B1 English & the Life in the UK Test: two requirements

Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team

To settle in the UK or become a citizen, you usually have to meet two separate requirements: pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement at B1 level. This guide explains B1 and how the two fit together. It is part of the KoLL requirement, and is general information, not immigration advice.

Two separate requirements

People often think the Life in the UK Test and the English requirement are the same thing. They are not. Here is how they compare:

For how the knowledge test works, see our format and pass mark guide.

What B1 English is

B1 is a level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is an intermediate level, and for this requirement it covers speaking and listening. In everyday terms, it means you can hold a conversation and understand spoken English on familiar topics.

How to meet the English requirement

You can usually meet the B1 English requirement in one of these ways:

• pass an approved English language test (a Secure English Language Test, or SELT, offered by approved providers such as Trinity College London and IELTS SELT Consortium) at B1 or above in speaking and listening,
• be a national of a majority-English-speaking country, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA,
• hold a degree that was taught or researched in English (an overseas degree may need confirmation that it meets the standard).

The approved tests, providers and countries can change, so check the current lists on GOV.UK.

If you already proved B1 for your settlement (ILR) application, you can usually rely on the same qualification for citizenship, as long as it remains on the approved list. Like the test, an accepted B1 qualification does not need to be redone, but confirm your case on GOV.UK.

Who is exempt

You may be exempt from the English requirement if you are under 18, aged 65 or over, or have a long-term physical or mental condition. These are the same age and condition exemptions that can apply to the test, which we cover in our who needs to take the test guide. Always check your own case on GOV.UK.

This page explains the B1 English requirement and the Life in the UK Test and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.