Life in the UK Test and B1: Do You Need Both in 2025?

Unsure whether you need both the Life in the UK Test and a B1 English test this year? Here is the short answer: most adult applicants for ILR or British citizenship must pass both, unless exempt.

This guide explains the 2025 rules in plain English, when each requirement applies, and how to plan your bookings so you avoid delays. You will also get a practical 2–6 week preparation plan and smart ways to organise your documents. If you are focused on the Life in the UK Test, you will find targeted tips and tools to help you pass first time.

What 2025 rules say about the Life in the UK test and B1

The Home Office combines two parts for “Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK” (KoLL):

• Life in the UK Test (a multiple‑choice test on UK history, culture and values)

• English language at B1 level in speaking and listening (or valid exemption)

For both indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship, you normally need to meet both parts. The official guidance confirms that the English requirement must be met with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1 or above, unless you qualify through another accepted route (for example, certain degrees or nationalities for the language requirement) (Home Office KoLL guidance). For citizenship, the guidance also makes clear that Life in the UK is a separate requirement to the language requirement and you must meet both (Form AN guidance).

Featured snippet quick answer: Do you need both? Yes, if you are aged 18–64 and not medically exempt, you will generally need to pass the Life in the UK Test and show B1 English to qualify for ILR or citizenship.

How the two requirements work together

Think of them as two independent boxes to tick:

• Life in the UK Test proves knowledge of life in the UK. It is required for both ILR and citizenship unless you are under 18, 65+, or have long‑term medical reasons.

• B1 English proves communication ability. For immigration use, it covers only speaking and listening, typically in an 8–12 minute in‑person exam at an approved SELT centre (B1 test overview).

Passing one does not replace the other. They are assessed separately and uploaded as separate pieces of evidence when you apply.

ILR versus citizenship: similarities and differences

At a high level, both routes ask for Life in the UK and language proof, but the timelines and residence rules differ.

Considering the long-term plan? There have been proposals to lengthen some settlement routes to 10 years. If you qualify now, it may be wise to progress promptly (Citizens Advice). For a broader overview, see our guide How to Get British Citizenship: The Complete Guide.

Do you personally need B1 and the Life in the UK Test?

Use this quick path to decide:

1. Are you 18–64? If yes, continue. If under 18 or 65+, you are normally exempt from Life in the UK and the B1 test.

2. Do you have a long‑term physical or mental condition? If yes, you may be exempt from the Life in the UK Test and the language requirement with appropriate medical evidence (check official guidance).

3. Are you applying for ILR or citizenship? If yes, you will generally need both requirements unless you can meet the language requirement through an accepted alternative (for example, certain nationalities or degrees taught in English for citizenship) and you are not exempt from Life in the UK.

If you are applying for ILR (settlement)

Most ILR applicants on a route to settlement will need:

• Life in the UK Test pass notification

• B1 English (speaking and listening) from an approved SELT provider, unless you qualify through another accepted route for the language requirement

Common exceptions to the Life in the UK requirement: under 18, 65+, or long‑term medical reasons supported by evidence. For a deeper ILR‑specific look, read Life in the UK Test for ILR: Do You Really Need It in 2025?

If you are applying for British citizenship

Citizenship applicants must usually show they:

• have passed the Life in the UK Test

• meet the English language requirement (B1 speaking and listening or accepted equivalent)

If you already used a B1 qualification to get ILR, you do not need to take another English test for citizenship (Form AN guidance). You can also review residence rules and timelines on GOV.UK. For spouse routes, you can often apply immediately after ILR (GOV.UK).

Exemptions: age, medical, nationality, and degrees

• Age: Under 18 or 65+ are typically exempt from the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement.

• Medical: Long‑term conditions can exempt you from one or both requirements if evidenced per Home Office guidance.

• Nationality (English language only): Citizens of designated majority English‑speaking countries can be exempt from the language test for some routes. This does not remove the Life in the UK requirement unless age/medical exemptions apply.

• Degrees taught in English (English language only): For citizenship, a recognised degree taught in English can meet the language requirement in many cases. Always cross‑check current guidance.

Key point: Life in the UK is rarely waived except for age or medical reasons. The language requirement has more alternative routes, but the test must be SELT‑compliant if you take one (Home Office KoLL guidance).

Accepted English qualifications that meet B1 in 2025

For immigration purposes, the B1 standard refers to the CEFR level for speaking and listening. Reading and writing are not examined in the immigration B1 tests, and the test is taken in person at an approved centre (overview of B1).

Approved SELT providers and tests

• IELTS Life Skills B1 at a UKVI‑approved centre

• Trinity College London GESE Grade 5 (B1 speaking and listening) at a SELT centre

• Other Home Office SELT options may include LanguageCert or Pearson products where listed

Whichever you choose, ensure your booking is UKVI/SELT‑approved and appears on the current Home Office SELT list (official guidance).

Using a previous UKVI English result

• Within 2 years: Tests are normally valid for 2 years for naturalisation purposes (Form AN guidance).

