry 3 level, you will need to pass the 'Life in the UK test'.
• If your English skills are below ESOL Entry 3 level, you will need to take and pass a course in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) which contains citizenship materials.
• If you are the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of a staff member of HM Diplomatic Service, the British Council or the Department for International Development, other arrangements may apply to you. Please visit the UK Border Agency website for further information.

If you do not know the level of your English skills, you should work through the free Life in the UK Test Practice Tests Download. If you cannot fully understand the information in the download, you may need to take an ESOL course containing citizenship materials.

About the test

The Life in the UK Test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, based on the second edition study chapters in the handbook Life in the UK Test: Study Material Handbook. The candidate will have 45 minutes to complete the test.

Preparing and studying for the Life in the UK Test can be quite daunting and challenging. If you are looking for an easy way to study for the 'Britishness test' commonly known as the Life in the UK Test, you will find an excellent choice of study guide options here to help.