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Values & Principles

Becoming a Citizen

Know the checkpoints for becoming a citizen or permanent resident: English, Life in the UK knowledge, official booking, test format, and ceremony wording.

In this topic

What to be able to answer

  • Know the two application requirements the test asks about: English and knowledge of life in the UK.
  • Recall the test format: 24 questions, 45 minutes, £50 booking fee, 30+ centres.
  • Recognise the available test languages: English, Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic.
  • Remember that new citizens swear or affirm loyalty to the King at the ceremony.

Learn

The test and what you need to qualify

Topic 3 of 4

The route to remember

Requirements, official booking, test format and ceremony wording.

Step 1

Qualify

You need English ability and a good understanding of life in the UK.

B1speaking and listening evidenceLife in UKknowledge test

Step 2

Book

Use the official GOV.UK service and choose a registered test centre.

£50booking cost30+UK test centres

Step 3

Take the test

Answer questions from across the handbook; each session uses a different set.

24questions45 mintime limit

Step 4

Ceremony

New citizens swear or affirm loyalty to the King as part of the ceremony.

swear / affirmloyalty wording

Test languages

Usually English; Welsh or Scottish Gaelic can be arranged.

EnglishWelshScottish Gaelicnot French

Do not mix up

French is not an available Life in the UK test language.
Book through GOV.UK only; registered test centres are the accepted route.
The English evidence is B1 speaking and listening, while the Life in the UK test proves knowledge.

Practise

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Preparing three random questions from this topic.