• Expired but reused: If an older test was previously accepted in a Home Office application and the provider remains on the current SELT list, it can still be accepted (Home Office policy).

• Already used for ILR: If you got ILR with a B1 qualification, you meet the English requirement for citizenship and do not need to test again (Form AN guidance).

Which to book first and ideal timing

If your priority is speed and avoiding bottlenecks, book the Life in the UK Test first. You usually get your pass notification on the day, so you can continue immediately. Then schedule your English test around your earliest application window. For detailed steps, see our guide on how to book the Life in the UK Test.

A 2–6 week preparation timeline

1. Week 1: Confirm you need both tests; book Life in the UK for 2–3 weeks out; gather ID.

2. Weeks 1–2: Study the official handbook content daily; take short quizzes; schedule your B1 test for Week 3–4.

3. Week 2: Do two to three full Life in the UK mocks; target 90% scores before test day.

4. Week 3: Sit the Life in the UK Test; file your pass letter safely; focus on B1 speaking/listening practice.

5. Week 4–6 (if needed): Take the B1 test; receive results (often within a week) and prepare your application pack.

Avoiding scheduling conflicts and result delays

• Name exactly as on your passport for both bookings. Even a hyphen or middle name mismatch can cause issues.

• Use the same ID document for both tests when possible.

• Leave buffer days before any application deadline in case of reschedules.

• Know result timings: Life in the UK results are given on the day; B1 results are typically issued within about a week depending on provider.

• Keep confirmations and receipts in one folder with clear file names.

Documents and evidence you will submit

Prepare and store digital copies of your test outcomes and keep originals safe. A simple checklist helps reduce last‑minute stress.

Life in the UK Test pass letter

On passing, you receive a pass notification at the test centre. It shows your name, test date, centre details, and a unique reference. Store it securely; the Home Office may request the original. Take a high‑quality scan as backup.

English test certificate and reference numbers

For IELTS Life Skills, look for the Test Report Form (TRF) number. For Trinity GESE, note your candidate ID and session details. Ensure the document clearly states B1 speaking and listening and that the provider is SELT‑approved. Enter these references exactly as shown on your application form.

Common mistakes that cause refusals or delays

• Uploading the wrong Life in the UK document: You must upload the pass notification, not just a booking email.

• Mixing test identities: Different spellings of your name, missing middle names, or different ID numbers between the two tests.

• Using a non‑SELT English test: If your English test is not on the Home Office SELT list, it can be refused (official guidance).

• Letting English test validity lapse: For citizenship, most English results expire after 2 years unless previously accepted for ILR and eligible for reuse (Form AN guidance).

• No evidence for exemptions: If you claim a medical exemption or alternative language route, include the exact documents required.

Name or ID mismatches between tests

Before booking, check your passport and BRP. Use the same full name format for both bookings. If something changes (e.g., updated passport), update your bookings and bring both IDs to avoid cancellations. See our tips in 7 Common Life in the UK Test Mistakes to Avoid.

Wrong English test type or provider

For the english test for British citizenship or ILR, use an approved SELT at B1. Do not take academic IELTS or general ESL qualifications unless they are part of the official SELT options. Cross‑check the current Home Office list before you book.

Prepare smarter for the Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK syllabus is dense and easy to underestimate. The Life in the UK Test App helps you master the handbook and track readiness so you do not waste time or money on retakes.

How the app reduces study time and stress

• Complete handbook content optimized for mobile, so you can learn in short sessions.

• Brit‑Bear learning assistant to explain tricky topics and build a study plan.

• Readiness score that keeps you honest about when you are test‑ready.

• 650+ practice questions with explanations and hard‑mode mocks that feel like the real exam.

• Offline access so you can study anywhere, anytime.

Tip: Aim for consistent 90%+ in mock tests before test day. That buffer absorbs nerves and unfamiliar question phrasing.

Download links

Download on App Store | Get it on Google Play

Quick FAQs: Life in the UK Test and B1

Do I need both the Life in the UK Test and B1?
If you are 18–64 and not medically exempt, yes, for both ILR and citizenship.

Can I reuse my B1 result?
If it got you ILR, you usually do not need to retake it for citizenship. Otherwise, check the 2‑year validity and reuse rules.

Is B1 speaking and listening only?
Yes. The immigration B1 test does not assess reading or writing.

Which should I book first?
Life in the UK first for same‑day results, then the English test.

What are the main exemptions?
Age (under 18 or 65+), long‑term medical conditions, and alternative routes for the language requirement. Life in the UK is rarely waived except age/medical.

Next steps checklist

• Confirm whether you need both requirements for your route (ILR or citizenship).

• Book the Life in the UK Test first; target a date 2–3 weeks ahead.

• Start daily study and mock tests; aim for 90%+ before test day.

• Book a SELT B1 English test at an approved centre and prepare for speaking/listening.

• Scan and file your pass letter and English certificate with reference numbers.

• Review costs and timing for your route: see our ILR vs UK citizenship cost guide.

• Ready to study efficiently? Install the Life in the UK Test App and start your plan today.

Important: Immigration rules can change. Always cross‑check requirements on GOV.UK before booking.